Adaptations - Denise Faithfull

Turning a 250-page novel or a two-and-a-half-hour stage play into a 90-minute film means leaving out much of the original and changing most of whats left. So why does it remain recognisably the same story? What is the slippery essence that transfers, unaltered, from page to screen? In "Adaptations", Denise Faithfull comprehensively and systematically addresses the thorny issues of choosing your source and type of adaptation, whether a liberal appropriation, a free-flowing intersection, a variation or a faithful translation. She illuminates questions of structure, character, dialogue and visualisation, and includes a checklist for the adaptor. Brian Hannant's introductory chapter discusses the history of Australian film, the basic principles of filmmaking and screenwriting, and a guide to correct screenplay layout. Drawing from dozens of Australian films including Cos, Lantana, Hotel Sorrento, The Boys, Dead Heart, Death in Brunswick and Head On, "Adaptations" navigates the treacherous waters of the adaptation process, showing us what works and what doesnt. For anyone who's ever read a novel, seen a play or heard an incredible true story and thought, 'Now, that would make a great film', "Adaptations" is the ultimate on how to make it happen.