An Inspector Calls Analysis Essay Example

This difference in appearance creates less sympathy towards him, leading more people to blame and question Gerald. Conversely, the younger-looking inspector in the film could make audiences believe he would not commit such a crime. In the stage production, the house's front opens suddenly, revealing the Birling's home to everyone. This puts the Birlings under the spotlight, implying that the inspector is trying to uncover the truth about every member of the family. The inspector appears to have special powers in opening up the house. Across all three productions, his abnormal nature is apparent - he seems ghostly and eerie in the film and book, and enigmatic in the stage production, regularly anticipating events before they happen.

The initial dialogue is confrontational in each scenario. The inspector provokes Mr Birling, causing him to become irate in all three accounts. However, the inspector's demeanor differs among the film, book and stage production. While the inspector appears collected and composed in the film and book, they display a more reactive nature in the stage production. This subtle deviation may suggest a greater personal investment in the case by the inspector, potentially indicating a familial relationship to Eva Smith.

Comparing the Inspector's introduction in the film to that in the stage production, I find the former more professional, resembling a police officer. In the stage version, the unveiling of the Billing's household suggests that the hidden secrets are about to be exposed. The focus now shifts to Sheila's confession, which is portrayed differently across various mediums. In the book and film, she confesses privately to her family, feeling guilty as she anticipates revealing her wrongdoing. However, in the stage play,

she is pushed into the spotlight seemingly unwillingly and forced to confess.

When speaking, she attempts to safeguard her own reputation by portraying herself as the victim and deeming Eva's laughter unacceptable. During her conversation, it is difficult to distinguish whether Sheila is laughing or crying. In comparing the book and film adaptations, one may find that Sheila is more deserving of respect and forgiveness, having learned a lesson. However, in the stage production, she comes off as self-absorbed and unconcerned about others, with the music implying that she is throwing a tantrum. As a result, the initial impression of Sheila and Gerald may lead one to perceive them as more culpable.

Across all three productions, the Inspector disapprovingly looks at Sheila, representing the audience's feelings and adding to the Birling family's guilt. In the film version, Sheila's sympathetic portrayal sees her being laughed at. Mrs Birling never elicits pity, with her uneasy demeanor and attempts to avoid answering questions. Her overacting emphasizes her snobbishness, which is compounded by her disdain for the Inspector. Despite this, she advocates for a public confession, demonstrating her confidence in her family's supposed innocence.

In the book and movie, the main character wants to keep the family's secret within the family in case it becomes public knowledge. However, in the stage production, normal, average, and poor people storm onto the stage as though they are going after the Birlings. Mr. Birling takes Sheila and Mrs. Birling off the stage while leaving Eric alone with no escape route. Eric must confess, and viewers may sympathize with him more in the stage production because he is trapped. The film explores his past and

affair with Sheila, potentially portraying him as someone who used Eva and made her pregnant, whereas the stage production does not provide as much detail, causing him to appear less like a villain.

The scene moves from the Birling's house onto the street, indicating it is for all to witness. Mr Birling becomes enraged and chokes, realizing he has destroyed his reputation and chance at a knighthood. In the book and text, Mr Birling remains angry at Gerald for his actions but wishes to keep it concealed. However, in the stage production, he lashes out, evoking sympathy for Eric who is physically attacked. The inspector commands everyone to stop, displaying his power. He concludes with a calm and pleasant final speech, having completed his job. The children follow him offstage with trust and a sense of leadership.

Both the book and film portray the Inspector's exit as sudden and dramatic. He disappears immediately after Mr Birling receives a phone call from the real police that they are coming to investigate the murder. This spooky exit leaves one wondering about the identity of the Inspector. Although Mr and Mrs Birling believed it was over after discovering that the Inspector was not what he had claimed to be, Sheila and Gerald remain cautious and suspicious of his true identity. In the stage production, there is a big dramatic scene where Sheila and Eric realize the extent of their actions. However, in the book and film, they merely reflect on their actions without taking any action.

During the stage production, the house collapses and the atmosphere is enhanced by a red sky and rain. A new door appears

in the background where the inspector left to insinuate the possibility of a better life. Eventually, the house reforms to its original state, much like in the movie where the realization of the inspector's fraudulence makes everything go back to normal. Mr. and Mrs. Birling choose to forget everything and deny its significance. The majority enter the house except Eric and Gerald who opt out. Mr. Birling slams the door on them, leaving only Eric and Sheila who have learned from their experience and seen the light. Later, when the Birlings in the house receive a real phone call about Eva, they are left alone like they were in the beginning, while Eric and Sheila have progressed in their understanding.

After the first curtain falls, Eric and Sheila are left standing in front of it. When it rises again, the setting is after the war with blue skies and the public filling the Birling's house. This signifies equality, with the Birlings no longer being above everyone else. In my opinion, the stage production ending is more impactful as it provides more detailed imagery, depicting Eric and Sheila separating from their family and finding safety in a new life where they are treated equally.

Although the Film and book remain true to their original versions by not deviating from them and still featuring the same elements when they receive the phone call, it seems necessary for one to have either read the book or watched the film before viewing the stage production. The film presents the storyline more coherently and comprehensively. However, if the story is already known, the stage production is deemed to be the

most impactful of the three.

Examining parts of the story not covered by the book or film highlights Priestly's critique of the Birlings' snobbishness and his attempt to bring Eva's plight to their attention. This message is better conveyed in the stage production, as Eric and Sheila are visibly affected by the inspector and live improved lives, while the other Birlings are absent. In contrast, the film ends abruptly, leaving uncertainty about any positive outcomes. The book and film share near-identical scripts.

However, the film offers an enhanced experience with the inclusion of facial expressions, music, and flashbacks. These elements add to the overall atmosphere of the film and provide a better understanding of the story. While the stage production may be more abstract and thought-provoking than both the text and film, the film holds its own with its visual and auditory components.