Atonement Argumentative Essay Example
Atonement Argumentative Essay Example

Atonement Argumentative Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1229 words)
  • Published: September 1, 2017
  • Type: Review
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Through changing the form and genre of a text, the meaning can also be altered and interpreted differently. Film adaptations can often intentionally or unintentionally alter the authors intended meaning. In the library scene, in the novel 'Atonement' by Ian Mclean and the film of the same name, directed by Joe Wright, the changes that take place; that of adapting the narrative, characterization and filming techniques, though quite subtle changes they have an immense impact on the way that the events are interpreted and perceived by the viewer and the meanings that are communicated to the audience.

The library scene marks of the beginning of Cecilia and Robberies relationship as lovers, they engage in an act of love in the corner of the library, this is seen by 13 year old Bryony, who immediately assumes her sister is b

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eing attacked. The scene although it is quite a true representation in the sense of dialogue, setting and key moments the film adaptation which attempts to recreate the scene looses key elements in the process of adoption.

One of the more subtle changes that takes place in this scene is the characterization of Bryony. In the novel Mclean presents Bryony as a strong willed, highly imaginative and brave child. This is achieved through the imagery and ability of the reader to grasp an entire understanding of her inner thoughts and motivations, though detailed descriptions.

Upon entering the library, Bryony is not expecting anything out of the ordinary, however with the conclusions she had drawn, from her prior knowledge of the letter and what she had witnessed at the fountain, her understanding of events causes her t

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assume the worst of the situation, '... She had no particular expectations as she placed her hand on the brass handle and turned it. But she had seen Robberies letter, he had cast herself as her sister's protector, and she had been instructed by her cousin; what she knew must have been shaped in part by what she already knew, or believed she knew. Her reaction is quite clear to the reader as we are provided with a lengthy description of her initial thoughts 'Her immediate understanding was that she had interrupted and attack, a hand to hand fight' as she had cast herself as her sisters protector and thus the main protagonist, it was her duty to be in control of the situation 'He looked so huge and wild, and Cecilia with her bare shoulders and thin arms so frail that Bryony had no idea what she could achieve as she started to go towards them. This portrayal not only impacts upon the way the reader perceives Bryony; as highly imaginative and controlling young girl, but also provides the reader with thoughts that help to understand her and her motivations. Through the process of adoption to film key elements of Britons character are lost. Wright presents Bryony as an ignorant, purposeful but fearful girl. Her actions involving this scene see her enter the library with clear intentions to protect her sister from the 'maniac'.

The manner in which she walks towards the library, shown as if she already expects something horrible to be happening is contradictory to the curiosity described in the novel. When Robbie and Cecilia then come into her vision, the camera

focuses on her facial expression, it is wrought with fear. This leads the viewer to assume Bryony is a weak, scared child. She is portrayed fearful child and when she speaks Cilia's name her voice trembles with fright, her heavy, nervous breathing and watery eyes indicate Britons interpretation of the event, she is clearly confused, shocked and is quite fearful because the situation is out of her control.

The way the relationship between Robbie and Cecilia is interpreted in the text is also transformed significantly when replicated in the medium of film. In Means's novel the library scene is dictated to the reader by Robbie. He is able to describe in detail his incredibly passionate feelings towards Cecilia, 'This sound seemed to enter him, pierce him down his length so that his whole body opened up and he was able to step out of himself and kiss her freely. This type of extremely expressive language enables us gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Robbie and Cilia's relationship. The love that they share and the revolutionary changes they have both undergone. 'She returned his gaze, struck by the sense of her own transformation, and overwhelmed by the beauty in a face which lifetime's habit had taught her to ignore. To achieve this sort of depth in the film the viewer would have to be provided with an insight into the internal thoughts of either character, through a voice over.

However the audience merely observes the actions and gestures of both Robbie and Cecilia and so the intimacy and intensity of their feelings is somewhat lost. The moving and giggly emotional transformations that both Cecilia and

Robbie undergo during this event cannot be replicated through the dialogue used in the film. Whilst the dialogue is virtually the same "Cecilia" "Robbie" "l love you" "l love you". When used in the novel it marks the transformation of Robbie and Cecilia realizing their feelings for each other and rediscovering each other after a lifetime of friendship.

The words "l love you" are spoken in true understanding of the compelling passion intended, 'Finally he spoke the three simple words that no amount of bad art or bad faith can ever quite cheapen. This however does not carry through into the form of film and is seen as just a climax to the sexual tension and lust that has been built up, rather than the culmination of once repressed feelings of affection. The film adaptation does not allow for the audience to be subject to the private thoughts of each character.

Therefore the director has to use different techniques to achieve the highly emotive, descriptive language used and the exploration of inner monologues present in Means's 'Atonement'. Through the use of filming techniques specific emotions and feelings can be emphasized or omitted. The camera angles are one way of replicating specific imagery. Especially so in the library scene, which utilizes extreme close up shots and are used to highlight the passion and desire felt by Cecilia and Robbie.

Similarly when seen through the eyes of Bryony the long shot is used to show her distance in her understanding and indicates the tremendous implications and consequences of the event in her mind. Along with camera angles, an additional feature of a film is the soundtrack. Which

purpose is to add to or set the mood of particular scenes; silence with a focus on the heavy breathing throughout the sex cane adds to the intimacy and desire felt by Robbie and Cecilia, suspenseful music whilst Bryony is walking down to the library adds mystery and tension.

These techniques though used extremely well in Wrights adaptation do not have the same result of Means's writing techniques. Through the adoption of 'Atonement', it has become apparent that a change in form and genre, certainly evident in the adaptation of novel to film, particular aspects can altered thus either enhancing or detracting from the authors intended meaning. This can ultimately lead to a change in the audience's understanding and interpretation of the overall text.

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