March

March

            The transfer of a story or piece of work into a feature film requires a creative and innovative approach. A significant argument has raged around what is and what is not a good adaptation for film. There exist certain advantages and disadvantages of adaptation and its results. For instance, often, directors fail to effectively follow a plot and end up with a completely different adaptation. Also, considering the time limitations that a movie imposes, it is more often the case that numerous details contained in the book are missed or dropped to adhere to these constraints – an unwelcome compromise for many. Adaptation also comes with its welcome advantages. For many, the visual aspects of a film enhance its attraction as it complements the imagination, which is the book’s premise of interaction with its audience (Van Ness, 2016).

For March, the adaptation is needed as the book has been recognized and won awards – which goes to reflect that it resonates with a broad audience who appreciate the content and its skillful presentation. It is essential that crucial elements, such as depicted themes, characters, and plot, are sustained and enhanced. The book revolves around various issues. From my point of view, I intend to adapt it to faithfully reflect all these issues and taking an analysis of the storyline for review – this is the story of Captain March during the civil war. He tries to hold tight to his

morals while war tears down the country. He is serving as a Union Chaplain in the beginning – this is during the civil war. March has various issues and experiences haunting him. For example, the case of Silas Stone, who he was trying to save but ends up pushing him away into sure death – a primary scene to adapt. Also, the experiences with Grace, Mr. Clement’s best slave, which lead to her being publicly whipped, and his banishment from the properties – another great scene that reflects fundamental themes. He later starts a family with Marmee Day, and they bear four daughters. These are among the various issues that he carries with him – aspects that are important to the process of adaptation. Captain March is a staunch supporter of the abolitionist movement. He collaborates with the Underground Railroad and helps runaway slaves – this is a fundamental part of the story that must be adequately depicted in the adaptation. It provides an insight into Captain March and his personality.

When the civil war breaks out, Captain March goes to play his part in the Union army as a chaplain. March is at one time caught reconciling his affection with Grace, who he had met again after 20 years – this leads to his reassignment at a plantation that belongs to Ethan Canning, where freed slaves, also known as contraband, work for pay. A massive attack during his second year on Canning’s plantation. He hides to save his life – an action that he is disgusted with as he failed to confront the rebels and help save the lives of others. His life is, fortunately, spared through the help of Zannah, a slave woman. He tries to atone but eventually realizes that he will live haunted by actions and the ghosts of those who died on his account for his life.

Finally, in adapting this to film, various intentions are primary aims. First, the main idea is to achieve a faithful depiction of the book’s fundamental outline, plot, and critical ideas as described. The other approach is to ensure that scenes are conceived, set up, and presented in a way that effectively expresses the occurrences depicted by various events. For example, for the scene where the attack occurs at Canning’s plantation, this scene would be shot to show the concept of fear and panic, while also presenting the conflict that March had in a dilemma to face the attackers or save his own life. The shot would be used to present chaos, pain, and evoke compassion. The film would be of great benefit to the studio as, considering the book’s success, a faithful adaption for the film is bound to receive a great reception.

 

 

Reference

Van Ness, M. (2016). The Pros and Cons of Making a Book into A Movie. Retrieved 17 March 2020, from https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-making-book-into-movie.