"1984" Film Adaptation Screening Worksheet
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Part 1: Pre-Screening
1. Have you read the novel "1984" by George Orwell? If yes, what did you think of it? If no, what do you know about the story?
I have read the novel 1984. At first, the novel has very easy language throughout. The story revolves around Winston Smith, who lives in the totalitarian country of Oceania. The Party rules the country, and most of the time, the country is embroiled in warfare.
Moreover, the novel touches on so many contemporary themes such as authoritarian regimes, the use of technology in surveillance, and the loss of individual privacy, especially for Winston and Julia. While reading the novel, the imagery of the Memory Hole, telescreen, Winston's house, and, most importantly, the torture scenes resonated with my own experiences.
2. Have you watched any adaptations of "1984" before? If yes, which ones and what did you think of them? If no, what do you expect from this adaptation?
After reading the novel, I watched the adaptation of it published in the same year, 1984, by Michael Redford. It was faithful to the novel. With this movie, the imagination of the novel turned into visuals, which made the novel more effective.
3. What themes or ideas do you think are central to "1984"? Why?
The themes include the totalitarian government, loss of privacy, technology's use for surveillance, manipulation of language by the Party, and propaganda. Individuals or people are under constant threat, and from the first page to the last, the government's control over people's lives is reflected.
Additionally, people's actions are watched by the government, leading to destructive consequences. In the end, the protagonist starts using the language of the Party, such as "2+2=5" and declares, "I love Big Brother," which also highlights the main idea of the novel.
Part 2: Screening
1. As you watch the film, take note of any major differences from the novel. How do these changes affect the story?
The first difference is the beginning of the novel and film.
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors of Victory Mansions, though not quickly enough to prevent a swirl of gritty dust from entering along with him. "
This is the begging of the novel. It sets the tone of dystopian world. The juxtaposition of the Bright And Cool serves as something uneasy is going on. The clock stikes thirteen symbolise that something wrong is there.
The film begins eith the quote highlidhts the theme of the novel.
2. The next frame is everyone watching the film. In the novel it comes at the page no.19-20.
3. In the novel, Winston hides the diary in the table, whereas in the film, he hides it in the wall.
4.In the novel, the son of Parson hits Winston when he visits them. On the other hand, in the film, he just stares at him.
5.In the novel, there is a description of the Tube station and air raids which are missing in the movie.
6.In the novel, Winston had a conversation with an old man about the past before the revolution.
7.In the novel, Julia spies; on the other hand, in the movie, she just serves as the female supporting role.
8.The reading of the school history book in the novel comes on page no. 79.
9.Winston, in the torture scenes, was thinking in the novel, whereas in the movie, he goes to the open field urging for freedom.
10.His boots are static, and there is a description of his wife Katherine. That is totally missing in the film.
11.Speakwrite - Novel-writing machines were established in the novel, which is also missing in the film.
12.Winston visits the Parol pub to examine the information in the novel. Here he meets Jones, Aaronson, and Rutherford.
13.O'Brien is aggressive in the novel. He is angry and shouts all the time. However, in the film, he is calm and shown as a fatherly figure to Winston.
14.In the novel, both Julia and Winston go to the office of O'Brien. Nevertheless, in the film, Winston alone goes there.
2. How does the film's visual style and cinematography contribute to the story? What mood or tone does it create?
Cinematography in the film that helps in setting the tone of novel. Here are examples of how cinematography techniques are used in the 1984 adaptation of "1984":
1. Visual Oppression:
Example: Wide shots of dilapidated buildings and crowded, grimy streets convey the suffocating atmosphere of Oceania's urban landscape.
Example: Harsh, overhead lighting in interrogation scenes emphasizes the psychological pressure and intimidation tactics employed by the Party.
2. Symbolic Imagery:
Example: Close-up shots of Big Brother's face on posters and telescreens loom over characters, serving as a constant reminder of the government's control.
3. Framing and Composition:
Example: Authority figures like O'Brien are often framed in low-angle shots, making them appear towering and dominant, while Winston is frequently framed in close-ups, highlighting his vulnerability and subjugation.
5. Symbolic Use of Color:
Example: The predominantly gray and muted color palette of Oceania conveys the oppressive monotony and lack of individuality.
By employing these cinematography techniques alongside examples, the film effectively captures the themes and mood of Orwell's novel, creating a visually striking and thematically rich adaptation of "1984".
3. Compare the portrayal of the main characters in the film to your mental image of them from the novel. How are they similar or different?
Main character of Winston Smith was blurred while reading the novel. I imagined aged man with heavy body but not clear image of it. While wtching movie there was strak contrast with my imagination Winston a slim body looked like victim of malnutrition.
Also the pessimism was quite well captured by John Hurt. The guilt and the resisting spirit was balanced by him.
4. What elements from the novel did the film adaptation include or exclude? Were there any major plot points that were left out?
Included Elements:
- 1. The basic premise of a dystopian society ruled by a totalitarian government led by Big Brother is faithfully retained in the film adaptation.
- 2.Key characters such as Winston Smith, Julia, O'Brien, and Syme are present in the film and play significant roles, maintaining the core cast from the novel.
- 3.Themes of surveillance, thought control, and the manipulation of truth are prominently featured in the film, mirroring the novel's exploration of totalitarianism.
- 4.Iconic symbols from the novel, such as Big Brother's face on posters and telescreens, are included in the film to reinforce the pervasive presence of the Party.
- 5.The concept of "Room 101" and its use as a tool of psychological torture and coercion is a central element in both the novel and the film.
- Excluded Elements:
- 1. Novel: In the novel, Winston Smith's inner thoughts and reflections provide crucial insight into his character, motivations, and the oppressive nature of the society he lives in. For instance, readers gain a deep understanding of Winston's disillusionment and desire for rebellion through his internal musings.
- Film: Due to the limitations of visual storytelling, the film adaptation necessarily reduces the amount of inner monologue present in the novel. While some introspective moments are conveyed through visual cues or dialogue, they often lack the depth and nuance found in the novel.
- 2.Novel: Orwell's novel includes various subplots and minor characters that contribute to the richness of the world. For example, the character of Syme, a colleague of Winston's who works on the Newspeak dictionary, serves as a foil to Winston and highlights the Party's control over language.
- Film: Due to time constraints and the need to streamline the narrative, certain subplots and minor characters may be omitted or given less prominence in the film adaptation. In some cases, characters like Syme may appear briefly or not at all, resulting in a simplified portrayal of the story.
Part 3: Post-Screening
1. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of this film adaptation? How does it compare to other adaptations of "1984"?
Cinematography is the strength of the movie. With the help of the camera, the director tells many things without explicitly stating them. The historical background of the war and the dystopian country are well captured. It also has enough room to develop the character of Winston. The memory scenes are also a strength of the movie, especially when Winston goes to the open field, which evokes hope in the audience.
Moreover, I think a weakness of the movie is its excessive use of sexual scenes. The movie often included more sexual scenes compared to the novel during the adaptation, possibly due to its commercial appeal. However, these scenes do convey the characters' free will. Additionally, Winston's final torture with the rats was only briefly highlighted. As soon as the rats came near Winston's face, the frame turned black, leading to confusion.
2. How successful was the film in conveying the central themes and ideas of the novel? Were there any aspects that the film failed to capture?
The film very well captured the themes of the novel. From the beginning of the movie, whether it is the telescreen, the poster of Big Brother, or the Ministries, it conveys the overall message. The Two Minutes Hate speech and the behavior of people due to that were very well captured, highlighting the idea of "Emotionally Susceptible People."
The constant sharing of propaganda through telescreens also conveys the central idea of a totalitarian country. The Book of The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism is also used as a tool for spreading propaganda.
3. What is your overall impression of the film? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend the movie to others. Despite some scenes, the film captured the essence of the novel well. It retains the zest of the original work and benefits from proper cinematography, offering a better understanding of the novel. Furthermore, the movie prompts viewers to reflect on contemporary times and the potential disastrous consequences, enhancing its relevance and providing valuable insights.
I hope with the help of this answers it will be more helpful to understand the novel 1984.
Thank You.
Reference :
ChatGPT, https://chat.openai.com/share/7be02334-ed89-4936-ac58-b32009863b70. Accessed 18 March 2024.
Barad, Dilip. “Nineteen Eighty-four - George Orwell.” Blogger, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/06/1984.html. Accessed 18 March 2024.
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