Analysing How to Portray the Independence of Characters in Literary Film Adaptations with The Example of Lust and Caution

Abstract

This study aims to distinguish the disparities and commonalities between textual and visual characters through an exploration of the relationship between film adaptation and textual creation. Employing an indirect research approach, scrutinise the evolution of characters from the original novel, often considered as their archetypal source, and their development within the film's central narrative and character portrayal. The investigation reveals a fundamental dichotomy: in the parent novel, character trajectories stem from the author's subjective choices, whereas in the film adaptation, characters and the central plot are depicted from an objective standpoint. This observation highlights the complementary nature of textual and film narratives. Initially, textual creation relies on the foundation laid by the cinematic adaptation. However, as the film narrative matures into an independent entity, an intertextual relationship emerges between the two mediums. This interplay between text and film opens up new avenues for textual creation, enriching the creative landscape. In summary, the analysis illuminates the intricate interplay between textual and visual character development, shedding light on how each medium influences and informs the other, ultimately contributing to the evolution of storytelling.