Must a film adaptation mechanically adhere to the chapters and details of a novel in order for us to consider it a “good” film? The sophomores wrestled with this notion recently. After reading To Kill a Mockingbird over spring break, they considered this remark by Harper Lee: “If the integrity of a film adaptation is measured by the degree to which the novelist’s intent is preserved, Mr. Foote’s screenplay should be studied as a classic.” Thus began our study of the literary, dramatic, and cinematic aspects of Horton Foote’s screenplay version of the novel. Rather than simply discuss these aspects, the students first analyzed the film itself. Each group presented its analysis of literary and dramatic aspects using iPads for Keynote presentations. The iPad is ideal for presentations and, in the second year of the pilot program, the students are completely comfortable articulating their thoughts and ideas in front of their classmates with the help of this tool.
Part Two of the assignment utilized and honed the students’ skills with iMovie and photography on the iPad. Each collaborative group created and presented a series of still photos of group members that captured specific cinematic aspects of a scene that affect our senses as we watch a film. After discussing a variety of camera angles that a cinematographer might use to convey a specific message, the students got to work. They selected photos that communicated setting, relationship, power, authority, weakness, fear, etc. through angles such as close ups, high shoot downs, and establishing shots. This moving photo storyboard included voiceovers of dialogue from the screenplay, sound effects, and music to create additional emotional context. This iPad project removed the students from the classroom and had them traveling all over campus to find the perfect locale for the storyboards. In the end, they had a much clearer understanding of Harper Lee’s “intent” by experiencing the novel through its screenplay adaptation rather than simply watching the film.
Chatham Hall Blogging Together 