Hut vs. Sommers: Compare and Contrast the Directors of the Film "Huckleberry Finn"

Hut vs. Sommers: Compare and Contrast the Directors of the Film “Huckleberry Finn”

Like most enchanting novels, Hollywood directors desire to create a film about a classic novel. Such was the case with the American classic: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Two directors took upon the goal of producing a visual aid for the morally impacting novel. Peter Hunt was the first to accept this challenge and with his directing abilities, he created a move that was about 4 hours long. On the other, a director from Disney, Stephen Sommers, decided to remake the move about Huck Finn and with his directing talent, he produced a move that was only an hour and a half long. With the differences of lengths, it is quite clear that there were quite a few dissimilar approaches while trying to portray a good movie and still trying to stay true to the book’s meaning. If Hunt’s Huck Finn and Sommer’s Huck Finn were compared, the viewer will notice that the directors, when revealing the setting, plot development, and characters there were similarities and differences between the two movies.

The setting of any movie is important to the story line because it helps the story. As soon as the Disney movie begins, the viewer’s mood will right away be altered into to a type of adventurous mood, for the music during the intro is quite lively and optimistic. If listened closely, a person could hear the violas and violins having a steady beat. Later, the steady beat of the two instruments dramatically changes and they come in with a loud booming sound and thus, creating a mood for bold actions. However, in Hunt’s movie, the music of the introduction is more dark and gloomy and as a consequence, creating a serious mood. What is significant about the music is that it prepares the viewer for what is about to be seen. Disney’s Huck Finn, since it was aimed for young children, started off with valiant music. Children or maybe even adults, after hearing the intro music, are now ready for an adventure. On the other hand, Hunt’s intro music, since it was gloomier, the viewer is now prepared for a sober and possibly morally questioning movie. Other features of setting that are worth comparing between the two movies are place and time. Although some scenes of both movies may have been shot in a studio, the two movies are supposed to place in the Mississippi River town of St. Petersburg, Missouri and in various locations along the river through Arkansas. Time wise, both films take place before the Civil War, roughly 1835–1845 when African Americans were still considered slaves. Also during this time, rifles did not contain the ability of rapid fire and being tarred and feathered was a custom that was not forgotten yet. In conclusion, between Disney’s film and Hunt’s movie, there were similarities between place and time. But, the moods of two were significantly different.

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Due to the time differences between the two the films, plot development between the two movies were different. Hunt’s version which was about 4 hours long, was a clone to the Twain’s novel. In other words, Hunt was careful enough to put every detail from the book in his movie. Also, since the rising action took a significant amount of time, the movie was drama and serious like. Huck as a character altered his perspective about life slowly and probably more of realistic fashion. In contrast to Sommers’ movie however, the length was only about an hour and a half. The plot development was done much quicker. Little details were discarded and much of the story was altered in order to fit the description of a typical Disney movie. Huck’s view of society changed much more rapidly and besides, an audience can sit and pay attention to a movie for so long.

When a Disney releases a movie, viewers are acquainted with the whole adventure theme and the audience can expect to see some romanticism. Also since the main character in the movie is young, 10-12, the film is aimed for a young audience. The movie is not expected to change life’s perspective and so it is solely made for entertainment. Hunt’s movie however, since the actor that portrayed Huck was much older (13-15), it can be predicated that the movie will be serious. The importance about the age difference between the two actors can define what type of character they will be. In the Disney version, since the actor of Huck is young, the character he portrays will be probably arrogant in some ways, sneaky, and in some cases a burden for other characters. In Hunt’s version, since the actor is older, he will show a level of maturity and thus, creating a serious atmosphere. His actions will probably be thoughtful and will reveal to the audience how he grows as a person when the film ends.

All in all, Hunt’s Huck Finn and Disney’s version of the film, if compared, numerous differences will arise in the plot development, mood, and the character. The reason behind these numerous differences is the fact that the Disney version of the movie was aimed for a young audience whereas Hunt’s creation was supposed to viewed by a mature audience. However, the few similarities that the two movies did have were the time, place, and message. The time and place are a significant part of the story because that is when and where this whole epic of a boy that helped a slave could have happened. Finally, the message of the two movies is the same. Although Hunt’s movie may have delivered it in a better fashion, both directors intended to show that racism, and the stereotyping of a group for their skin color is ridiculous. In conclusion, if looking for a serious and life alternating movie, Hunt’s Huck Finn is probably a better choice than Disney’s version. However, if looking for an amusing movie that delivers a good message in a much lighter note, Disney’s Huck Finn the obvious choice.