Comparing the method used in creating tension In two film versions of the novel 'Great Expectations'.

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Sarah.Y.Kargbo

Media Essay

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Media Essay

Comparing the method used in creating tension

In two film versions of the novel

‘Great Expectations’

‘Great Expectations’ was written by Charles Dickens in the 19th century (1860-1861). It is said to be one of the classics of the English literary heritage and several film adaptations have been made of it. It first appeared in a weekly magazine called ‘All the year round’. ‘Great Expectations’ is a book in which Dickens returned to the theme of a youth’s discovery of the realities of life. An unknown person provides the young hero, Pip, with money so that Pip can live as a gentleman. Pip’s pride is shattered when he learns there source of his ‘Great Expectations’. Only by revising his values does Pip restore his life on a foundation of empathy rather than on social position. In this coursework I shall be comparing two film versions: David Lean’s 1944 black and white version starring John Nutts and the 1997 colour version directed by Alfonso Cuaron which features, Ethan Hawke; Gwyneth Paltrow; Anne Bankcroft and Robert Deniro. I intend to compare the opening chapters in the two film versions, in which the young Pip/Finn encounters a scary convict who later becomes a momentous figure in Pip’s life.

Both films start with the adult voice of Pip/Finn reflecting on his childhood. The David Lean (1944) version closely follows the actual text whereas Alfonso Cuaron’s Version follows a sequential order but digresses greatly from the text.

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As the credits began rolling there are a variety of styles of music. The first style that we hear is a full orchestra and it then harrows down to only one flute which plays a childish style of music which is obviously representing the young PIP. Afterwards it goes into a romantic mood and after that a sad mood. It finally becomes a symphony of emotion to signify the film’s ‘happy ever after’ ending. In the opening scene we start with a long shot of Pip and the tracking of pip across the field. At the camera is tracking ...

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