CINEMA AND LITERATURE: ARTS IN DIALOGUE

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to discuss aspects of similarities and differences between cinema and literature. At first, some relevant theories about cinema and film adaptations of literary works will be point out. Then, one of the main problems concerning film adaptation, which is the issue of fidelity to the literary text will be discussed. Besides, the debate will show that complete fidelity to the literary text is a difficult goal to be achieved, since both cinema and literature are different arts, whose language, among other factors, is also different. Some scholars, such as Bazin (1991), do not agree with some of the common changes usually used in film adaptations, but he believes they may save the literary work from being forgotten, since the movie can awaken audience"™s interests by the origin text. Differently, Mirthy (2006) defends that both works will some day be forgotten as well and, even worse, the adaptation may damage the reputation of the novel. For this research, Brito"™s studies (2006) will be necessary to discuss the process of adaptation and on reductions; additions; misplacements; transformation; simplification, widening. This paper will also deal with important contributions that literature has offered to the cinematographic art and vice versa. It will show some aspects that apparently were exclusive of literature, but have been used in the cinema and the other way around, highlighting the dynamic nature of both arts, the literary and the cinematographic.