The quote suggests that a great novel focuses mainly on the internal experiences and emotional journeys of its characters as they navigate through life's challenging circumstances imposed by fate or destiny. In contrast, when these profound literary works are adapted into movies, they frequently fall short because filmmakers often concentrate more on visual storytelling elements such as settings and aesthetics rather than delving deeply into the psychological complexities and inner struggles of the characters.
At a deeper level, this quote highlights the inherent limitations in translating literature to film. Novels offer an intimate exploration of characters' thoughts, feelings, and motivations through detailed prose, allowing readers to connect with them on a profound emotional level. Film adaptations, however, are constrained by their medium's reliance on visual and auditory elements to convey narrative and character development. As a result, they might lack the depth and richness that novels provide, leading to a superficial representation of characters' internal lives.
Richard Schickel is an American film critic, author, and screenwriter known for his extensive work in analyzing and critiquing both literature and cinema. His insights often focus on the complexities involved in adapting literary masterpieces into films, emphasizing how essential it is to preserve the essence of a story's emotional depth and character development during such transformations.
