Of Mice And Men Comparative Analysis
Of Mice and Men: Written Text & Film Adaptation (1939Version) Comparison
“Of Mice and Men” written by John Steinbeck has remain one of America’s most read novel. Since this story was first published many adaptations has occur from the written work a Broadway play and three acclaimed films. When comparing the novel and the film version there certainly are oblivious differences between the two. However what remains is the integrity of the contents of the written word. The film version simply is a visual presentation of the book. If the written word has depth it could stand on it’s on as in the case of “Of Mice and Men”. The film can allow the director to capture all of the themes comprised in the book to produce a quintessential film. Symbolism …show more content…
plays an important role in Steinbeck writing of this novel which can get lost in a film. Lucky in this film it wasn’t lost.
Using the various film techniques such as cinematography, lighting, costume, and casting allowed the book to come to life. Simple cinematography was the best way to capture Steinbeck’s writing style and that was done in this film. The emotions of the characters were depicted by close-up shots of the faces. When Curly comes, the treatment of women at the time is clear, “Go back to the house.” She responds by saying “You don’t control me”, but he simply yells “Now!” and she obeys. Steinbeck proved that women were only accessories to be controlled and disposed of by men and the film depicted this quite well.
The lighting in the film was also embellished to maintain the authentic emanation. The natural light was used in outdoor scenes, such as beside the river, or out in the work field. Very little light was used in the bleak, depressing situations, such as in the bunkhouse when Candy’s dog was shot. It was a metaphor for the battle of life and grim atmosphere that the workers were forced to contend with each day. It also symbolized the vicious cycle: the sun rising reaching its peak of intensity, then setting, only to rise again. This was the same as the workers’ drab lifestyle of “Busting their gut’ for a week on some ranch, then taking their 50 dollars into town and spending it, just to be ‘busting their gut’ on another ranch again.
The clothing complies with the historical context of the written novel. The clothing worn in the film reflects the lack of finances and the manual labor performed. For the ranch workers, farming clothes were worn; overalls and flannel shirts. Bothe George and Lennie wore hats that directly corresponded with their personality. Lennie’s hat was smaller; George’s hat was much larger hat. Slim wore jeans and flannel shirt similar to everyone else, complying with the novel, “like the others he wore blue jeans and a denim jacket.” Crooks, in accordance to his social status and reduced pay, wore jeans and a shirt that was more faded and worn. Curly was dressed in dark denim, a button-up shirt and high-heeled boots and in the book. This adhered to the fact that he was of a higher class than the workers-being the boss’ son. The boss, being of a cowboy nature, also wore dark denim, high heeled boots, and a dressy shirt. The majority of the costumes in the film directly corresponded with the written text.
In the beginning to the film it starts off with a peril for George and Lennie this initial saga immediately engages the audience’s curiosity.
This is complete contrariety to the novel, which initiates in a calm, wistful environment. The river is important in the novel; however it didn’t seem as significant. The sequence of events in the film seems to follow a chronological order despite the disparity of the novel. I believe the director did this so that it would be easy to follow and to comprehend for the audience. Many locations of conversation s were change in the movie. In the film George confesses the incident in Weeds to Slim outside, whereas in the novel this happened in the bunkhouse. Numerous scenes are deleted from the film to conserve time. To cite an illustration, the scene in Crook’s room is cut down considerably. In the novel, Lennie talks to Crooks, and then Candy enters, Curly’s wife follows. They tell about their ambition, and Curly’s wife responds with negativity; “Baloney” she says, and continues to insult them. Crooks stands-up to her and she threaten s him with a lynching.
Music and sound effects were used and the music needed to be very effective since gasp the audience‘s attention. Slow melancholy music helps to develop a sullen atmosphere like when Candy is shown all alone as the others go off to work, after his dog has been shot. This sad music stimulates sympathy. Just as the music they used to create suspense and apprehension like in the scene where Curly and the other men were searching for Lennie. Music can help to create a concise message and or thought pattern even when there is no dialogue. Music also sets the tone on a scene as
well.
The actors needed to portray the characters as best as the y could because the dialogue and interaction between actors helps to really develop the characters. In the novel it was obvious to the reader that Curly’s wife is flirtatious and yearned for attention due to her stance (“she leaned against the door frame so her body was thrown forward”), the way she spoke (“her voice had a nasal, brittle quality”), and in her actions( the need to be around men). The written text has to be very descriptive because the visual aspect has to be achieved from the used of those swords unlike film. In film the actors are critical in convincing the audience by using their gestures, expression and dialect along with the backdrop of the location to create scene that are believable.
Lennie was played quite well, though the perception of his behavior may differ slightly from the behavior in the film. In the written text, Lennie appeared a friendly giant though the film portrayed him as aggressive. However his childlike nature was exceptionally well done. The actor mad the scene at the beginning comes straight to life from the novel when he said “George, George tell about the rabbits’ and how he interrupted to add pieces, like a child does. The acting was quite a representation of Lennie traits. Where the novel gives the impression that Lennie was slow person with a learning disorder.
George was true to his character in both the written text and on film. The actor played he quite well in his calm and collected mannerism, his frustration with Lennie, and in his gentle side to protect Lennie at any cost even death. The actor captured George’s true essence which was really the longing to be needed and love. The desire to achieve stability and prosperity was George’s driving force. His cunningness was also visible from this actor portrayal.
Slim was image in the written novel was poised, friendly, intelligent and “the prince of the ranch”. His advice was taken as gospel, he can across open and understanding like when George needed to talk to him about Weed, he was not pushy. Slim’s characteristic was completely conveyed on film. He invited confidence without demanding it.
Curly and Carlson’s characters were two- dimensional; they were simply portrayed as selfish, controlling men. They both signified the men that George describes as “loneliest guy in the world”. Neither man had any real person relationships, due to their attitudes and arrogance. Curly’s wife didn’t love gonna do to the guy he don’t like, and he don’t like nobody.” The film portrays these characteristic, but they still remain as stereotypes.him, “Sure, I gotta husband”. Swell guy ain’t he? Spends all his time sayin’ what he
Another character that is deprived of explanation was Crooks. Without the scene set in his room you are left to assume his social position and treatment. However the actor who portrayed Crooks conveys the fact that Crooks is bitter due to discrimination that exist. Curly, Crooks, Candy, Carlson, Slim and the boss are all accurate representation of the characters depicted in the novel.
Steinbeck has a writing style to impart his themes on the reader. This particular style was chosen I guess to imitate his realistic view of the world and life. The direct dialogue, language, show the genuine honesty of the working clad, the simplicity of the men helps to reveal people with a low level on education, forced with problems that are out of their control. In the film the dialogue was taken directly from the novel. The element of the novel that the film used was the theme of symbolism.
Overall the film had achieved a lot of what the novel of “Of Mice and Men” was trying to convey. Though the novel written by Steinbeck you can see how he using the command of language to help you develop your imagery while reading this novel. The setting was large portion of the written word symbolism and that was a little lost in the film. However I thought the film was made quite true to the novel and the director did his best to choose the most important aspects of the film to basis the film around and by doing this the messages weren’t lost. I truly enjoyed both the film and the novel; the appreciation of how wonderful a writer Steinbeck was the filmed truly helped me to value him that much more.
Bibliography
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice And Men. United States: Spuger, 1937
“Of Mice and Men” written by John Steinbeck has remain one of America’s most read novel. Since this story was first published many adaptations has occur from the written work a Broadway play and three acclaimed films. When comparing the novel and the film version there certainly are oblivious differences between the two. However what remains is the integrity of the contents of the written word. The film version simply is a visual presentation of the book. If the written word has depth it could stand on it’s on as in the case of “Of Mice and Men”. The film can allow the director to capture all of the themes comprised in the book to produce a quintessential film. Symbolism …show more content…
plays an important role in Steinbeck writing of this novel which can get lost in a film. Lucky in this film it wasn’t lost.
Using the various film techniques such as cinematography, lighting, costume, and casting allowed the book to come to life. Simple cinematography was the best way to capture Steinbeck’s writing style and that was done in this film. The emotions of the characters were depicted by close-up shots of the faces. When Curly comes, the treatment of women at the time is clear, “Go back to the house.” She responds by saying “You don’t control me”, but he simply yells “Now!” and she obeys. Steinbeck proved that women were only accessories to be controlled and disposed of by men and the film depicted this quite well.
The lighting in the film was also embellished to maintain the authentic emanation. The natural light was used in outdoor scenes, such as beside the river, or out in the work field. Very little light was used in the bleak, depressing situations, such as in the bunkhouse when Candy’s dog was shot. It was a metaphor for the battle of life and grim atmosphere that the workers were forced to contend with each day. It also symbolized the vicious cycle: the sun rising reaching its peak of intensity, then setting, only to rise again. This was the same as the workers’ drab lifestyle of “Busting their gut’ for a week on some ranch, then taking their 50 dollars into town and spending it, just to be ‘busting their gut’ on another ranch again.
The clothing complies with the historical context of the written novel. The clothing worn in the film reflects the lack of finances and the manual labor performed. For the ranch workers, farming clothes were worn; overalls and flannel shirts. Bothe George and Lennie wore hats that directly corresponded with their personality. Lennie’s hat was smaller; George’s hat was much larger hat. Slim wore jeans and flannel shirt similar to everyone else, complying with the novel, “like the others he wore blue jeans and a denim jacket.” Crooks, in accordance to his social status and reduced pay, wore jeans and a shirt that was more faded and worn. Curly was dressed in dark denim, a button-up shirt and high-heeled boots and in the book. This adhered to the fact that he was of a higher class than the workers-being the boss’ son. The boss, being of a cowboy nature, also wore dark denim, high heeled boots, and a dressy shirt. The majority of the costumes in the film directly corresponded with the written text.
In the beginning to the film it starts off with a peril for George and Lennie this initial saga immediately engages the audience’s curiosity.
This is complete contrariety to the novel, which initiates in a calm, wistful environment. The river is important in the novel; however it didn’t seem as significant. The sequence of events in the film seems to follow a chronological order despite the disparity of the novel. I believe the director did this so that it would be easy to follow and to comprehend for the audience. Many locations of conversation s were change in the movie. In the film George confesses the incident in Weeds to Slim outside, whereas in the novel this happened in the bunkhouse. Numerous scenes are deleted from the film to conserve time. To cite an illustration, the scene in Crook’s room is cut down considerably. In the novel, Lennie talks to Crooks, and then Candy enters, Curly’s wife follows. They tell about their ambition, and Curly’s wife responds with negativity; “Baloney” she says, and continues to insult them. Crooks stands-up to her and she threaten s him with a lynching.
Music and sound effects were used and the music needed to be very effective since gasp the audience‘s attention. Slow melancholy music helps to develop a sullen atmosphere like when Candy is shown all alone as the others go off to work, after his dog has been shot. This sad music stimulates sympathy. Just as the music they used to create suspense and apprehension like in the scene where Curly and the other men were searching for Lennie. Music can help to create a concise message and or thought pattern even when there is no dialogue. Music also sets the tone on a scene as
well.
The actors needed to portray the characters as best as the y could because the dialogue and interaction between actors helps to really develop the characters. In the novel it was obvious to the reader that Curly’s wife is flirtatious and yearned for attention due to her stance (“she leaned against the door frame so her body was thrown forward”), the way she spoke (“her voice had a nasal, brittle quality”), and in her actions( the need to be around men). The written text has to be very descriptive because the visual aspect has to be achieved from the used of those swords unlike film. In film the actors are critical in convincing the audience by using their gestures, expression and dialect along with the backdrop of the location to create scene that are believable.
Lennie was played quite well, though the perception of his behavior may differ slightly from the behavior in the film. In the written text, Lennie appeared a friendly giant though the film portrayed him as aggressive. However his childlike nature was exceptionally well done. The actor mad the scene at the beginning comes straight to life from the novel when he said “George, George tell about the rabbits’ and how he interrupted to add pieces, like a child does. The acting was quite a representation of Lennie traits. Where the novel gives the impression that Lennie was slow person with a learning disorder.
George was true to his character in both the written text and on film. The actor played he quite well in his calm and collected mannerism, his frustration with Lennie, and in his gentle side to protect Lennie at any cost even death. The actor captured George’s true essence which was really the longing to be needed and love. The desire to achieve stability and prosperity was George’s driving force. His cunningness was also visible from this actor portrayal.
Slim was image in the written novel was poised, friendly, intelligent and “the prince of the ranch”. His advice was taken as gospel, he can across open and understanding like when George needed to talk to him about Weed, he was not pushy. Slim’s characteristic was completely conveyed on film. He invited confidence without demanding it.
Curly and Carlson’s characters were two- dimensional; they were simply portrayed as selfish, controlling men. They both signified the men that George describes as “loneliest guy in the world”. Neither man had any real person relationships, due to their attitudes and arrogance. Curly’s wife didn’t love gonna do to the guy he don’t like, and he don’t like nobody.” The film portrays these characteristic, but they still remain as stereotypes.him, “Sure, I gotta husband”. Swell guy ain’t he? Spends all his time sayin’ what he
Another character that is deprived of explanation was Crooks. Without the scene set in his room you are left to assume his social position and treatment. However the actor who portrayed Crooks conveys the fact that Crooks is bitter due to discrimination that exist. Curly, Crooks, Candy, Carlson, Slim and the boss are all accurate representation of the characters depicted in the novel.
Steinbeck has a writing style to impart his themes on the reader. This particular style was chosen I guess to imitate his realistic view of the world and life. The direct dialogue, language, show the genuine honesty of the working clad, the simplicity of the men helps to reveal people with a low level on education, forced with problems that are out of their control. In the film the dialogue was taken directly from the novel. The element of the novel that the film used was the theme of symbolism.
Overall the film had achieved a lot of what the novel of “Of Mice and Men” was trying to convey. Though the novel written by Steinbeck you can see how he using the command of language to help you develop your imagery while reading this novel. The setting was large portion of the written word symbolism and that was a little lost in the film. However I thought the film was made quite true to the novel and the director did his best to choose the most important aspects of the film to basis the film around and by doing this the messages weren’t lost. I truly enjoyed both the film and the novel; the appreciation of how wonderful a writer Steinbeck was the filmed truly helped me to value him that much more.
Bibliography
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice And Men. United States: Spuger, 1937