Adapting The Joy Luck Club: Thematic Emphasis through Form

Main Article Content

Wanlin Li

Abstract

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Abstract: The paper investigates how the connection between mothers and daughters gains prominence through specific formal features in the film adaptation of The Joy Luck Club (1993). Narrative strategies (embedding and framing) and stylistic choices (size of shots, camera angle, camera movement and film music) are closely analyzed for their thematic function and significance. In the comparison between the novel and film, the essay revisits the historical argument revolving around fidelity. It provides further evidence for the inevitability of changes in the process of adaptation and urges formally oriented readings as a means to understand the relationship (particularly the difference) between literary and cinematic narrative.

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Abstract:

Cet article met en valeur le thème des liens entre mères et filles à travers une analyse formelle de l’adaptation cinématographique de The Joy Luck Club (1993). Il se concentre surtout sur certaines stratégies narratives (emboîtement et cadrage) et certains choix stylistiques (nature des plans, choix des angles, mouvements de caméra et musique). En comparant le roman et le film, l’article réinterroge aussi les débats traditionnels sur la fidélité. Il démontre avec force que toute adaptation implique nécessairement des transformations et souligne la nécessité de pratiquer une lecture formelle afin de mieux comprendre les rapports (mais surtout les différences) entre la narration littéraire et la narration cinématographique.

 

Article Details

How to Cite
Li, W. (2010). Adapting The Joy Luck Club: Thematic Emphasis through Form. Image & Narrative, 11(2), 38–48. Retrieved from https://www.imageandnarrative.be/index.php/imagenarrative/article/view/73
Section
Thematic Cluster
Author Biography

Wanlin Li, Peking University

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Wanlin Li is finishing her MA at the Department of English of Peking University and will begin the PhD program at The Ohio State University in September 2010. Her main areas of interest include Chinese American literature, the relationship between literature and film (with a special focus on adaptation studies), and narrative theory.