In this assignment, I have been tasked with discussing the differences between the film and book adaptations of Great Expectations. Directed by David Lean, the film made several alterations to the original story. While some changes were minor, others significantly impacted the plot. Notably, the character of Orlick, who holds a significant role in the book, was completely omitted from the film version. As a result, Mrs. Joe’s attack was removed, and she simply dies due to an illness. Similarly, Pip’s encounter with Orlick and subsequent near-death experience were also excluded from the film. Another change was that Pip’s educational sessions with Matthew Pocket in London were not depicted. The film does not mention Startop, and Bentley Drummle is not prominently featured until he and Estella form a closer bond. Finally, when Pip discovers that Magwitch is his benefactor, he goes to visit Miss Havisham.
In the film, Miss Havisham meets a tragic fate when the candle drops, causing her to catch on fire and be burnt to death immediately. This differs from the book, where her death occurs later on. During this time, Pip and Herbert Pocket row Magwitch to safety on a boat. There is also a change in the event where Compeyeson and Magwitch fall into the water; in the film, Pip jumps in to rescue Magwitch instead of him being discovered later. Notably, the film does not depict Biddy’s love for Pip or Pip’s intention to propose to her upon his return to the forge. When Pip does come back, he learns that Biddy and Joe have already been married for some time. Additionally, upon returning to the old house, Pip discovers Estella in Miss Havisham’s room; unlike the book, the house has not been demolished. Disturbingly, Estella starts to resemble Miss Havisham, prompting Pip to tear down all the curtains.
The film in comparison to the book has a more definitive ending where Pip and Estella fall in love and get married. However, the ending in the book is open to interpretation. Overall, I believe the film had a well-cast ensemble. Older Pip portrayed well and matched my mental image of him perfectly, although initially, I found him to be overly articulate. Young Pip spoke too eloquently and appeared older than he should have been. Young Estella also seemed too mature and advanced for her age; she was meant to be the same age as Pip but appeared around fifteen years old.
Biddy was not the same age as Pip, as she was closer to Joe’s age. However, I did not think that Miss Havisham looked old enough or mean enough. I found the other characters, such as Joe, Matthew Pocket, and Magwitch, believable. The film created a great atmosphere. The scenes in the graveyard, with rising mist, created tension effectively. The use of sound and visual effects also contributed to the atmosphere. Sounds like wind whistling through trees and creaking branches, along with eerie music, helped greatly. The choice to film in black and white also added to the atmospheric feel.
These elements effectively engage the viewer in the film’s narrative. The intense screaming and visually striking effects when Miss Havisham catches fire enhance the realism of the scene. However, certain parts lose their atmospheric impact due to the filming approach. For instance, when Pip brings food and a file to Magwitch, farm animals like cows and sheep inexplicably start speaking. Presumably, they are intended to symbolize his conscience. Nevertheless, this concept falls short as it appears silly since animals cannot talk in reality. Instead of generating tension, this scene ends up provoking laughter among the audience and ultimately undermines the overall experience.
The book could be improved by having Pip’s voice narrating his thoughts, similar to the end of the film. However, in comparison to the film, I found the book to be superior. The book’s portrayal is incredibly vivid, allowing readers to easily visualize characters and scenes. Reading the book actively engages the mind, unlike watching the film which provides a passive experience. The film presents everything as envisioned by the director, leaving no room for imagination. Charles Dickens is undeniably one of England’s greatest authors and his books are regarded as exemplary works of writing. They also serve as valuable primary sources for understanding life in the nineteenth century. It deeply saddens me that people choose to watch the film instead of appreciating these literary masterpieces. While the film creates a captivating atmosphere, it cannot compare to Dickens’ brilliant descriptions that bring everything to life and surpass any visual representation.
While I would suggest experiencing both the film and the book, in my opinion, the book surpasses the film. Personally, I found greater enjoyment in the book as it allowed me to envision everything based on my own perspective and completely engage with the narrative – an experience that was unattainable through its cinematic adaptation.
