Narrative Theory and Adaptation.

Film Theory in Practice

by Jason Mittell, Todd McGowan (Series Editor)

Narrative Theory and Adaptation offers a concise introduction to narrative theory in jargon-free language and shows how this theory can be deployed to interpret Spike Jonze's critically acclaimed 2002 film Adaptation.

Understanding narrative theory is crucial to make sense of the award-winning film Adaptation. The book explicates, in clear prose for beginners, four key facets important to the narrative theory of film: the distinction between practical vs. critical theory, the role of adaptation, the process of narrative comprehension, and notions of authorship. It then works to unlock Adaptation using these four keys in succession, considering how the film demands a theoretical understanding of the storytelling process. In using this unusual case study of a film, the author makes the case for the importance of narrative theory as a general perspective for filmmakers, critics, and viewers alike.

Genres: Film

152 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 2017

About the author

Jason Mittell is Professor of Film & Media Culture and American Studies at Middlebury College, USA. He is the author of Genre & Television: From Cop Shows to Cartoons in American Culture (2004), Television & American Culture (2009), Complex Television: The Poetics of Contemporary Television Storytelling (forthcoming), and co-editor of How to Watch Television (2013), as well as numerous essays about film and media studies. He runs the blog Just TV.

Reviews

[Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully detailed yet concise guide to narrative theory for thinking about film and literature alike. An equally impressive explication of one of the most fascinating films of the 21st century.

[Michael Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect film to explore narrative theory and screenwriting in general.