Student Essay on Film and Book Versions of "The English Patient"

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Film and Book Versions of "The English Patient"

Summary:   A comparison of the film and novel versions of "The English Patient" by Michael Ondaatje. The film medium better portrays the era and characters, in the author's opinion.

In the novel and film "The English Patient", we have seen the importance a variety of characters in many different ways. At various points during the film the director places much emphasis on certain points, characters and conflicts, in contrast to the book version. Both, movie and novel are tremendous dramatic representations of The English Patient. However, movie version establishes greater understanding of the role of characters in "The English Patient" with the help of emotions and sound effects. This plot is the same in both the book and the movie, and there are many other similarities as well. There are, however, also many differences between the book and the movie.

There are many similarities between the book version of "The English Patient" and the movie. First of all, the plot is the same in both the book and the movie. The characters are the same in both also. The war situation in "The English Patient" drives the story forward by influencing the actions of the English patient and Hana, the nurse. It's WWII; flying above the African desert, Almay's plane crashes. And though he survives the crash, he is brutally burned. Fortunately he is rescued by a tribe of nomads and winds up in a hospital. However, in movie version that plane was shot down by army who thought it was an enemy aircraft. This concept was very clear and tragic due to visibility and emotions.

There are few major changes the movie version of The English patient has made from the book. In addition, the biggest factor that separates novel from movie is scenes containing emotions and sound effects. Audiences do not have to wait to get the idea of the looks of the characters. The story takes place during thirties. While watching the movie it's easier to get the idea of the living style of people at that time. Moreover, it is heart-stopping moment when kip-the sapper, defuses the bomb. While reading the novel we have to imagine what it going on and how is the characters feeling as the story moves on. On the other hand, movie provides their feelings and looks with the help of emotions and sounds.

In conclusion, "The English Patient" novel and movie has a lot in common. However, movie establishes better understanding of the characters and the scenes with the help of sound and picture. Also the fact that movie finishes much faster than the novel itself provides more understanding and the ideas about the story. In my opinion, movie version was not far different from the novel but was more successful when it comes to understanding the characters and their feelings for one-another.