Screen Adaptations: Great Expectations

A major and fast-growing area of study in schools and universities. A British Film Institute survey of secondary schools found that 91% of english teachers were enthusiastic about teaching literature on film, and 41% devoted curriculum time to it, but more resources were needed. 40% of all Oscar winning movies have been adapted from film. There are 576, 562 students on english literature courses at GCSE level and 81,000 at A Level. The number of film studies students grows by 15% year on year.

A close study of the relationship between text and film versions of Great Expectations. Literature and film studies students will find plenty of material to support their courses and essay writing on how the film versions provide different readings of the original text.A close study of the relationship between text and film versions of Great Expectations. Literature and film studies students will find plenty of material to support their courses and essay writing on how the film versions provide different readings of the original text. Focussing on David Lean's film of Great Expectations, the book discusses: the literary text in its historical context, key themes and dominant readings of the text, how the text is adapted for screen and how adaptations have changed our reading of the original text. There are numerous excerpts from the literary text, screenplays and shooting scripts, with suggestions for comparison. The book also features quotations from authors, screenwriters, directors, critics and others linked with the chosen film and text.