Book-to-movie adaptations get a bad reputation from years and years of Hodge podge work (see fans of Percy Jackson and their movies) but I still stand behind the apple pie metaphor from a blog post TJ did years ago. It’s an adaptation, after all, not a direct translation. So some artistic liberties are taken. Some adaptations cause fans to die a little inside (see the Burrow burning in Half-Blood Prince) because they’re unnecessary, but some enhance the feeling and theme of the story (see Stephen’s post about Dawn Treader). I guess my point is that not all creative additions to book-to-movie adaptations are bad. That’s what I want to delve into with some of these blog posts. Today’s example: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Edmund and Lucy’s Insecurities
The opening scenes of the movie beautifully (and awkwardly) set up the youthful angst of King Edmund and Queen Lucy in England. Always being second-best to Peter, it’s understandable that Edmund would feel slighted. And when Lucy’s grown up hearing how beautiful her older sister is, it’s easy to start the comparisons. These insecurities weren’t front and center in the book, but they’re the natural progression of these two, especially having to experience puberty for a second time.
Reepicheep’s Expressions of Faith
I love Reepicheep, especially the movie version. Instead of the blind courage he tends to display in the book, movie Reepicheep shows more faith in Aslan and his mission. Maybe it’s how he’s voiced and animated in the movie compared to how he’s narrated in the audiobooks, but Reepicheep’s thirst for adventure appears more centered in finding Aslan when I watch the movie.
The Lone Islands
Discussions that are engaging and exciting in written form don’t always translate to film. So while book Caspian avoided sharing his royal lineage at first and plotted the takeover of the Lone Islands, the market scene in the movie quickly gives more action and excitement for your viewing pleasure. Plus, I love the score from that scene–It’s perfect for a workout playlist.
The Seven Swords and the Green Mist
I’ve heard plenty of fans complain about the obvious addition of the seven swords in the movie. While the swords never appeared in the book and the mist only appeared briefly, they gave continuity to the story. While I love the Narnia books, the individual plots on each island and vaguely looking for the lords don’t exactly translate well to the big screen. So despite gripes I’ve heard, I like the additional plot points to tie the movie together, even if it also meant rearranging the order of the islands too.
Rhince and Gale
Instead of first-mate Rhince being simply another crew member on the Dawn Treader, the movie gave a simple backstory to the sailor. While he may have just been a civilian sailor in the movie, he was a family man and rescuing his wife gave me a greater reason to invest in him. In addition, his stowaway daughter Gale gave a nice foil to Lucy’s insecurities. So once Lucy had fought her fears, she was able to positively affirm Gale moving forward.
Didn't even get into things here with Caspian's insecurities or Eustace's time as a dragon (maybe those'll be future blog posts, but we'll see). But I know I've been controversial here to some extent, so I want to hear where you agree/disagree with Dawn Treader.
For Narnia and for Aslan!
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