Adaptation.

The other day I was sitting down eating my evening meal when I saw something on the TV that gave me a small shock. On the screen out of the period setting came who appeared to be none other than Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, there was traditional dress, hairstyles, their beautiful stance matched that of what you would expect of the day, the romantic gesture gave way to the longing looks and then when you least expected it Elizabeth strode off, pulling out a neatly concealed deadly weapon from under her many nineteenth century layers. Confusion.com was me and then when I was totally mystified a notice proclaimed the forthcoming feature film entitled Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. This sent my mind in a whirl of possible titles of films to come, could there be a Snow White and the Seven baby Godzillas or Great Expectations starring Batman and Robin. There is nothing wrong in combining well known themes as long as the finished product fulfils fully the expected entertainment satisfaction. To be fair I have not seen the film Pride and Prejudice and Zombies so can not comment on its artistic merits.

I remember in my school years seeing an adaptation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar adapted to modern times and the characters were suited business men. Somehow although the language was clear to understand the dynamics of the situation failed to create in my mind the mood of the play. Some adaptations are clear successes such as the American musical West Side Story based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet play. Another rip roaring success was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which was inspired by the Taming of the Shrew.

I doubt that there is a story that has not appeared in some pre-existing work of some kind. That is why people have fought copy right battles over successful works that they claim were theirs in the first place.

I think having a good combination is something that meets the needs of two different themes while opening up something that intrigues or interests the viewing public. While many films seem to be only as good as the first try, there are examples that have made film history. Long live the passion to mix up, shake up and flex the themes of the past and present but please do it with a sense of objective inspiration.