How do audiences react differently to theatre when translated from stage to screen or vice versa? – Essay Plan

Differences of movie adaptations

– Must be performed on a bigger scale – Usually adds to spectacle – Can take away from substance – Audiences might be blown away by mise-en-scene etc, but can take away from the enjoyment of the story being told.

– Auteur theory – people go to see the films because of director – People may enjoy film more because it’s being directed by a well-known and admired director

– Hollywood star system – May not have been drawn to see the film as much without well-known actors in

– Movies can afford much better advertising – Without advertising, audiences may never have heard about the movie

– Films shown in movie theatres – Much more likely to have film disrupted – ruins atmosphere for audience – Affects enjoyment

 

Compare to stage shows

– Actors have limited space in which to perform and props to use – More intimate for both audience and actors

– Actors have much more responsibility to remember many lines – Only have the one chance – e.g If an actor forgets lines can ruin mood of the scene for audience

– They’re more emotionally attached to their character – Journey through the performance with them – Actors in movies film through ‘takes’. – Stage actors reactions and emotions can be more genuine, making it more believable for audience

– Actors connect with audience – Witness reaction directl – Can make the audience feel much more emotionally connected to the piece of theatre they’re seeing

– Rely heavily on word of mouth to attract audiences – cheaper to produce – If less popular than other shows, it may not do so well

 

Expand on Hollywood star system

– Many movies feature famous Hollywood stars to attract audiences – Believed that audiences will enjoy a film more when they know of actors playing roles – Big actors attract mass audience, West End/Broadway stars attract more niche audience

– New pieces of theatre however may also use famous actors – e.g. James Corden in One Man, Two Guvnors

– Many film stars have walked the boards in theatre before – Money lies in film, but credibility lies in theatre – Can be to revive a career, avoid typecasting or simply for love of the theatre

 

Film/stage adaptations can help renew audience interest

– New song/scene made specifically for movie – e.g ‘Suddenly’ in Les Miserables

– Updating an old story – Changing song orders or adding in new scenes – e.g 2004 Phantom movie

 

Conclusion