Hello readers! In these blog I'll be discussing about the worksheets of the George Orwell's novel "1984" which hase been adapted into several films. So in these blog I'll be discussing about the observations in the film and the original novel.
Worksheet 1
Worksheet 2
Part 1: Pre- Screening
Have you read the novel "1984" by George novel? If yes, what did you think of it? If no, what do you know about the story?
No, I have not read the novel. But we were provided some pre-watching video task, so on that bases I can say something about the story, "1984" is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell, published in 1949. It is set in a totalitarian society ruled by the Party led by Big Brother. The story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party who rebels against its oppressive authority. The novel explores themes of surveillance, government control, censorship, and the manipulation of truth. "1984" has had a significant influence on popular culture and political language, introducing terms like "Big Brother" and "thoughtcrime" into the lexicon.
Have you watched any adoptations of "1984" before? If yes, which one and what did you think of them? If no, what do you expect from these adaptation?
No, I have not watch any adoptation so far. The very first thing that come into my mind while reading the title was that, the film might be about some revolution or aftermath of war effects of WWII. The film "1984" is based on George Orwell's dystopian novel of the same name, depicting a totalitarian government, where individual freedoms are heavily restricted, and government surveillance is worldwide.
What themes or ideas do you think are central to "1984" ? Why?
The central idea of "1984" by George Orwell revolves around the themes of totalitarianism, government surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth. Orwell explores the dangers of a authority that controls every aspect of its citizens lives, including their thoughts and memories, through the use of technology and psychological manipulation. The novel serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked power and the erosion of individual freedoms in society.
Part 2 Screening
As you watch the film, take note of any major differences from the novel. How do these changes affect the story?
The novel begins with;
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors of Victory Mansions, though not quickly enough to prevent a swirl of gritty dust from entering along with him. " where as the film begins with some different quote.
The protagonist hide's his book in the table into the novel, whereas in the film he is hiding inside the wall in between the bricks.
In the novel, Julia worked as spie; on the other hand, in the film she just serves as the female supporting character.
The description of the wife of winston i.e Katherine is totaly missing in the film.
How does the 1984 films visual style and cinematography contribute to the story? What mood or tone does it create?
The 1984 film adaptation of "1984" employs a bleak and oppressive visual style, using desaturated colors, harsh lighting, and stark, industrial settings to reflect the totalitarian world of George Orwell's novel. The cinematography often utilizes low angles and tight framing to convey a sense of confinement and surveillance, reinforcing the theme of government control and oppression. This visual approach contributes to the mood of paranoia, fear, and hopelessness, effectively immersing viewers in the dystopian atmosphere of the story. Overall, the film's visual style and cinematography play a crucial role in establishing the tone of oppressive authoritarianism and the psychological effects of living in a surveillance state.
Compare the portrayal of the main characters in the film to your mental image of them from the novel "1984" by George Orwell. How are they similar or different?
In "1984" by George Orwell, the main characters are Winston Smith, Julia, and O'Brien. In the novel, Winston is described as a middle-aged man with a rebellious spirit against the oppressive Party. Julia is depicted as a youthful woman with a sense of aggression and sensuality. O'Brien is presented as an mysterious figure who initially appears sympathetic to Winston's cause but later reveals himself as a loyal Party member.
The some of film adaptations are altered, certain scenes or dialogue for cinematic purposes. This sometimes result in characters appearing slightly different from how they are portrayed in the novel. For example, in the novel, Winston and Julia's conversations are detailed, showcasing their growing bond and shared aggression against the Party. But, when we look in a film adaptation, these interactions might be shortened to fit the crossing of the film.
What elements form the novel "1984" by George Orwell, did the film adaptation include or exclude? Were there any major plot points that were left out?
The film adaptation of "1984" included most of the major elements from the novel, such as the oppressive government surveillance, the protagonist Winston Smith's rebellion against the Party, and the concept of Newspeak.
One major plot point that was left out or altered in the film adaptation is the appendix of the novel, which provides additional context and information about the world of "1984," including the Newspeak language. Additionally, some characters and subplots may have been condensed or streamlined in the film adaptation to fit the narrative into a shorter runtime.The novel delves deep into Winston Smith's inner thoughts and struggles, which are difficult to convey fully in a visual medium like film. While the movie attempts to capture his internal conflicts, it necessarily lacks the depth and complexity found in the novel.
Part 3 Post-Screening
What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of this film adaptation? How does it compare to other adaptations of "1984"?
When we talk abut the strength, the film generally stays true to the themes, atmosphere, and storyline of Orwell's novel, capturing the oppressive and totalitarian world of Oceania. The film "1984" successfully convey the bleak and oppressive atmosphere of the dystopian society, utilizing cinematography, set design, and lighting to create a sense of despair and surveillance. The film feature strong performances from the cast, particularly in portraying the psychological struggles of the characters living under constant surveillance and control.
While talking about the weakness, due to the constraints of adapting a complex novel into a film format, some adaptations may simplify over certain varation present in the original text. To fit the narrative into a film's runtime, certain subplots or details from the novel may be omitted, leading to a loss of depth or complexity in the story.
Comparing it with Other film Adaptations;
There have been several adaptations of "1984" over the years, each adaptation brings its own interpretation and approach to the material. Some adaptations may excel in capturing the atmosphere and visual aspects of the novel, while others may focus more on character development or political commentary.
For example, the 1984 film directed by Michael Radford is often praised for its loyalty to the source material and its strong performances, particularly by John Hurt as Winston Smith. On the other hand, other adaptations, such as the 1956 film version or various stage productions, may take different creative liberties or emphasize different aspects of the story.
However, the strengths and weaknesses of each adaptation depend on individual preferences and interpretations of Orwell's productive work.
How successful was the film in conveying the central themes and ideas of the novel? Were there any aspects that the film failed to capture?
One of the most notable film adaptations is the 1984 film directed by Michael Radford, starring John Hurt as Winston Smith and Richard Burton as O'Brien. This adaptation is generally regarded as faithful to the novel in terms of its depiction of the oppressive, totalitarian regime of Big Brother, the surveillance state, and the suppression of individuality and free thought.
The film effectively conveys the themes of surveillance, control, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth that are central to Orwell's novel. The iconic imagery of Big Brother's global face on posters and telescreens, the Thought Police, and the oppressive atmosphere of fear and paranoia are all effectively portrayed. One aspect that some critics have noted is the internal psychological struggle of the protagonist, Winston Smith. While the film does portray Winston's rebellion against the Party and his relationship with Julia, some argue that it may not delve as deeply into his inner thoughts and motivations as the novel does.
What is your overall impression of the film? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
Overall, my impression of the film is that it effectively captures the oppressive atmosphere and themes of Orwell's novel. The cinematography, set design, and performances contribute to creating a bleak and haunting world that stays true to the source material.
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