Q: What is an "unfilmable" novella?
A: It most often means a story with a lot of internal action, i.e., inside the character's head. Alas, this is not good for film, which depends on external action.
Q: This script is an adaptation of James Joyce's "unfilmable" novella. How did the writers tackle an "unfilmable" scene?
A: One tool they used was a close up which should be used sparingly, because it emphasizes something the director wants pointed out.
In this script, the close up is used to show what the character is thinking.
In two examples below (a) at the piano; b) with photograph):
- Notice the complex thoughts each one is trying to convey: In a), Gabriel pities Aunt Julia. In b) Gabriel remembers his mother.
- Notice the reason for the close ups: We're going into Gabriel's internal thoughts, which is a very intimate space. A wide shot would keep us distant from him.
CLOSE ON GABRIEL
As he is struck with bitter intensity by the irony of her choice. Here is his Aunt, a withered old maid, giving expression to emotions and experiences which, in real life, have alluded her.
CLOSE ON AUNT JULIA
The CAMERA taking in the signs of old age - the grey hair, the wrinkled hands, the flaccid folds at cheek, neck and elbow, the crow's feet at the corners of the eyes, etc.
AUNT JULIA (cont'd)(singing): Who would not love her?
CLOSE ON GABRIEL
Hardly able to bear it.
CLOSE ON GABRIEL
As his gaze drifts from Aunt Julia to the inanimate objects around the room.
....
The final photograph is one of Gabriel himself in a man-o-war suit as he leans on his mother's knee reading a book in her lap.
CLOSE ON GABRIEL
Indicating that he and the boy are one and the same person and that this woman was his mother.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: A close up can convey unfilmable complex thoughts.
However, it should be used judiciously because we lose objectivity if we're constantly in that close.
The Dead (1987)(undated)
by Tony Huston & John Huston
Based on the novella, "The Dead," from "Dubliners," by James Joyce
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