Postcolonial Screen Adaptation and the British Novel

This book explores how nineteenth-century imperial ideologies of progress continue to inform power inequalities in a global capitalist age through film adaptations of literature. It reveals the arrogance and coercive intentions of contemporary notions of development and humanitarianism while also critiquing these legacies of imperialism. Adaptation provides a way to engage with the baggage of ideological heritage in our contemporary media environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the fascinating intersection of film adaptations and nineteenth-century imperial ideologies of progress, shedding light on how these ideologies continue to shape power inequalities in the global capitalist age. It goes beyond a mere promotion of general betterment for all, emphasizing the specific context of British colonialism, where the notion of improvement granted a superior "master race" the authority to "uplift" its colonized populations. Through a comprehensive analysis of film adaptations of nineteenth-century novels, the book uncovers the underlying arrogance and coercive intentions that underpin contemporary notions of development, humanitarianism, and modernity. It reveals how these advancements, often presented in post-Victorian guises, are in fact rooted in the legacies of imperialism.

However, this book goes beyond mere critique. It also demonstrates how film adaptations utilize their nineteenth-century source texts to challenge and subvert these imperial legacies. By bringing together film adaptation, postcolonial theory, and literary studies, the book offers a unique perspective on how adaptation, as both a method and a cultural product, can engage with the weighty baggage of ideological heritage in our contemporary global media environment.

In the first chapter, the book explores the historical context of nineteenth-century imperialism and its impact on the development of literature and film. It examines how the expansion of European empires led to the colonization of various parts of the world, and how these colonized regions were subjected to cultural and economic domination. The chapter highlights the ways in which nineteenth-century literature and film reflected the ideologies of imperialism, portraying the colonized as inferior and in need of upliftment by the "master race."

The second chapter delves into the specific case of film adaptations of nineteenth-century novels. It examines how these adaptations capture the essence of the original texts while also adapting them to the visual and auditory medium of film. The chapter explores how film adaptations can convey the moral and social implications of nineteenth-century imperialism, as well as how they can challenge and subvert these ideologies.

In the third chapter, the book examines how film adaptations can contribute to postcolonial theory. It explores how the films use their nineteenth-century source texts to critique the legacies of imperialism, as well as how they can provide a platform for the voices of marginalized communities. The chapter also discusses how film adaptations can challenge the dominant narratives of history and power, and how they can promote a more inclusive and equitable world.

In the fourth chapter, the book explores the cultural and social implications of film adaptations of nineteenth-century novels. It examines how these adaptations can shape public perception and influence cultural norms and values. The chapter also discusses how film adaptations can contribute to the perpetuation of imperialist ideologies, as well as how they can challenge and subvert these ideologies.

In the final chapter, the book offers a conclusion that summarizes the key findings of the book. It emphasizes the importance of studying film adaptations and nineteenth-century imperial ideologies of progress in order to understand the ongoing power inequalities in the global capitalist age. The book calls for a more critical and nuanced approach to film adaptation, one that recognizes the complex interplay between historical context, cultural representation, and ideological baggage.

In conclusion, this book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of film adaptations and nineteenth-century imperial ideologies of progress. It sheds light on how these ideologies continue to shape power inequalities in the global capitalist age, and how film adaptations can play a crucial role in challenging and subverting these ideologies. By bringing together film adaptation, postcolonial theory, and literary studies, the book offers a unique perspective on how adaptation can engage with the weighty baggage of ideological heritage in our contemporary global media environment.

Weight: 353g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030545826
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020