Theories of narrativity can be applied to a variety of genres including text and film. They allow us to examine both the nature of narrative itself and the way in which it can be translated from one genre to another. Specific narrative theories, such as those of Seymour Chatman and Mieke Bal, can be used to break down narrative structure into elemental components, both primary and secondary. When examining film adaptation theories, this type of narrative breakdown is key because it can be used to explore how specific components of the story are translated onto the filmic medium. Film adaptation studies is concerned with both fidelity in translation as well as the technical specificities of the medium which operate as both constraints and opportunities for expansion of the original narrative. The information provided hereafter on narrative theory and film adaptation will serve to clarify the nature of narrative and its adaptation in order to later examine Russell Banks' novel The Sweet Hereafter in comparison with the adapation to film by Atom Egoyan.

 

Narrative Theory

Film Adaptation

 

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