Often at times, movies intend to mirror themes presented in a novel of similar context. Sherman Alexie, award-winning author and filmmaker, implements this technique and displays commonalities between his auto-fictional novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and his co-production of Smoke Signals. Both selections incorporate the stereotypical Indian lifestyle and culture such as chronic alcoholism and devastating poverty. However, there are also slight differences between the two pieces which in turn enables the viewer or reader to interpret an opposing storyline yet with a similar theme. Henceforth, both selections highlight different adaptations on parallel themes.
To begin with, there are a number of key themes discussed …show more content…
For instance, Smoke Signals frequently utilizes the technique of flashbacks. The flashbacks successfully draw the viewer into the story and are effective in connecting the story. On the other hand, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian uses cartoons to give a visual aid to the reader. The visual aids allow the reader to have a deeper connection with the book and feel empathetic for the distressed and emotional life that Junior lives. For example, one daily struggle junior encounters is finding a mode of transportation to school. Multiple factors affect whether or not Junior will make it to school on time or even make it to school in the first place, such as whether or not there is enough money to fill the car, if the car is functional, or if his father is too hungover to drive him (Alexie, 88). A cartoon in the book illustrates the frustration that Junior feels from this particular instance. As well, this cartoon and many others convey Junior’s emotions effectively to the reader, keeping he or she engaged throughout the novel. In addition, both the movie and the novel center around the setting of a reservation and the experience of leaving the reservation. Thus, although they take different approaches to presenting the storyline, the format still has a successful and lasting impact on the
To begin with, there are a number of key themes discussed …show more content…
For instance, Smoke Signals frequently utilizes the technique of flashbacks. The flashbacks successfully draw the viewer into the story and are effective in connecting the story. On the other hand, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian uses cartoons to give a visual aid to the reader. The visual aids allow the reader to have a deeper connection with the book and feel empathetic for the distressed and emotional life that Junior lives. For example, one daily struggle junior encounters is finding a mode of transportation to school. Multiple factors affect whether or not Junior will make it to school on time or even make it to school in the first place, such as whether or not there is enough money to fill the car, if the car is functional, or if his father is too hungover to drive him (Alexie, 88). A cartoon in the book illustrates the frustration that Junior feels from this particular instance. As well, this cartoon and many others convey Junior’s emotions effectively to the reader, keeping he or she engaged throughout the novel. In addition, both the movie and the novel center around the setting of a reservation and the experience of leaving the reservation. Thus, although they take different approaches to presenting the storyline, the format still has a successful and lasting impact on the