Andre Dubus “The Killings” and Todd Fields In the Bedroom present the theme of grief, revenge and how a good person can commit an evil act; through the different uses of characters, plot, and tone. There are very subtle changes between the story and the film adaption, with some parts of the film quoting the story word for word. While the director keeps the film in very close likeness to the story, there are subtle changes we can compare and contrast. Beginning with the characters, right away the narrator in the story introduces the grieving family of Frank Fowler. Matt and Ruth, the parents, and siblings Steve and Cathleen. The latter two were omitted from the film adaptation, due to them not having any appearances after the funeral in
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Initially, in the film, the character Frank has a storyline to observe; his personality, his relationships with the main characters, and his romantic interactions with Natalie. There is a chronological build up of tension between Richard and Frank. In one scene of the film, Richard, shows up to a party hosted by the Fowler’s, uninvited and Frank welcomes Richard to stay and have a meal. Not too long after Frank is seen with a mangled face at the hand of Richard, and it gives some insight to the instability of Richard’s character. In the Story, the reader is introduced to Frank posthumously and in flashbacks.The very beginning catapults readers right into the thick of the plot, Frank’s funeral. Tensions are running high and there is a foreshadowing of events when Frank’s brother Steve says referring to Richard Strout “I should kill him.” (3, Dubus) The killings, and the manner they occur are crucial to the story. The remained almost identical in both the story and the film with the exception of the details surrounding Frank’s death. The film version, occurs rather quickly, which does not keep in its trend of drawing events out.In the film, he is heard arguing with Richard while Natalie and the boys are upstairs. As she is making her way down the stairs you hear one shot, and see Frank with a gunshot wound to the head. The story version of Frank’s death paints a darker picture,having him enjoying time on …show more content…
He maintained the integrity and elements of the story that inflicted suspense and impacted the reader and translated them through film. The major difference between the film and the story is the length of time it takes to tell it and the order of events. The story gives you exactly what you need to know, every detail is important to the comprehension of the story. The film adds a bit of filler information, elaborating on events. The actors who portray the characters are appropriately selected and enhance the visual side of the account. Matt and Ruth played by Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek are brilliant choices. Matt, fearful in his fatherly role yet strong when something needs to be handled. Ruth a bit overbearing, yet loving in her own way.Nick Stahl who plays Frank, has the boyish looks and charm, with hope in his eyes for a bright future. Marissa Tomei who plays Natalie gives a vulnerable performance, specifically when in the film she approaches Ruth at the school where Ruth works and attempts to offer her condolences. It 's then Ruth slaps her across the face. At that moment, all the unspoken disapproval and anger Ruth had been feeling and never expressed toward Natalie came to the
Initially, in the film, the character Frank has a storyline to observe; his personality, his relationships with the main characters, and his romantic interactions with Natalie. There is a chronological build up of tension between Richard and Frank. In one scene of the film, Richard, shows up to a party hosted by the Fowler’s, uninvited and Frank welcomes Richard to stay and have a meal. Not too long after Frank is seen with a mangled face at the hand of Richard, and it gives some insight to the instability of Richard’s character. In the Story, the reader is introduced to Frank posthumously and in flashbacks.The very beginning catapults readers right into the thick of the plot, Frank’s funeral. Tensions are running high and there is a foreshadowing of events when Frank’s brother Steve says referring to Richard Strout “I should kill him.” (3, Dubus) The killings, and the manner they occur are crucial to the story. The remained almost identical in both the story and the film with the exception of the details surrounding Frank’s death. The film version, occurs rather quickly, which does not keep in its trend of drawing events out.In the film, he is heard arguing with Richard while Natalie and the boys are upstairs. As she is making her way down the stairs you hear one shot, and see Frank with a gunshot wound to the head. The story version of Frank’s death paints a darker picture,having him enjoying time on …show more content…
He maintained the integrity and elements of the story that inflicted suspense and impacted the reader and translated them through film. The major difference between the film and the story is the length of time it takes to tell it and the order of events. The story gives you exactly what you need to know, every detail is important to the comprehension of the story. The film adds a bit of filler information, elaborating on events. The actors who portray the characters are appropriately selected and enhance the visual side of the account. Matt and Ruth played by Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek are brilliant choices. Matt, fearful in his fatherly role yet strong when something needs to be handled. Ruth a bit overbearing, yet loving in her own way.Nick Stahl who plays Frank, has the boyish looks and charm, with hope in his eyes for a bright future. Marissa Tomei who plays Natalie gives a vulnerable performance, specifically when in the film she approaches Ruth at the school where Ruth works and attempts to offer her condolences. It 's then Ruth slaps her across the face. At that moment, all the unspoken disapproval and anger Ruth had been feeling and never expressed toward Natalie came to the