PRINCE CASPIAN: A BETTER FILM OR BOOK?
"How could they gut this film of all the spirituality?" That's what some folks are saying about the movie--not many, but some. In fact, my reviews have gotten criticized a little because I have called the movie a very faithful and uplifting adaptation. Did those who disagree go see a different movie? Not at all. Expectations matter and it is worthwhile talking about the context in which people decide to view this film.
First of all, I have no illusions about the secular media. It's a miracle when they try to adapt any film that has deep spiritual meaning. So I was not bothered that there was a little smoothing around the edges of the faith aspect. C. S. Lewis did this himself in his novel. Never does he call Aslan, "Christ", because if he did, millions of readers would never finish the book. He slipped that fact in behind an imaginary world, and succeeded because of it. I maintain that Adamson does the same. Anyone watching the film is going to get the faith aspect. Because it is not dressed up in blatant language or as a catechism answer does not mean the message does not exist.
Second, I do think that Adamson improved upon the themes of the book. Peter's inner turmoil of once being High King and now having to do geometry and fight with the bullies of his day just rings true to me and answers a question I have had of the Chronicles for decades--"How did those kids handle the fact that they ruled as kings and queens and had to return to normal life?" In fact, Peter's pride and anger and Caspian's thirst for vengeance are welcome additions to the drama and make the fantasy even more poignant. I did not want a slavish presentation of the novel, because much of it would not have worked on film. Adamson had to fill in details simply left out or not thought of by Lewis.
Lastly, it is an adaptation. This is Adamson's vision of Lewis' book, just like the film The Lord of the Rings was Peter Jackson's view of Tolkien's novel. They are entitled to their interpretation. Is it as good as the original? That depends. I preach on the Gospel every Sunday. People like my homilies; they interpret the Gospel. But when I place my homily next to the Scriptures my words pale in comparison. Yet, my homily helps bring people to the Gospels. Without it, people would not think about the Word of God. The same is true with a film adapation of a novel. It's not the novel. If you want it to be, you will be disappointed. I went into the film preparing to be enchanted. I surely was. So were the 225 people from my parish that I took to see the film. Whether very old, middle-aged, or very young, all were mesmerized by the beauty and wonder present in the film.
I am thankful this movie was made. The basic gist of Lewis' work and message made it through, sometimes with incredible beauty. Those who grouse and complain ought to thank God that this novel got such reverential treatment. Far from turning over in his grave, C. S. Lewis is shouting for joy in eternity that Narnia lives for the whole world to see, and the Lion of Judah can still teach what it means to live forever and lead those humble enough to become like little children to Aslan's country where the summer is forever and the joy never ends.
Well said and I agree! It was a wonderful book but is also a wonderful movie! God bless! Padre Steve, SDB
Posted by: Padre Steve | May 22, 2008 at 06:03 PM