Evaluating “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” and “Away from Her”: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction
When evaluating a film adaptation of a literary work, it is essential to establish specific criteria to assess how well the film captures the essence and success of the original source material. In this essay, we will evaluate how well the film “Away from Her” (directed by Sarah Polley, 2006) stands up to the short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” (written by Alice Munro, 2013). The short story serves as the source material, and we will analyze elements such as plot, structure, character, and point of view to determine the film’s success in capturing the essence of the original story.
Criteria for Success in “The Bear Came Over the Mountain”
Plot: The short story effectively portrays the gradual deterioration of Fiona’s memory due to Alzheimer’s disease and her husband Grant’s struggle to cope with her declining mental health. The plot unfolds through a series of nonlinear events that offer insights into their complex relationship and the challenges they face.
Structure: Munro’s story employs a non-linear narrative structure, moving back and forth between different periods of time. This structure allows for a deeper exploration of Fiona and Grant’s relationship, revealing its complexities and how it evolves over time.
Character: The characters in the short story are multidimensional and nuanced. Fiona’s gradual transformation due to Alzheimer’s disease is portrayed with empathy and authenticity. Grant’s internal conflicts and his journey of acceptance add depth to the story. Munro’s characterization creates emotional resonance and a sense of empathy in readers.
Point of View: The story is narrated from Grant’s perspective, providing readers with an intimate understanding of his thoughts, emotions, and struggles. This first-person point of view allows readers to empathize with Grant and gain insight into his complex relationship with Fiona.
Evaluating “Away from Her” Based on “The Bear Came Over the Mountain”
Plot: “Away from Her” successfully captures the central plot elements of Fiona’s declining memory and Grant’s struggle to come to terms with her condition. The film presents these events in a linear fashion, deviating from the non-linear structure of the short story. While this alteration simplifies the narrative, it also reduces the depth and complexity of Fiona and Grant’s relationship.
Quote from the film: In one scene, Grant says to Fiona, “You remember everything we’ve been through. You remember that we loved each other.”
Structure: The film adapts the structure of the short story by presenting events in a more linear manner. While this choice streamlines the narrative for a visual medium, it sacrifices the depth and richness that Munro’s non-linear structure provides. The film lacks the same level of emotional impact as the short story due to this alteration.
Quote from the text: In one scene from the short story, Munro writes, “He had fallen in love with her then—not just her looks or anything like that—but with her calm kindness and apparent understanding of what had happened to him.”
Character: “Away from Her” successfully captures the emotional journey of Fiona, portrayed brilliantly by Julie Christie. Christie brings depth to Fiona’s character, effectively portraying her transformation due to Alzheimer’s disease. However, the film doesn’t delve as deeply into Grant’s internal conflicts and struggles as the short story does, reducing the complexity of his character.
Quote from the film: In a poignant moment, Grant says to Fiona, “I’ve cared for you for forty-four years. Now I want someone to care for you.”
Point of View: The film adopts a more omniscient point of view compared to the first-person narrative of the short story. While this allows for a broader perspective on Fiona’s condition and its impact on those around her, it sacrifices the intimate connection readers feel with Grant in the original text.
Quote from the text: In one passage from the short story, Grant reflects on his relationship with Fiona, stating, “Sometimes he thought that all he had left was his pride or vanity or whatever it was—his desire to think that he was a good man.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Away from Her” largely succeeds in capturing certain aspects of “The Bear Came Over the Mountain,” particularly in its portrayal of Fiona’s journey through Alzheimer’s disease. The film effectively conveys Fiona’s decline and Julie Christie delivers a remarkable performance that captures the essence of Munro’s character. However, it falls short in terms of plot structure, character depth, and point of view when compared to Munro’s original short story. The alterations made for a visual medium sacrifice some of the emotional impact and complexity present in Munro’s work. While “Away from Her” is a commendable adaptation, it does not fully live up to the criteria established by “The Bear Came Over the Mountain.”
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