W12, #5: Bringing the Book to Life

We'll soon be reading Goldstein's secret book -- The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism -- let's take a look at how Hollywood tries to explain this part of the novel (including when O'Brien gives Winston the book):

Challenge:

• Do you think that this part of the film is an accurate portrayal of the book as your mind is picturing it?
• Did they explain enough of Goldstein's book (and ideas) to help a person watching the film (who has never read the book) understand what you now know?
• What should they have added?  What should they have left out?

Here's the clip (about 10 minutes long):

Comments

[Student #1]

In the beginning it portrays the book well. "Confessing is betrayal, Having feelings nothing can make me change my feelings/[nor] stop me from loving you. Also the way the girl talks about the party being ineffective of getting inside Winston's head and changing his mind about love or anything. Even the costumes and dress code follows the book such as the "trash man" looking clothes. The talking in the back while Winston is in the meeting seems real because in the book there were many announcements and this particular one was about the Eurasian army being an enemy. These things did help me understand and mentally picture the book and some parts and events that took place. But if someone had not read the book then they would not really be able to understand what was occurring. Also the theme war is peace came up as the man had said that War is meant to be continuous. In the book that Winston was reading it made war seem good and says that it keeps society in tact.

[Student #2]

Overall, a pretty fair representation. What with the bulk of the novel consisting of Winston's thoughts, this is a difficult adaptation to pull off. I particularly like the shot of Winston in the elevator, next to the well-trimmed (possible inner-party) man. The man is standing in the light, almost at attention, while Winston slumps in the dark. If we were to begin watching the movie at that moment, we would know just from this shot that Winston is an outcast in his society. Goldstein's book was glossed over, but the most revelatory section was kept and to me it seems an acceptable sacrifice for entertainment.
BTW: Doesn't John Hurt bear a resemblance to Orwell? Can't help but think that was on purpose.

[Student #3]

This clip is much like the book. It helps you get a visual picture of what is happening. You get to see how the people in their blue suits are all crowded together cheering on the telescreen, acting as robots. In the clip and book, he has to sneak around with Julia, and he is not allowed to think for himself. Also, it was stated at the beginning “Confessing is betrayal” anything that you do would be wrong. At the very end it is said that the “war is continuous” and “that the “war is to keep the society on the brink of starvation.” In this story, they use war as a major factor in keeping the society obedient. The movie clip is much like the book, except you would be more confused on the true message of the story if you only watched the movie.