Friday, December 13, 2013

The Two Eveys

Faisel E RS Altawheed

Professor Klepper

English 113B

13rd December 2013

The Two Eveys

We have often seen movies based on the stories taken from some famous books or an inspiration from an anthology. Sometimes such movies are really interesting and worth-to-watch as movie V. It has been observed that most films those are remakes of a book have certain forms of dissimilarities. The story of the movie V is also an adaptation of the book V for Vendetta. The book was written by Alan Moore and it was adapted as a movie by Larry and Andy Wachowiski. People who have read the book and watched the movie as well can easily nail the similarities and dissimilarities of the movie and the book. They can easily understand the central part of the novel as well as the focus of the movie. There are certain variations in addition to resemblances between the novel and the movie.  The scope of difference varies from characters, costumes, sets and even the theme of the story. In order to compare Evey's two different personalities, and explain in what sense the presence of similar character in two ways are significantly changed, the reader should focus on Evey's influence on the story line. Evey plays big and influential part in the story of V which is different from V for Vendetta in various aspects including her appearance, dressing, and approach.

Evey has been portrayed with more purity and had a more vivid impression in the book. As the main theme has been transformed from the book to its film adaptation. Hence, the characters have also been put forth in accordance with the main idea of the story, we can see the difference in the role play of the same character in the book and in movies. The spectators of the V for Vendetta are influenced by the bold part of Evey and they are not ready to appreciate her innocent appearance in the novel. On the other hand, the readers of the novel don’t feel likeness and attraction towards the Evey who is a prostitute in the movie.

The debut entry of Evey draws different impression on readers and audience. In the book she has been introduced as nicely dressed in a soft peach silken dress. The writer has tried to portray her with delicateness and serenity, that is why she is associated with soft pastel color and with a silken dress that exhibits the refinement of her personality. "We need to develop sophisticated ways of articulating well-crafted, meaningful messages (Gandio 28)." This quotation is perfectly explaining the Evey character in the book. In addition, book depicts her innocence as well as purity in her mind and soul. In the movie's Evey she is unveiled in the lynching scene dressed in black color. This is somewhat totally different from the depiction of her character in the book. She is bolder and lack the element of innocence. She portrays a dissimilar appearance on the big screen. In screenplay she has been shown as daring and strong. She is not the book’s Evey, she is different. Later in the movie this drastic personality clash of the same character can easily be notified (Jordison, 2011).

For example, in the novel when she tried to entertain one of her customers who turned to be a fingerman and was difficult for her, Evey got scared. Then an unknown man with a mask "V" has saved her from that situation. Evey felt immediately comfortable and secure in the presence of V that is why she spent lots of time with him. In contrast, in the movie when Evey was harassed by a fingerman she did not react at once, rather she tolerates them unless they turn to be unbearable. Although mask man also rescued her in the movie but she did not stick with him for a long time. The personality contrast again confirms the counterpoint of the Evey’s character. It is very attractive and striking for most of the viewers.

One thing that I like in the movie, is that the screenplay writer has treated the character with more respect that the books' Evey. In the book she planned to earn her livelihood through and illicit profession, while in the movie he took a part time job as an entertainer. An entertainer’s job is far much more respectable than the job of the prostitute. (Jordison, 2011). I feel the lack of dignity and esteem for the character of Evey here. I believe the reason behind the taking up the profession is poverty. However there could be many other options available for Evey to make both ends meet.

Elvis relative position in society has also been presently different. The writer has represented her as a poor and helpless as she was an orphan. She is the self reliant and strive for her lively hood. In contrast in the movie, she has been shown as a family girl and siblings. She belongs to a political family and her parents have been killed over political issues. A brother has also been shown in the movie who did die of the virus St. Marry. (Ebert, 2006)

 Maturity level Evey’s character is different in the book and in movies. By book’s Evey is all alone and she has not seen any sympathy and love from anywhere that is why she was ready to help the mask. She is sincere and kind hearted. She is the person who is innocent and noble. But the movie’s Evey is not such acquitted as depicted in the book but she is overconfident. She doesn’t want to trust the masked man, that's why she deceived him and told the truth to the bishop.
 “The inability to explain ourselves exposes us to common critique (Gandio 29). This quotation depicts the situation of Evey which is portrayed in the book. The book’s Evey is timid and fearful and she has to bear criticism but yet at the end of the story she is able to overcome her fears and take correct actions.
             Corrective actions may bring up a revolution. “We have come to believe that our actions, and our actions alone, will change the world (Gandio 7)." Evey realized that thing and it shows the positive approach of the character. That realization is what made her more confident in helping V to accomplish his goal.
            I liked the character of the book's Evey more than the movie. She was simple, innocent, sincere, noble, and kind as compared to the movie. Although the movie gives her some respect by not showing her as a prostitute, but overall, the approach and style that is used by Alan Moore in the book is more constructive, positive, and optimistic.










Works Cited

Ebert, Robert. "V for Vendetta Movie Review& Film Summary (2006) | Roger Ebert." Movie Reviews and Ratings by Film Critic Roger Ebert | Roger Ebert. N.p., 16 Mar. 2006. Web. 26 Nov. 2013.
Gandio, J. D. (2013). Rhetoric for Radicals. USA: New Society Publishers.

Jordison, Sam. "V for Vendetta: Political resonance | Books | theguardian.com." the Guardian. N.p., 14 Nov. 20. Web. 26 Nov. 2013.


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