Castellon: Wit Film

The film did not enhance nor diminish the play that I read. Although, watching Doc from the "Back to the Future" movies play Doctor Kelekian, specialist in oncology, was a bit comical. I literally could not take his character seriously after watching Christopher Lloyd star in the aforementioned movie. Despite the actors, I thought the film almost followed the play to the letter.

A couple of parts from the play were clearly edited but I did not think that those scenarios were relevant in the film. For instance, Vivian's explanation of i-o-n usage in word endings in the play were mocked by students as they were exiting the class, yet, the film left the mocking part out.

I reasoned that the film did not want to make light of English literature or Vivian's doctorate in English literature. Further evidence of the importance of Vivian's teachings come from her scolding of a student who had shown up to class unprepared. Although Jason stated that it was not important for a medical student, he did emphasize that it was a good tool for critical thinking in the film and in the play.

In the play, Vivian would often pause and explain a scenario to the audience. Often, she would recite seventeenth century poetry to herself. The film depicted Vivian doing the same thing. Both, the film and the play, emphasized the importance of Donne's works to Vivian. You can see and feel her frustration when Susie interrupts one of her recitals to take another test requested by doctor Kelekian.

In the film you see the toll cancer treatment takes on Vivian's body. In the play, Vivian explains that her stomach cells are adversely affected by the treatment which causes her to vomit along with other symptoms. I thought it was important for the film to show her experiencing these effects because it gives viewers a visual of her suffering.

I think that visuals are important because it is harder to sympathize with another person when you have not had their experiences. Often, films and pictures inspire to educate and create. For this reason, Hollywood should invest in telling more stories instead of retelling stories.