The film is generally close to what I’ve imagined in my head while reading the written version. With detailed set ups and intentional body languages and facial expressions, the film does a comprehensive interpretation of the play. The main character like Hedda Gabler is portrayed accurately in the film. Through her scenes, I can definitely sense her meanness and pride, especially when she mistakes Aunt Julia’s hat as Berta’s and makes an unpleasant comment about it. There are some parts in the written version that are cut out in the film. For example, the conversation between Aunt Julie and Tesman regarding the honeymoon trip is not in the film. In my opinion, this conversation is fairly important as it shows how much Tesman is a “suck-up” to his wife Hedda Gabler. Tesman is crazy in love with his wife that he’d do anything to please her. This “need and feed” relationship between Tesman and his wife is critical for the development of the plot.
Although the film does give me a better understanding of the plot of the original play, I still find the written version more appealing. The written version allows me to construct the scenes, the appearances and emotions of characters in my head based on what I imagine. I find it more descriptive in this way than watching the film. A big difference I notice during two different experiences is the written version narrates the story through a colored lens while the film is played through black and white film. The written version talks about the color of the characters’ hair or beards etc., which makes the story more vivid than the film.
Ryan, You are right that the film is working with a more limited color palette than the play – I hadn’t thought about that. I like that you mention both meanness and pride in connection with Hedda. I wonder if her meanness arises from her fragile sense of self? In this scene, we see it in her treatment of Aunt Julie. What does Hedda get out of making her feel bad? It’s easier to make sense of when she is dealing with someone whom she feels jealous of, like Thea…but why be mean to Aunt Julie???