“Atonement”: The Power of Perspective in the Evolution of a Narrative

Rahul Mahesh

Rahul Mahesh Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai

Keywords: Perspective, trauma, guilt, Briony, Ian McEwan, Joe Wright

Abstract

“Atonement” (2001) by Ian McEwan is an intimate novel about a thirteen-year-old girl, Briony, caught in the crossfire of innocence and coming of age. The book was adapted into an Oscar winning film in 2007 with the same title, directed by Joe Wright. The film adaptation has shown the ability to translate source text to film as closely as possible.

In this paper, I will be focusing on the power of power of perspective in text and film. I will be talking about the minor differences in source text and final cut of the film. The importance of perspective in storytelling and the consequence of context in context with the novel, film and real life. This analysis would be interpreted through understanding of the source text and the visual devices used in the film.

The novel and the film involve varying perspectives on one particular event. This varying degree of subtext, context and consequence will be a major concern of my analysis of this adaptation.

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Author Biography

Rahul Mahesh, Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai

Rahul Mahesh is a Masters student in Communication and Journalism at Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai. He holds a Bachelors degree in English Literature and currently works as a freelance writer for various publications. He runs an independent website where he writes on topics ranging from poetry, prose to politics, music and film.

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