Ellyana Ellyana, Latifah Dwi Ariyani

Representation of Character in Edgar Allan Poe’s Works and Biographical Dissimilarities in Scott Cooper’s The Pale Blue Eye (2022) Film

Introduction

Representation of character in edgar allan poe’s works and biographical dissimilarities in scott cooper’s the pale blue eye (2022) film. Explore Edgar Allan Poe's character in Scott Cooper's "The Pale Blue Eye" film, analyzing adaptations of his works and biographical dissimilarities. A literary study.

Abstract

This study is aim to analyze: (1) the representation of characters in Edgar Allan Poe’s works in The Pale Blue Eye (2022) film, and (2) the similarities and dissimilarities between the biography and the character of Edgar Allan Poe in The Pale Blue Eye (2022) film. The study uses a descriptive qualitative method to analyze the film entitled The Pale Blue Eye directed by Scott Cooper as the objective research. The collecting data of the research method includes watching, reading, identifying, classifying, and selecting. The researcher analyzes the data by using Linda Hutcheon’s theory of Adaptation and Transformation. It is done through some steps as displaying, explaining, and interpreting. The result of this research shows that: (1) the representation of some of Edgar Allan Poe’s works in The Pale Blue Eye includes “The Premature Burial,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Pit and The Pendulum,” “Lenore,” “The Gold-Bug,” and “Landor’s Cottage.” These works serve as crucial elements in establishing the main characters, including Augustus Landor, Edgar Allan Poe, and Lea Marquis, contributing to the portrayal of their personalities, motivations, and relationships; (2) there are similarities between the character depicted in the film and the real life Poe, such as an interest in poetry, French language skills, training at the West Point Military Academy, and alcohol preference and there are also differences, such as involvement in murder investigation, military discipline, financial problems, family relationships, and literary recognition.  

Review

The study "Representation of Character in Edgar Allan Poe’s Works and Biographical Dissimilarities in Scott Cooper’s The Pale Blue Eye (2022) Film" presents an engaging and timely analysis at the intersection of literary studies, film adaptation, and biographical interpretation. The research clearly articulates its two primary objectives: to analyze the incorporation and representation of Poe's literary works within the film, and to meticulously delineate the points of convergence and divergence between the historical Edgar Allan Poe and his cinematic portrayal. By focusing on *The Pale Blue Eye* as its central object of analysis, the study promises valuable insights into how a major literary figure's persona and creations are reinterpreted for a new medium and narrative context. The methodological approach, employing a descriptive qualitative framework underpinned by Linda Hutcheon’s theory of Adaptation and Transformation, establishes a suitable foundation for this inquiry. The methodology, which includes careful data collection through watching, reading, identifying, classifying, and selecting, appears well-suited to the qualitative nature of the investigation. The research effectively delivers on its stated aims, presenting clear and significant findings. Firstly, it comprehensively identifies specific works by Poe—such as “The Premature Burial,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “Lenore”—and convincingly demonstrates their integral role in shaping the main characters of Augustus Landor, Edgar Allan Poe, and Lea Marquis within the film, highlighting the film's intertextual depth. Secondly, the study meticulously outlines both the biographical similarities (e.g., interest in poetry, French language skills, West Point training, alcohol preference) and the significant dissimilarities (e.g., involvement in a murder investigation, military discipline, financial problems, family relationships, literary recognition) between the historical Poe and his cinematic counterpart. These findings offer a nuanced understanding of the film's creative license. While the study provides a robust identification of adaptations and biographical changes, it could benefit from a deeper analytical dive into the *implications* and *reasons* behind these choices. A more profound discussion on *why* Scott Cooper chose to diverge from Poe's biography in specific areas, and how these narrative decisions serve the film's thematic agenda or character development, would significantly enrich the analysis beyond mere cataloging. For instance, what dramatic purpose do the fictionalized elements, such as Poe's involvement in a murder investigation, serve in shaping audience perception of the historical figure or the narrative's overall message? Expanding the application of Hutcheon’s theory to critically evaluate the artistic and interpretive consequences of these adaptations could provide an even greater scholarly contribution. Nevertheless, this research offers a solid and informative foundation for understanding the complex interplay between literary heritage, biographical fact, and cinematic reimagining.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.