Grounds of Translation

When translating a book to a film, Everyone expects it to be faithful in its translation to the book. But a book is so many things, it's made of specifics and generalities, good guys and bad guys. Many of these factors are common bases of translation; world/setting, timeframe, plot, specifics/details, character growth, group growth, and writer's tone/atmosphere. I think Characters' plots are the most important anchor, and then setting, then specifics. The author's tone will fit the book, but it is up to the filmmakers to recreate or create a tone that will work for the story.

One particular scene to look at for book to film translation would be the mountain climbing scene from Holes by Louis Sachar. In the book, Stanley and Zero look above to see a high ledge they can't reach. Stanley lifts Zero up, and Zero holds onto a shovel while Stanley climbs up the shaft. Stanley makes it up, and Zero reveals his bloody hands accidentally, upon which he doesn't say anything, just accepts the fact and moves on. In the movie, Zero makes it to the ledge without Stanley, and gives Stanley advice on how to get up. Stanley slips and nearly falls, and that is when Zero pulls out his shovel and holds the sharp end while Stanley climbs. Once Stanley gets up, Zero shows his blood and complains about the pain, Stanley proceeds to bandage his hands, while some small talk closes the scene.

The effect brought on by the book creates a strong, unspoken bond between the two friends. The movie scene creates a conflict that is solved by Stanley, but no defining moment of friendship. This bond is emphasized more towards the end of the movie, when Stanley takes Zero home. So basically the characters' plot lines got shifted a little bit, although the situation remains the same.