LITERATURE AND VISUAL ART FORMS- RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FILMS AND LITERATURE IN PARTICULAR

Abstract

 Literature and other forms of artistic expressions have been complimentary to each other for a long time. A mutual influence and inter-relationship has always existed between the two. This has resulted in a plethora of painting and music based on works of fiction, drama and poetry, as well as literary works emulating pictorial styles and musical structures.This mutual and creative exchange between literature and films was initiated in the last decade of the 19th century. Originally, films were closely related to photography and painting. The ability to employ the structures and devices of narrative are shared with literature. A series of images on screen tells a story and this is equivalent to the sequence of words used on a page. The use of language in films establishes its connection to literature in a very firm manner. Films present action, images and words resembling life as it does in literature. Literary works also have a stylistic and thematic base in a realistic presentation and picturization of characters and incidents. In this respect, theatre seems nearest to films because of the common use of actors and sets. Critics agree that films have a stronger affinity and connection with fiction, especially with the pronounced emphasis on narrative. The primary thrust of literature is linguistic but the thrust of films is imagistic, visual and immediate. So, the paper attempts to present an underlying connection or relation between the two.