I too found David Lean's film of 'Great Expectations' powerful and moving, bringing out all that is false and true in every one of us. As you so rightly say, multiple readings of a text removes the exterior and exposes the hidden machinery that is the author's intention. The film amplifies these contrasts and like a boxers false blow, opens us up to receive the killer blow. I found you through Chris Dunn who recommended that I read your article about childrens illustrated work, 'Wind in the Willows' in particular. Those illustrations serve the same purpose as the film director; they shine a powerful light on the words, opening up a doorway (for both adults and children) into another world. Your writing is wonderfully illuminating in its own right and I look forward to read more in the future. Many thanks, Phil
Hi Phil. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Your boxing metaphor hits the spot – pun intended, and I think it captures something important about what Lean does with that film. The false blow is the plot, the mystery, the question of who Pip's benefactor is. It holds your attention completely on the first viewing. And then, once you know the answer, you realise the real blow was always underneath: Magwitch's grace, Joe's quiet constancy, the moral architecture that was doing the real work all along while you were watching the wrong hand.
And I agree that good illustration serves the same purpose. The best illustrated books don't simply decorate the text. They open a door the words alone might leave closed, especially for a young reader who hasn't yet learned how to see what a writer is doing beneath the surface. The illustration meets you at the threshold. That's exactly what Lean's film did for me, and I suspect it's what Chris Dunn's work does for the readers who find him.
Magnificent, Vincent, if anyone doubted the value of encouraging children, and adults to read you do this so well. I will seek out a copy of Great Expectations and re-read it, I do remember that film so well, my younger brother and i watched it in terror..the characters, as they were portrayed in that film, always stay with you. Reading a book you read in childhood reads so differently as an adult so I look forward this.
Thank you Lis. I love the image of you and your brother watching it in terror. I suspect there are thousands of us who had exactly the same experience, huddled in front of the television.
Enjoy your rereading, you will find a completely different novel waiting for you.
What a fascinating read. Mental note made that I must now watch David Lean's Great Expectations.
It's very dated, but that's part of the charm, and the performances are wonderful. Look out for Jonn Mill's outrageous bow tie.
Ooh I shall!! ❤️
I too found David Lean's film of 'Great Expectations' powerful and moving, bringing out all that is false and true in every one of us. As you so rightly say, multiple readings of a text removes the exterior and exposes the hidden machinery that is the author's intention. The film amplifies these contrasts and like a boxers false blow, opens us up to receive the killer blow. I found you through Chris Dunn who recommended that I read your article about childrens illustrated work, 'Wind in the Willows' in particular. Those illustrations serve the same purpose as the film director; they shine a powerful light on the words, opening up a doorway (for both adults and children) into another world. Your writing is wonderfully illuminating in its own right and I look forward to read more in the future. Many thanks, Phil
Hi Phil. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Your boxing metaphor hits the spot – pun intended, and I think it captures something important about what Lean does with that film. The false blow is the plot, the mystery, the question of who Pip's benefactor is. It holds your attention completely on the first viewing. And then, once you know the answer, you realise the real blow was always underneath: Magwitch's grace, Joe's quiet constancy, the moral architecture that was doing the real work all along while you were watching the wrong hand.
And I agree that good illustration serves the same purpose. The best illustrated books don't simply decorate the text. They open a door the words alone might leave closed, especially for a young reader who hasn't yet learned how to see what a writer is doing beneath the surface. The illustration meets you at the threshold. That's exactly what Lean's film did for me, and I suspect it's what Chris Dunn's work does for the readers who find him.
Magnificent, Vincent, if anyone doubted the value of encouraging children, and adults to read you do this so well. I will seek out a copy of Great Expectations and re-read it, I do remember that film so well, my younger brother and i watched it in terror..the characters, as they were portrayed in that film, always stay with you. Reading a book you read in childhood reads so differently as an adult so I look forward this.
Thank you Lis. I love the image of you and your brother watching it in terror. I suspect there are thousands of us who had exactly the same experience, huddled in front of the television.
Enjoy your rereading, you will find a completely different novel waiting for you.