Home » SAF: Based on a true story: The experience of fiction in film adaptation of non-fiction

SAF: Based on a true story: The experience of fiction in film adaptation of non-fiction

When:
March 28, 2019 @ 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm
2019-03-28T16:15:00-01:00
2019-03-28T18:00:00-01:00

Dr Eileen John (Warwick)
“’Based on a true story’: The experience of fiction in film adaptation of non-fiction”
Thursday, 28 March, 2019, 4:15 – 6:00pm
50 George Square, Room G.01
University of Edinburgh

The lecture is free and open to all!
Abstract: “Along with the rich history of adaptation of novels into films, there are numerous examples of films that works of prose non-fiction: Jane Campion’s An Angel at my Table, based on Janet Frame’s autobiographies; Alan Parker’s adaptation of Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes, James Marsh’s The Theory of Everything from Jane Hawking’s Travelling to Infinity; Walter Salles’ film of Che Guevara’s The Motorcycle Diaries, and Bennett Miller’s and Adam McKay’s films, respectively, of Michael Lewis’ Moneyball and The Big Short. I will discuss some linked questions about such adaptive relationships. First, it seems obvious, or pretty obvious, that the films are all works of fiction. The are not, for instance, documentary films. So, the first question concerns why that is and whether there is a conception of fiction that makes this clear. Second, is there something we might call ‘the experience of fiction’ that can float free of the actual requirements of fiction? In general I will reflect on what seems to be a process of fictionalisation manifest within these adaptations.”
About the speaker: Eileen John is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick. She has a particular interest in literature, including poetry, and its philosophical and ethical significance. Her recent publications include ‘Literature and Disagreement,’ ‘Caring about Characters,’ and ‘Emma and Defective Action.’ She is the Co-Director of Warwick’s Centre for Research in Philosophy, Literature, and the Arts.

Additional information: The lecture will be followed by a dinner with our speaker. If you would like to attend the dinner, please contact the organisers by 22 March.
*** There are limited funds to cover dinner expenses for two students, offered on a first-come-first-served basis. ***

Don’t miss our upcoming events!

10 April 2019 – Adriana Clavel-Vázquez (Hull)
16 May 2019 – Panos Paris (Birmingham)

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