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Question
Is the recent movie,Around the World in 80 Days, a complete summary of the book.How about the old one?
Because you're a professor, I think I have chosen the best expert.
Thanks.
Dear Jeff: I appreciate your confidence in me, and I hope you are asking me this because you've gotten interested in the book from the film (and not because you are trying to avoid reading the book, or anything like that).
The recent "Around the World in 80 Days" is a significant departure from Verne's novel (most sources say it is only "loosely based" on the book, and the plot description affirms this). For one example, the film highlights the servant Passepartout's role (understandable, since it is a Jackie Chan vehicle), turning the character into a Chinese thief, instead of a jack-of-all-trades Frenchman (as in the novel). There are other changes, too numerous to list, including Schwarzenegger's role, making Fogg an inventor, etc.
The 1956 version of Verne's novel (which I assume you meant by "the old one") also was not identical to the book, although it was a closer adaptation. The French servant was played by a Spaniard, for one thing (there were other changes as well).
This is understandable, as film adaptations from books usually depart from the source material in some way. Although it drives fans of the book nutty, this is necessary in making any film, due to the demands of cinema (which are different from literature).
Even if the 2004 film is different from the novel, I would encourage you still to read it. It is widely available, including on the internet. It moves quickly, and you might be amused by the differences between the book and the film.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Really excellent response which is much appreciated... john | ||
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Barbara L. Baker
Expertise
I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on U.S. film comedy (especially satires of the 1960s and 1970s) and comic theory. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, possible actors, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film). Please do not just provide a set of links to someplace else (e.g. imdb discussion threads). I am less able to answer questions about comedies from other countries, made-for-TV movies, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific TV shows or series, "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.
Experience
Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films.
Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric
Awards and Honors
A dissertation award from a national organization plus various paper awards
Past/Present Clients
My students
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