Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Zhang, Jing
Area of Concentration
Humanities
Abstract
This thesis investigates fan dissatisfaction with live-action film adaptations. Fans show displeasure with live-action adaptations that stray too far from the source material and claim that “unfaithful” movies ruin the original text. Adapters and Adaptation Studies scholars attribute fan dissatisfaction to their engagement with fidelity criticism: the comparison between an adaptation and its source material, where one considers the source material to be the superior art form. I argue that filmmakers cause fan dissatisfaction with live-action adaptations through contradictory marketing practices. Filmmakers and scholars encourage fans to judge adaptations independently of the original texts, but film advertisements and movie trailers mislead fans into believing that adaptations are meant to be “remakes'' of their source materials. These advertisements mislead fans and set up unrealistic expectations for live-action film adaptations. I propose that further clarification about the true purpose of adaptations, along with the production of honest advertisements can decrease fan dissatisfaction and improve the viewing experience for fans.
Recommended Citation
Davis, Nailah, "Ruining the Remake: An Investigation of Fan Expectations for Live-Action Adaptations" (2022). Theses & ETDs. 6323.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6323