Film Adaptation · English Literature

In his taxonomy of adaptation, Kamilla Elliott discusses 'the psychic anachronism.' What does this strategy involve?

  1. Filming a historical novel using futuristic digital animation styles
  2. Giving period characters modern attitudes, slang, or political sensibilities
  3. Erasing all references to time so characters seem to exist in a void
  4. Altering the film's playback speed to confuse the audience's sense of time
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Giving period characters modern attitudes, slang, or political sensibilities

Elliott's concept of 'psychic anachronism' occurs when an adaptation maintains the external period accurate dress and setting of a historical novel but endows the characters with contemporary modern psychologies, values, or expressions. This technique bridges the historical gap for modern audiences, making the period characters feel immediate and relatable. It highlights the adaptation's role as a dialogue between past text and present culture.

Difficulty: Medium Question 7 of 16

Practice all 16 Film Adaptation questions

Keep practicing

More Film Adaptation questions