Reimagining Settings and Time Periods: Exploring Creative Liberties Taken in Novel Adaptations

Introduction
Novel adaptations have been a popular form of entertainment for decades. From classic literature to modern bestsellers, filmmakers and television producers have been bringing beloved stories to life on the big and small screens. However, not all adaptations are faithful to the source material. In fact, many adaptations take creative liberties with the setting and time period of the original story. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable examples of creative liberties taken in novel adaptations.

The Great Gatsby (2013)
One of the most famous examples of a novel adaptation taking creative liberties with the setting is Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. While the novel is set in the 1920s, Luhrmann’s film takes place in a stylized version of the 1920s that incorporates modern elements such as hip-hop music and flashy special effects. While some purists may argue that this takes away from the authenticity of the story, others argue that it brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)
Another example of a novel adaptation taking creative liberties is the 2016 film Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, the film takes Jane Austen’s classic story and adds a supernatural twist. The film is set in an alternate version of 19th century England where zombies roam the countryside. While this may seem like a drastic departure from the original story, the film manages to stay true to the themes and characters of Austen’s novel while adding a unique twist.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017)
The Handmaid’s Tale is a novel by Margaret Atwood that was adapted into a television series in 2017. While the novel is set in a dystopian future, the television series takes place in a present-day setting. This change was made to make the story more relevant to modern audiences and to highlight the parallels between the fictional world of the story and our own society. While some fans of the novel may have been initially skeptical of this change, the television series has been widely praised for its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes.

Conclusion
While some may argue that novel adaptations should stay faithful to the source material, others argue that taking creative liberties can bring a fresh perspective to a classic story. Whether it’s changing the setting or adding a supernatural twist, these adaptations can breathe new life into beloved stories and introduce them to a new generation of fans. As long as the adaptations stay true to the themes and characters of the original story, there is no limit to the creative liberties that can be taken.