Great Expectations - Film Comparison

There are a number of significant differences between the first and second versions of the film. We do take into consideration the fact that the first version of the film is a student-produced, unprofessional version, whereas the second one was produced by BBC and would have received substantial funding as well as professional equiptment.

Pip and the Convict - In the Marshes
In both versions of the film, we are shown the interaction/conversation between Pip and his convict. In the version A, the lines of the original text are followed almost exactly, but some of the actions and expresssions of the actors seem over-exaggerated and ungenuine. In the BBC version of the film, we are initially only shown Pip running though the marshes and away from the convict. Suspenseful music and good background visuals of the marshes successfully portray Pip's strong sense of fear. We are not shown the conversation between Pip and the convict until after he has gone home and is thinking about it. The conversation has been slightly altered/modernized, probably for better comprehension for the audience. There is no mention of another boy or someone who wants to "eat Pip's insides". The actor shows us a menacing and scary convict.

Pip Goes Home - Scene with Joe and Mrs. Joe
Both verisons of the film shows us the interaction and the anger of Mrs. Joe after Pip goes home. In the BBC version of the film, we are shown the anger of Mrs. Jow directly after Pip comes home - we are shown more conversation and given more background information. In the student-produced version of the film, we are first shown the interaction between Pip and Joe prior to Mrs. Joe's entrance into the scene. The professional film shows the interaction between Pip and Joe after Mrs. Joe is gone.

The student production shows us the dinner table scene, whereas the professional film goes straight to Pip, running through the marshes to deliver the food to his convict. In version A of the film, we are shown Pip rummaging through the bottles and food.

Technicalities and Lines
Both films use audio and special effects, but they have varying degrees of effectiveness.
Version B (the professionaly produced version) of the film takes out some scenes and modifies some lines, but I agree with the choices made by the director, as the general ideas and atmosphere is still clearly conveyed and able to be seen.
Version A (the student produced version) tried to follow most of the original lines of the text, but did alter some lines to try and make the topic clearer. They also included all scenes that were included in the book.

Overall
Overall, I felt that both films helped in my general understanding of the book, and gave me more concrete atmosphere/visuals. It helps me visualize the book better.

- Amy