The two movie versions of Great Expectations have some striking differences as well as similarities. The first version is extremely loyal to the original text, with the dialogue taken directly from the book. The second version takes substantial liberties with the text; the dialogue is original, and the opening consists of Pip being chased instead of being surprised in the cemetery. The styles of the two versions were also completely different. The first movie was presented in a linear, straightforward format; events proceed in chronological order, and the shots are either still or very smooth. The second version is presented in a different manner entirely; the beginning shows Pip meeting the convict, but this quickly changes. It cuts instead to Pip running home; the subsequent action of the book is then interspersed with Pip’s memories of the encounter. The second version is also light on dialogue; most speech is in the form of a monologues: Mrs. Joe’s tirade against Pip, and the convict’s interrogation of Pip. However, the two are similar in characterization; Pip is a frightened small boy, and Mrs Joe is an angry matriarch. However, the convict in the second version seems much more desperate. The convict in the first version is calmer, and merely sneaks up on Pip and threatens him for food and a file. The second version of the convict seems almost rabid, reiterating the fact that he is hungry, and chases Pip down to the cemetery.
- Rein Otsason
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