Prof. Klingensmith , The Book of Daniel & "Daniel"

CL201, Mar27, 2008

Prof. Klingensmith continues the pattern of comparing the book with the film, as was done with Billy Bathgate and Ragtime. With "Daniel" the author himself wrote the screenplay, which is unusual, and gives a special authenticity to the movie's representation of the novel. Prof. Klingensmith pointed out that the book is underpinned by the main character's writing of it, but that aspect is written out of the screenplay by E.L.D., the point being that the novel is a subjective revelation of the narrator, which is accomplished directly on film and we see Daniel changing as the story unfolds.

Skipping over the controversies among the critics over the book vs. film discussions, Prof. Klingensmith led us instead to some practical suggestions about what to look for as we watch the movie. Using short clips we were told to notice the choice of color and "framing" as the movie switches between the two time periods of the story. Home life in the early past is shown in golden brown tones, framed by doors, windows and hallways to create a portraiture of Daniel's childhood memories. There is an overall impression of warm, loving family relationships, full of enthusiastic people with enlightened views and progressive visions and aspirations. As the past progresses to its tragic conclusion the tones change to grays and sepia that reflect the despair and horror of the unfolding tragedy.

The present, in contrast, begins in tones of cold blue and gray, carrying over the despair at the end of the "golden" age as the main characters struggle with coming to terms with the past. At the very end of the movie the colors are clarified to natural tones in sunny scenes and soaring camera work that seek to convey a positive closure amidst an ambiguous conclusion.

After the class I volunteered to return the film to the library and went and watched the movie first. I was grateful for the instruction because it helped to get through the emotionally draining movie, just as the book was emotionally draining to read. Daniel's survival in the end is about telling the story. To be able to go on he must tell the tale.