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Heart of Darkness is a novella by Joseph Conrad first published in book form in 1902. It tells the story using a device known as a frame: one, unnamed, character is relating a story told through another narrator, while the two of them are waiting in a ship anchored in the Thames Estuary. The book is very well written and, incredibly, Conrad is writting in his third language, English. His first two were Polish and French. His skill with words is nonetheless amazing, as he tells the tale of a company agent who steams three hundred miles up an African river to seek a rogue company man. The themes of the book are the evils of imperialism and an examination of many forms of 'darkness', both physical and mental.
What famous Oscar-winning film was based on this story?
Someone got the answer straightaway! Check the comments and see if you were correct!
12 comments:
Dear bazza,
Sorry to ruin things for everyone, but I believe the film that was based on Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" was, in fact, Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now!". There was also a very good and revealing documentary made about the making of the film by Coppola's wife which was itself entitled "Hearts of Darkness".
Apologies for being such a smarty pants!
Yours with Very Best Wishes,
David.
I was about to start racking my brains, but happily David has already provided the answer. Well done David - my brains didn't need to be more racked than they already are!
David: No need to apologise! Well done, but the glory and kudos is your only prize. The next one will definitely be harder!
joanne fox: Hi Joanne, thanks for commenting anyway. I am cooking up a really nasty question for next time!
I've never read the book. It sounds good. In fact, I've never seen the movie all the way through, though I liked what parts I've seen.
Which always makes me wonder during these book to movie translations... How close does the movie follow this particular book? In mood? In story? Or however else you can think of it.
Look! No penis jokes this time. Oops. Too late. :)
Kelly: The book is actually very short, about 150 pages. The film has transfered time and place but essentially Apocolypse Now is the same story expanded with lots more detail. Marlon Brando plays a rebel soldier who has gathered his own private army around him in a remote outpost; he is trying to make himself rich in the process.
Martin Sheen's character has been sent up river to find out what's going on.
In Heart of Darkness the same thing is happening. The darker side of the British Empire is also being exposed and Francis Ford Copolla was having a similar dig at US foreign policy.
Excellent book and a great film.
And of course, Bazza, Conrad used the device of a deliberately unreliable narrator to force the reader to work harder to build the picture: this has the effect of a more satisfying read.
Whoops, am I letting my mask slip? Bit too much intellectualism, do you think? Perhaps another half bottle of a decent single malt scotch and I'll be right as rain!
Hi bazza,
Well, of course, my illustrious friend, David, has come up with correct answer. I know David in 3D reality and I can vouch for the fact he is a right clever smart ass (arse):-)
So, whilst I am here, just wanted to thank you for your very kind comment on my last posting. It was much appreciated.
Have a great weekend.
In kindness, Gary.
Sir Tom: Blimey! The mystery deepens Sir Tom. So. You are only pretending to be a drunken philistine? How very intriguing.
Gary: Yes, I think David is a bit of a film buff. My next question will be a complete change of subject!
When I stay in the English countryside I always say "I love the smell of horseshit in the morning" as a tribute to Apocalypse Now.
Welcome GB. If you live with Gorillas I'm surprised that you notice the smell of horseshit in the morning!
Hi Bazza,
As they say in the land of nerds...Ah Shucks, I knew that one! Read the book and saw the movie. I admit, that the Darkside is a bit too intense for me, but the concept is of course brilliant. It's unusual for me to get one of your challenge questions right. Uh Oh... I better get my brain into tip top condition for the next one. I think I might have left a piece of it in my old house. Have a great rest of the week Bazza. It's getting colder here which means it's almost ice time!
Hi Snee. As yet, I have no idea what the next question will actually be but I do know it will be tough!
We also have a touch of Autumn in the air but ice is a long way off (I think).
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