This is the weekly discussion of students enrolled in ENG 2311, Survey of English Literature I, at Texas Wesleyan University, Fall 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
The Way of the World
This play, although perfomed, has not to my finding been made into a movie. Do you think that is an oversight (and now a career path for you), or do you think there are other reasons? Be specific in your answers.
It is not a future project in my mind. I do think it would be a very good movie. It would be over the top, but what movie isn’t. The issues that are portrayed in the play are ones that people can relate with today. Petulant calling on himself to make people believe he is popular or when Lady Wishfort was getting ready for Sir Rowland are traits that are prominent today. People try to impress people all the time with unnecessary new clothes, overly clean house, or saying things that people want or expect to hear.
The Way of the World has general but dominant characteristics of humans now days. I think that this play has not been made into a movie because it simply does not have much of plot, which is Mirabell trying to marry Millamant. It has deception, disguise, greed, and betrayal but the reason for the play probably would not be as appealing to most audience. The disguise of Sir Rowland to trick/decite Lady Wishfort, Mrs. Fainall betraying her husband and vice versa are examples of these characteristics. Another reason may be that there are so many movies similar to the play already made.
In my opinion The Way of the World wouldn't make a very good movie because it wouldn't be anyway possible that every concept would be portrayed in the movie effectively. And if they did try to make a movie of this it would be entirely too long, and the audience would lose interest.Also, there are way too many movies now of days not just about this theme, but with parts of it already put into movies. I believe that some plays and books aren't made to be in motion picture.
I would have to agree with both Mary and KD because there are movies already out similar to this play's concept, and that because the play is over the top, and at parts confusing that it would lose the audience's attention within the first few minutes.
When it comes to Hollywood they are always looking for new movie ideas and they can really use them. I think that one day they will make this play into a movie. Why they have not yet I don't know, they seem to be focused on turning video games into movies now. However, Hollywood has also been doing lots of books too so you never know.
If this play was made into a movie, it would need to be updated quite a bit with regard to views on marriage, women, and life in general. If "Twelfth Night" can be made into "She's the Man", then I believe Hollywood could figure out a way to make "Way of the World" updated enough to be interesting to today's audience.
I don't believe the play would be well-received if the current views on marriage or a woman's role in society were not updated.
I think this would be a very interesting project to undertake (although I would much rather review it than produce or write it).
I'd have to respectfully disagree with KDPeters. I think that "over the top" is just what movies today are. While the play could not be made into a movie with an exact replica of the storyline and attitudes, a movie "based on" the play would be conceivable.
However, I also agree with the other posters that there are quite a few movies with similar plots, so maybe a movie made based on "The Way of the World" would be lost in the vastness of "like" movies.
After reading "The Way of The World" I do not believe that it would make a great movie, especially with the way women and marriage are portrayed: negatively. While it does have deception and disguise, both which make movies great to watch, it needs alot more to make it more enjoyable. "Twelfth Night" was made into "She's The Man", and while it was a great play before, changes that Hollywood made to it made people want to see it. I do not believe that Hollywood could do the same with "The Way of the World" and make it to where movie audiences will want to go and see it and actually like it.
I agree with PrecVRob. There are many movies with the same plot or similiar to that of "The Way of the World". Movie audiences want to watch films that are new and different from those that they have already seen and the "The Way of the World" is not much different than those that have already been made. I also agree with her in that the play is too long and that audiences would lose interest; I had lost some interest and was even confused at some parts when reading it.
I think "The Way of the World would be a great movie and I think that once a that right producer reads this play, he will become interested in making it into a movie. The moral of the story is one that still applies to today. People are deceitful and are always trying to take advantage of other people, so I think it would be a great movie to watch for both men and women.
Honestly, I believe there are too many movies out there already that maintain the same plot, themes, ideas, characters, ect. Most of the movies made today generally play off the exploitive characteristics of human nature which audiences strangely seem to enjoy. While being decitful and completely self obsessed make for a great role for any Hollywood actor or actress, directors now a days are looking for something new and fresh, not something that’s been on the screen for centuries.
I’ll have to disagree with Yvette when she states that “it would be a great movie to watch for both men and women.” I don’t think that women would much enjoy to watch this movie, if it were to be made. Women in this play are generally portrayed as fake, superficial, and hypocritical. The men are portrayed much in the same light but these qualities in a man aren’t nearly as horrfic as they are in a women. Double standard. While the men would thouroughly enjoy it, I do believe women would have a harder time watching it.
When I read "The Way of the World" I find a lot of connections between this and "Twelfth Night" and "Volpone" such as the human characteristics of deception, betrayal, greed, and selfishness. However, I find the that the plot of the other two plays more appealing to read/watch since it is more fast paced and dramatic than "The Way of the World". I believe that all movies made are dramatic, and it is the main reason why it attracts audience. "The Way of the World" does have deception and betrayal but the plot isn't exciting enough to attract audience members. What attracts the audience's attention in "Twelfth Night" it is Viola's disguise and in "Volpone" I believe it is Mosca's plan and the consequences of the greedy characters. "The Way of the World" also depicts marriage and women in a negative way, which I believe will stir many controversies in today's society.
I have to disagree with KDPeters. Hollywood loves going "over the top" so much so it gets annoying. Also people love movies that they can relate too. You see that with lots of TV series and movies. I think that after Hollywood is done with the vampire and wizard phase then they will be looking for the next phase.
I believe "The Way of the World" might have been overlooked in its transition from a play to a movie. The play had a plot that was very interesting, a moral that stands true even today, and a plethora of background information that could have made for an interesting movie. The characters in this play, as opposed to those in Volpone or Twelfth Night, seem to be a bit more developed and multifaceted. The characters love (or don't love) for more the right reasons and contain qualities and traits more representative of an actual person. The plot is not far-fetched or unfamiliar; events that take place in the play could still take place today, (only with a more modern feel). Therefore, the play seems to have all the elements necessary to create a good movie, someone just needs to pick up on it.
I feel that "The Way of the World" would make a good movie. This play reflects human nature that takes place in our society today. Our society is full of lies. If this play was reviewed by a talented producer they could make an interesting movie. The mature audience could relate to the movie. This will cause ticket sells to rise.
I would have to agree with Mireya. In the play, women and marriages are portrayed negatively. This may cause women today to take that offensively if it was made into a movie from this play. The deception and disguise would make a movie good to watch because of the suspense, drama, and irony but I think that this play has too much. I also agree that “The Way of the World” would not be as interesting to watch even if Hollywood made changes.
I agree with Yvette Rodriguez, "The Way of the World" could be a movie. As i said before this play reflects our society today being full of lies and deceitfulness. This movie could give some viewers a wake up call or they could feel like they have experienced a cituation similar to the plot.
I think that Way of the World in one sense would not make a good movie but in another it has been made into so many movies already. If you made a movie straight from the play it would be short and hard to get into because the lack of a serious plot. However, the use of deception and disguise to "get the girl" despite outside forces who would rather they not get together is very popular in movies of today. Throw in a drunk and an arrogant annoying would-be suitor and you have the plot sketch of the majority of romantic comedy movies.
I don't think that it is a mistake that this has not been made into a movie. I think that similar movies have been made on this subject. I think that some aspects of the play would be taken away and it would affect the story negatively. Sometimes it is better just to keep it on paper. There are so many movies that should not have been made.
I do not think "The Way of the World" being turned into a movie would be a good idea. I do not think the movie would be successful. Because of the "webs" of deception in the play, the movie would be more of a reality t.v show instead of a movie with an actual purpose. Many aspects of the play could make for an interesting movie, but it as a whole would not be as successful. The play is over the top and has disguise which is a part of all movies in Hollywood, i just don't see the plot line being successful.
I would have to agree and disagree with Carla. I think she is write about how the play is mirroring actual life, but I don't think it should be made into a movie.
I think the reason The Way of The World hasn't been made into a movie is because It was hard to understand. I think that the movie would be for well literate people. I guess you could make a movie out of it. These days people make movies over crap. If the movie was made It wont be a good movie. The story was great, but had no flow I guess. I think it would be better as a TV show other than a Movie. I say this because it would portray real life. I believe you can make a movie out of anything these days. I don't support this play being turned into a movie.
I strongly agree with Leigh and disagree with Yvette. This would be a better Reality show than a movie. The Play was good on paper like Leigh said, It shouldn't be made into a movie.
I agree with Courtney Wood. The characters do seem like more reality type. Any show with controversy stays on TV for awhile. I to do not see the plot line being very interesting , but Hollywood could tweak it to fit with consumers.
I don't think it's an oversight. However, I think that it would be an injustice to Ben Johnson to make this play into a movie. So much is taken away and added that it wouldn't be the same literature. None the less, I beleive that there have been a ton of movies made based on the same type of plot and story.
I would have to agree with what was stated by Courtney. After thinking about the intricate plot of the play, it might, indeed, make for a good reality television show. This would allow the producer to fit all aspects of the play into a series, rather than try and fit all aspects, (inevitably having to cut out certain parts), into a movie. I also agree with what was stated by Leigh regarding the negative effects of cutting portions out of the play. The play is full of a plethora of information that is relevant and necessary to the telling of the story. If some of that information were to be cut as a result of making the movie short enough to stand, it could definitely effect the play negatively.
I dont think the way of the world, would be a good movie. it does capture human nature, but it lacked alot. the plot seemed a little off, but i believe it would be hard trying to make this story into a movie. Even if they would force this story into a movie, more or less the story line most likely wouldnt be the same they would take out or even add on then the story would lose substance.
I have to disagree with carla, yes we do tend to enjoy watching movies we could relate to, but a portion of the society enjoy watching futuristic movies also horror movies and are tending to lean away from those types of movies. I know myself i get bored with watching movies that just deal with life...(sigh) boring!!!
I doubt that Hollywood will be making The Way of the World into a hit movie anytime soon. I believe that the plot is too confusing and it would leave viewers lost. The plot does not contain much of anything except stories of affairs and deception. However, this would be appealing if there was violence, gore, AND romance but the play is not like most romantic movies we see today. I think the only way this play would become a movie is with the addition of action, which then would take away from the play itself.
I agree with PrecVRob...even if this play was transformed into a movie the overall plot would be too long and viewers would lose interest altogether. I believe that if this were to be turned into a movie it would only air on television like those cheap Lifetime movies you only watch when there's nothing else on.
I agree that the play would make a great movie, I'm actually rather shocked that it hasn't been made into a movie! But the issues in the play are very realistic to todays issues. The characters behaviors are the same as today. How Petulant pays people to call on him in public so he'll look popular and needed. People do that today as well. People can set timers on their phones to make it look like someone is calling. I do think it is just an oversight for why they haven't made it into a movie. The plot is great and I think it would make an excellent movie that would be hilarious.
I can also agree with Stephanie that the making of this movie would leave viewers very confused. The plot is very intertwined and just reading it alone was confusing enough. Just due to all the interactions and deceptions going on in the play would make it hard to keep everything straight. Yet, I think Hollywood could find a way to make things a little easier to understand... I mean, afterall, Hollywood CAN do anything..
It is not a future project in my mind. I do think it would be a very good movie. It would be over the top, but what movie isn’t. The issues that are portrayed in the play are ones that people can relate with today. Petulant calling on himself to make people believe he is popular or when Lady Wishfort was getting ready for Sir Rowland are traits that are prominent today. People try to impress people all the time with unnecessary new clothes, overly clean house, or saying things that people want or expect to hear.
ReplyDeleteThe Way of the World has general but dominant characteristics of humans now days. I think that this play has not been made into a movie because it simply does not have much of plot, which is Mirabell trying to marry Millamant. It has deception, disguise, greed, and betrayal but the reason for the play probably would not be as appealing to most audience. The disguise of Sir Rowland to trick/decite Lady Wishfort, Mrs. Fainall betraying her husband and vice versa are examples of these characteristics. Another reason may be that there are so many movies similar to the play already made.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion The Way of the World wouldn't make a very good movie because it wouldn't be anyway possible that every concept would be portrayed in the movie effectively. And if they did try to make a movie of this it would be entirely too long, and the audience would lose interest.Also, there are way too many movies now of days not just about this theme, but with parts of it already put into movies. I believe that some plays and books aren't made to be in motion picture.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with both Mary and KD because there are movies already out similar to this play's concept, and that because the play is over the top, and at parts confusing that it would lose the audience's attention within the first few minutes.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Hollywood they are always looking for new movie ideas and they can really use them. I think that one day they will make this play into a movie. Why they have not yet I don't know, they seem to be focused on turning video games into movies now. However, Hollywood has also been doing lots of books too so you never know.
ReplyDeleteIf this play was made into a movie, it would need to be updated quite a bit with regard to views on marriage, women, and life in general. If "Twelfth Night" can be made into "She's the Man", then I believe Hollywood could figure out a way to make "Way of the World" updated enough to be interesting to today's audience.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe the play would be well-received if the current views on marriage or a woman's role in society were not updated.
I think this would be a very interesting project to undertake (although I would much rather review it than produce or write it).
I'd have to respectfully disagree with KDPeters. I think that "over the top" is just what movies today are. While the play could not be made into a movie with an exact replica of the storyline and attitudes, a movie "based on" the play would be conceivable.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I also agree with the other posters that there are quite a few movies with similar plots, so maybe a movie made based on "The Way of the World" would be lost in the vastness of "like" movies.
After reading "The Way of The World" I do not believe that it would make a great movie, especially with the way women and marriage are portrayed: negatively. While it does have deception and disguise, both which make movies great to watch, it needs alot more to make it more enjoyable. "Twelfth Night" was made into "She's The Man", and while it was a great play before, changes that Hollywood made to it made people want to see it. I do not believe that Hollywood could do the same with "The Way of the World" and make it to where movie audiences will want to go and see it and actually like it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with PrecVRob. There are many movies with the same plot or similiar to that of "The Way of the World". Movie audiences want to watch films that are new and different from those that they have already seen and the "The Way of the World" is not much different than those that have already been made. I also agree with her in that the play is too long and that audiences would lose interest; I had lost some interest and was even confused at some parts when reading it.
ReplyDeleteI think "The Way of the World would be a great movie and I think that once a that right producer reads this play, he will become interested in making it into a movie. The moral of the story is one that still applies to today. People are deceitful and are always trying to take advantage of other people, so I think it would be a great movie to watch for both men and women.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I believe there are too many movies out there already that maintain the same plot, themes, ideas, characters, ect. Most of the movies made today generally play off the exploitive characteristics of human nature which audiences strangely seem to enjoy. While being decitful and completely self obsessed make for a great role for any Hollywood actor or actress, directors now a days are looking for something new and fresh, not something that’s been on the screen for centuries.
ReplyDeleteI’ll have to disagree with Yvette when she states that “it would be a great movie to watch for both men and women.” I don’t think that women would much enjoy to watch this movie, if it were to be made. Women in this play are generally portrayed as fake, superficial, and hypocritical. The men are portrayed much in the same light but these qualities in a man aren’t nearly as horrfic as they are in a women. Double standard. While the men would thouroughly enjoy it, I do believe women would have a harder time watching it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read "The Way of the World" I find a lot of connections between this and "Twelfth Night" and "Volpone" such as the human characteristics of deception, betrayal, greed, and selfishness. However, I find the that the plot of the other two plays more appealing to read/watch since it is more fast paced and dramatic than "The Way of the World". I believe that all movies made are dramatic, and it is the main reason why it attracts audience. "The Way of the World" does have deception and betrayal but the plot isn't exciting enough to attract audience members. What attracts the audience's attention in "Twelfth Night" it is Viola's disguise and in "Volpone" I believe it is Mosca's plan and the consequences of the greedy characters. "The Way of the World" also depicts marriage and women in a negative way, which I believe will stir many controversies in today's society.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with KDPeters. Hollywood loves going "over the top" so much so it gets annoying. Also people love movies that they can relate too. You see that with lots of TV series and movies. I think that after Hollywood is done with the vampire and wizard phase then they will be looking for the next phase.
ReplyDeleteI believe "The Way of the World" might have been overlooked in its transition from a play to a movie. The play had a plot that was very interesting, a moral that stands true even today, and a plethora of background information that could have made for an interesting movie. The characters in this play, as opposed to those in Volpone or Twelfth Night, seem to be a bit more developed and multifaceted. The characters love (or don't love) for more the right reasons and contain qualities and traits more representative of an actual person. The plot is not far-fetched or unfamiliar; events that take place in the play could still take place today, (only with a more modern feel). Therefore, the play seems to have all the elements necessary to create a good movie, someone just needs to pick up on it.
ReplyDeleteI feel that "The Way of the World" would make a good movie. This play reflects human nature that takes place in our society today. Our society is full of lies. If this play was reviewed by a talented producer they could make an interesting movie. The mature audience could relate to the movie. This will cause ticket sells to rise.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Mireya. In the play, women and marriages are portrayed negatively. This may cause women today to take that offensively if it was made into a movie from this play. The deception and disguise would make a movie good to watch because of the suspense, drama, and irony but I think that this play has too much. I also agree that “The Way of the World” would not be as interesting to watch even if Hollywood made changes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Yvette Rodriguez, "The Way of the World" could be a movie. As i said before this play reflects our society today being full of lies and deceitfulness. This movie could give some viewers a wake up call or they could feel like they have experienced a cituation similar to the plot.
ReplyDeleteI think that Way of the World in one sense would not make a good movie but in another it has been made into so many movies already. If you made a movie straight from the play it would be short and hard to get into because the lack of a serious plot. However, the use of deception and disguise to "get the girl" despite outside forces who would rather they not get together is very popular in movies of today. Throw in a drunk and an arrogant annoying would-be suitor and you have the plot sketch of the majority of romantic comedy movies.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that it is a mistake that this has not been made into a movie. I think that similar movies have been made on this subject. I think that some aspects of the play would be taken away and it would affect the story negatively. Sometimes it is better just to keep it on paper. There are so many movies that should not have been made.
ReplyDeleteI do not think "The Way of the World" being turned into a movie would be a good idea. I do not think the movie would be successful. Because of the "webs" of deception in the play, the movie would be more of a reality t.v show instead of a movie with an actual purpose. Many aspects of the play could make for an interesting movie, but it as a whole would not be as successful. The play is over the top and has disguise which is a part of all movies in Hollywood, i just don't see the plot line being successful.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree and disagree with Carla. I think she is write about how the play is mirroring actual life, but I don't think it should be made into a movie.
ReplyDeleteI think the reason The Way of The World hasn't been made into a movie is because It was hard to understand. I think that the movie would be for well literate people. I guess you could make a movie out of it. These days people make movies over crap. If the movie was made It wont be a good movie. The story was great, but had no flow I guess. I think it would be better as a TV show other than a Movie. I say this because it would portray real life. I believe you can make a movie out of anything these days. I don't support this play being turned into a movie.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with Leigh and disagree with Yvette. This would be a better Reality show than a movie. The Play was good on paper like Leigh said, It shouldn't be made into a movie.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Courtney Wood. The characters do seem like more reality type. Any show with controversy stays on TV for awhile. I to do not see the plot line being very interesting , but Hollywood could tweak it to fit with consumers.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's an oversight. However, I think that it would be an injustice to Ben Johnson to make this play into a movie. So much is taken away and added that it wouldn't be the same literature. None the less, I beleive that there have been a ton of movies made based on the same type of plot and story.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with what was stated by Courtney. After thinking about the intricate plot of the play, it might, indeed, make for a good reality television show. This would allow the producer to fit all aspects of the play into a series, rather than try and fit all aspects, (inevitably having to cut out certain parts), into a movie. I also agree with what was stated by Leigh regarding the negative effects of cutting portions out of the play. The play is full of a plethora of information that is relevant and necessary to the telling of the story. If some of that information were to be cut as a result of making the movie short enough to stand, it could definitely effect the play negatively.
ReplyDeleteI dont think the way of the world, would be a good movie. it does capture human nature, but it lacked alot. the plot seemed a little off, but i believe it would be hard trying to make this story into a movie. Even if they would force this story into a movie, more or less the story line most likely wouldnt be the same they would take out or even add on then the story would lose substance.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with carla, yes we do tend to enjoy watching movies we could relate to, but a portion of the society enjoy watching futuristic movies also horror movies and are tending to lean away from those types of movies. I know myself i get bored with watching movies that just deal with life...(sigh) boring!!!
ReplyDeleteI doubt that Hollywood will be making The Way of the World into a hit movie anytime soon. I believe that the plot is too confusing and it would leave viewers lost. The plot does not contain much of anything except stories of affairs and deception. However, this would be appealing if there was violence, gore, AND romance but the play is not like most romantic movies we see today. I think the only way this play would become a movie is with the addition of action, which then would take away from the play itself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with PrecVRob...even if this play was transformed into a movie the overall plot would be too long and viewers would lose interest altogether. I believe that if this were to be turned into a movie it would only air on television like those cheap Lifetime movies you only watch when there's nothing else on.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the play would make a great movie, I'm actually rather shocked that it hasn't been made into a movie! But the issues in the play are very realistic to todays issues. The characters behaviors are the same as today. How Petulant pays people to call on him in public so he'll look popular and needed. People do that today as well. People can set timers on their phones to make it look like someone is calling. I do think it is just an oversight for why they haven't made it into a movie. The plot is great and I think it would make an excellent movie that would be hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI can also agree with Stephanie that the making of this movie would leave viewers very confused. The plot is very intertwined and just reading it alone was confusing enough. Just due to all the interactions and deceptions going on in the play would make it hard to keep everything straight. Yet, I think Hollywood could find a way to make things a little easier to understand... I mean, afterall, Hollywood CAN do anything..
ReplyDelete