Ariadne’s Thread between Literature and Cinema

Abstract

The article examines the complex relationship between literature and cinema, emphasizing that film adaptations of literary works are not mere copies but autonomous interpretations. It highlights the differences in expressive means: literature conveys introspection and ambiguity, while cinema relies on images and sound in order to communicate emotions and meaning. Cinematic adaptation involves selection, compression, or supplementation of the text, preserving the original message while allowing interpretive freedom. Practical examples include The Mill of Good Luck by Ioan Slavici and The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, demonstrating how narrative details and introspection are transformed into visual frames and dialogue. Classroom adaptation exercises illustrate the pedagogical value of this process in developing analytical and creative interpretation skills.