Adaptation Studies: New Approaches

Abstract

This book review critiques traditional adaptation studies for their narrow focus on fidelity between source texts and adaptations, arguing that this approach limits the discipline's potential. The editors advocate for a shift toward more theoretical and open frameworks, drawing parallels to poststructuralist literary studies. They propose embracing differences rather than seeking one-to-one correspondence to unlock new critical possibilities. The reviewer acknowledges the book's ambitious goal but notes uneven contributions—some essays adopt novel approaches, such as re-examining Man on Fire through Shane, while others replicate conventional methods. Nancy Steffen-Fluhr’s analysis of Ernst Lubitsch’s The Shop Around the Corner is highlighted for its insightful dissection of adaptation chains. The book adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating literary theory, film studies, and cultural studies to challenge traditional source vs. adaptation binaries. While significant, the work reflects ongoing tensions between tradition and theoretical expansion, requiring further development to fully realize its vision.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)