It's called graphic novel for a reason
When the modern genius behind Spy vs. Spy takes on an all-timer like Kafka, you know it's a must-read. This adaptation of The Metamorphosis captures the alienation and isolation of Gregor Samsa after his overnight transformation in stark, sharp black-and-white, which dramatically portrays his impending doom and disinterest in life, being reduced to worse than nothing. Kuper throws in some visual goodies, but is faithful to the original story, while updating it for a visual audience that may better latch onto the themes presented: being taken for granted, the pointlessness of hard work, hysterical parents, having your sister clean your room so you can scuttle about. Besides, who better to share the horrors of waking up hideously disfigured than American teenagers.
Me: What do you think Kafka was trying to express when he wrote of the horror of a man's existential quandary of becoming a revolting creature that his own family wouldn't regard.
Student: Oh gross, that's like having a zit.
Me: We have a winner.
Boring Stuff:
Franz Kafka, adapted by Peter Kuper
The Metamorphosis
Crown Publishing 2003
No comments:
Post a Comment