From source to screen: Transposition and representation in adaptation: An analysis of Gina Prince Bythewood's Woman King

Abstract

Film adaptation is a complex and multifaceted creative process that involves the transposition and representational reconfiguration of source materials into cinematic narratives. As stories move from source to screen, filmmakers must negotiate the formal, aesthetic, and ideological differences between media while responding to audience expectations and cultural contexts. Despite the prevalence of adaptation in cinema, critical understanding of how narratives are transposed, reimagined, and represented remains fragmented. This study seeks to establish a conceptual framework for what constitutes adaptation in film by examining the principles of transposition and representation as central to the adaptation process. Drawing primarily on Linda Hutcheon’s A Theory of Adaptation and related adaptation theories, the study explores how filmmakers interpret, transform, and visually represent source texts within the cinematic medium. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the research integrates textual analysis of selected film adaptations with interviews from industry practitioners to interrogate both theoretical perspectives and production practices. The study also examines the influence of technological advancements and emerging media platforms on adaptation strategies, as well as the role of audience reception in shaping adaptive choices and determining cultural relevance. Through critical analysis of theory, case studies, and industry insights, this research illuminates the dynamic relationship between source texts, cinematic representation, and audience interpretation. The findings underscore adaptation as a creative and dialogic practice rather than a derivative one, offering significant implications for filmmakers, screenwriters, and scholars in adaptation studies. Ultimately, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of adaptation as a vital mode of cinematic storytelling and its role in shaping contemporary film culture.