Review of Divergent (2014) by Teresa E — 18 Mar 2015

Ok . . . Here's the thing. If you're going to make a film using a concept from an existing novel or series of novels I highly recommend (at least) attempting to stick to the "original story.

" To me it is becoming a disturbing trend for film makers to "take liberties" with an existing story idea. It is in my humble opinion there are two distinct schools of thought behind making a film from an existing story concept.

First there is the "visual representation" and second there is the "visual interpretation". I really shouldn't have to define what each term means but I will for those who can't quite grasp this ideology.

To me the visual representation of an existing story concept is nothing more than lifting the story line, images, characters and dialog directly off the pages and presenting them in a visual format. In contrast, the visual interpretation is simply using the concept, character identities and story line to present the existing story in a different way.

To me, as a budding author, I think the second way of making a film is completely wrong because the story has already been told and should not be changed or manipulated because in essence, it just creates a different story all together and I don't think that is what the original author intended.

It is obvious to me that the "visual interpretation" concept was used in making Divergent because not long after the opening credits I was quite disappointed and more than a little lost. The basic concept is there but that's about it.

In my estimation this ruins the story. And I don't EVEN want to think about how the film makers destroyed the ending. Was there an alternative ending written by the author somewhere that I missed? Just wondering.

Don't get me wrong - The film (being judged on its own merits) is well done. It has all the elements that movie goers want to see but the truth is . . . This is not really about remaining true to an original story concept but creating visual entertainment to generate revenue for film makers and studios (and the royalties for the author).

Kind of a "sell out" thing to do as far as I'm concerned. Hollywood doesn't care because they know that teens and YA's don't really read all that much any more . . . They just wait until the movie comes out! So, in conclusion, I have no plans to see Insurgent because I'm sure Hollywood will mangle that story too.

Shame!