Feminism, folk horror and an outsider hero: how I brought Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy to the small screen
An adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder Is Easy explores themes of feminism, folk horror, and an outsider hero. The screenwriter discusses the process of adaptation and the importance of bringing her own perspective to the project.
A Different Kind of Christie Novel
The original Murder Is Easy is not your typical Agatha Christie novel. It delves into different themes, such as class and gender commentary, and even incorporates elements of folk horror. The story revolves around Fitzwilliam and Bridget, two screwball heroes who are not detectives. While the book may not be as well-known as some of Christie's other works, it offers a unique and compelling narrative that deserves to be brought to the small screen.
The Art of Adaptation
As an adapter, the screenwriter acknowledges the challenge of faithfully translating a novel to screen. However, she argues that adaptation is not about copying every detail, but rather about engaging in a conversation with the original author. The screenwriter brings her own perspective and interests to the adaptation process, selecting elements of the novel that resonate with her and exploring them further. She emphasizes that adaptation is not meant to be a biography of the author, but a creative collaboration between two writers.
Bringing a New Perspective
The screenwriter acknowledges her own perspective as a 21st-century woman of color and the influence it has on the adaptation process. She recognizes that there may be parts of the novel that don't speak to her directly, but she chooses to focus on the themes that resonate with her own experiences. Additionally, she highlights the importance of representing diverse characters on screen, such as making the protagonist Fitzwilliam a Black man in order to explore issues of race and immigration in post-war England.
Maintaining the Essence of the Story
While the screenwriter brings her own perspective to the adaptation, she also emphasizes the importance of staying true to the essence of the story. She sees her role as gently pushing and prodding the novel forward, expanding on themes and ideas that may resonate with contemporary audiences. However, she does not change the fundamental structure of the story, ensuring that the adaptation remains faithful to Agatha Christie's original work.
