The Help by Kathryn Stockett is full of what seems to be very important information. When trying to make a film adaptation of this novel, I think it would be difficult to choose what is essential to the viewer’s understanding of the plot and characters versus what is just extra material to fill up pages. When reading this novel, I am constantly thinking that every line I have read and narration that was spoken is crucial to the story so it must be included. However including every detail is nearly impossible so how did they possibly choose?
Another problem that could be faced when trying to adapt this novel into a movie would be trying to convey the characters inside thoughts. Throughout the novel, Minny, Aibileen, and Skeeter are all constantly thinking to themselves rather than speaking it out loud. Although this could be depicted through facial expressions and movements it would still be difficult to show exactly what they are thinking inside. In order to make this novel work as a movie dialogue must be cut, extra scenes must be cut and maybe even a few characters must be cut.
In order for the adaptation of this novel to work, they must keep the scene of Ms. Hilly firing Minny. This scene is essential in order to capture Minny’s personality and attitude. This scene sets the stage for Minny’s character and allows the audience to understand her better. It is also intense and humorous which are good components for a novel that is otherwise a serious matter.
Another scene that must be included is when Aibileen sings to Mae Mobley about colored and white folks getting along. This is a meaningful moment between Aibileen and Mae Mobley that shows their connection even though they are not mother and daughter. It illustrations how Aibileen is pushing her own boundaries in order to make sure Mae Mobley grows up knowing what is right versus what is wrong. This scene is essential in order to understand how Aibileen feels about these white children she raises and how she wants to change how they will end up.
And lastly, I would include the scene of Ms. Skeeter asking Aibileen if she would like to change things. This is one of the most important scenes of the novel because it introduces the idea of Ms. Skeeter and Aibileen working together to create change for colored people. It will show the audience that Skeeter is more of a rebel and a risk taker than most whites and it will present them with what the entire movie is about.
A part of the novel that would have to be cut in order to make the film adaptation is some of the scenes where Ms. Skeeter, Mrs. Leefolt, and Ms. Hilly met. Sure, some of these scenes are important to the plot, but a lot of them are just the same thing over and over. In the movie they could easily combine a lot of these visits into one to cut down on time. Something else that might have to be cut in order to fit what is most important into the movie is the constant scenes they have of Aibileen just doing housework, cooking, and thinking. A lot of this is pointless and doesn’t need to occur in the movie as often as it does in the book.
However, overall I feel that making this novel into a movie was very difficult because there was so much important information that would be difficult to cut out.
