American movies, English Literature and Greek Mythology
It is not difficult to conduct a research of a movie adapted from the same literary work, as they usually have a same title.
Many movies are adapted from the famous literature works. Take for example "The Sound and the Fury" by the Nobel Laureate Faulkner and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "A Farewell to Arms" by the widely known Hemmingway.
Some not only adapted to movies but also musicals or plays. Such as "My Fair Lady", who had been adapted into movies winning best film, best filming and best music, the work itself aslo have been performed in Broadway as musical for nearly 3000 times.
"My Fair Lady", adapted from the play "Pygmalion" by Bernard Shaw, its adapted name does not contain symbolism as Pygmalion. The name Pygmalion in Greek Mythology belonged to a Cyprus King who is a talented sculptor but a misogynist. Ironically, he fell inlove with an ideal woman figure he carved named Galatea.
After understanding the story behind it, it seems that the title Pygmalion itself fits the content very closely and resonably.
From the English literary work Pygmalion and the holywood production My Fair Lady and then back to the origin of the mythology between Pygmalion and Galatea. It proves that understanding Western history enhances our perspectives.
Those of you who are interested in history can understand situations in Russia during the WWI through"Doctor Zhivago" ; the American Civil War through "Gone with the wind". The purpose of movie not only provides sensual entertainments, but also a perspective of the world and life itself.
Understanding a getting a grips of summary and background history definitely helps while watching a movie. However, when entertainment based movies and dominating these days where thought-provoking ones are neglected by the public , it seems that the cultural level of the society is coming to a halt. Isnt movies more than just entertainment?
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