Nocturnal Animals is a 2016 film written and directed by Tom Ford, a renowned fashion designer who made his directorial debut with the acclaimed “A Single Man” in 2009. The film is based on the novel “Tony and Susan” by Austin Wright.
Plot:
The film presents an intricate story unfolding on multiple narrative levels. The main plot follows Susan Morrow, portrayed by Amy Adams, a successful art gallery owner in Los Angeles, whose luxurious life is disrupted when she receives the manuscript of a novel written by her ex-husband, Edward Sheffield, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. The novel, titled “Nocturnal Animals,” becomes a dark and violent story, and as Susan reads it, the film interweaves her personal drama with the bleak and violent plot of the book.
Narrative Structure:
The multifaceted narrative structure is one of the film’s distinctive elements. Ford adeptly handles the two levels of the story, creating a parallel between Susan’s real life and the fictional world of the novel. This approach allows Ford to explore complex dynamics of power, revenge, and remorse.
Visual Style:
Tom Ford, with his experience in the fashion world, brings a distinctive visual style to “Nocturnal Animals.” Every frame seems meticulously crafted, creating a visual aesthetic that combines luxury and tension. The use of saturated colors, especially in the flashbacks of Susan and Edward’s relationship, contrasts with the darker and earthier palette used in the novel.
Performances:
The exceptional cast contributes to the film’s power. Amy Adams delivers an intense and nuanced performance as Susan, while Jake Gyllenhaal, portraying both Edward Sheffield and the protagonist of the novel, once again demonstrates his versatility. Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Isla Fisher are also part of a notable cast.
Themes:
“Nocturnal Animals” explores deep themes such as remorse, redemption, and the weight of past choices. The complex narrative provides food for thought on how our actions and decisions can shape our destiny and influence the people around us.
Soundtrack:
The soundtrack, curated by Abel Korzeniowski, perfectly complements the film’s intense atmosphere, emphasizing the emotions and pathos of the scenes.
In conclusion, Tom Ford’s “Nocturnal Animals” is a visually stunning and narratively complex film that tackles existential and moral themes. Its innovative narrative structure, polished aesthetics, and powerful performances contribute to making it a thought-provoking and meaningful cinematic work.
“Nocturnal Animals” is based on the novel “Tony and Susan” written by Austin Wright. While Tom Ford’s film is based on the narrative structure of the novel, there are some significant differences between the two works.
Setting and Characters:
In the novel, the main characters are Susan Morrow and her husband Arnold. In the film, Arnold’s character is renamed Edward Sheffield and has a more central role in the story, contributing to creating a different dynamic in the relationship between Susan and Edward.
Narrative Structure:
While the film interweaves Susan’s main story with the novel written by Edward, Wright’s novel has a more linear narrative structure. The novel’s plot is presented in a more traditional manner compared to Ford’s complex narrative structure.
Tonality:
Atmospheres and tones may vary between the two works. The novel may focus more on the psychological analysis of the characters, while Ford’s film may emphasize visual elements and aesthetics. Some scenes from the novel may be altered or omitted in the cinematic adaptation process.
Story Details:
Cinematic adaptations often involve synthesizing or modifying plot details. In the case of “Nocturnal Animals,” there may be variations in the presentation of events or characters compared to the original novel.
Visual Approach:
Tom Ford’s visual approach, influenced by his experience in the fashion world, gives the film a distinctive aesthetic. Visual elements, color usage, and artistic direction may differ significantly from the vision imagined by readers of the novel.
Conclusion:
The ending of the novel and the film may vary. Some key details or the interpretation of final events may be presented differently, while still retaining the essence of the story.
Overall, the differences between the novel “Tony and Susan” and the cinematic adaptation “Nocturnal Animals” offer viewers and readers unique narrative experiences, each with its own emotional and visual impact.
