Polar. 2019. [film] Directed by J. Åkerlund. America: Netflix.
Movies based on graphic novels have distinct features of the genre, reapplying the way the characters are presented, how the shots are constructed and even the coloristic decisions. In both references the saturation of actions really contrasts with each other. There might be an exaggerated action, and the next moment a calm scene with a meaningful to the plot conversation.
it is interesting how the films are obviously at least comics-style, but as a filmed version of the stories they seem to be able to enrich the characters and mood with established longevity of shots, soundtrack, voices, etc. Or does it limit the viewer’s experience? (drawn pictures allow you to have a unique experience...well, a film is also unique in a different way). Reading a comic, we are allowed to create our own experience of the stories, adjusting the pacing and paying attention to particular details. At the same time, a film is also an experience, but it is heavily influenced with the way the director perceived it. As viewers, we still may have a personal interpretation, but the possibilities seem to be shrunk compared to the original source. On the other hand, a film has real people playing the feelings the characters have, and it appears to me like a more humane experience, since the layers of presented emotion can be deeper than in a drawing. But then, the characters are influenced by the identity of the actors. There is a set of well-known faces, and they bring additional features to their roles, because of the previous roles. It also might have personal influence on the viewer, which depends on their preferences. If there is an actor you do not appreciate for some reason, it will affect the way he character, the story, and the film is perceived.