“Flowers for Algernon” is a book written by Daniel Keys published in 1966. The story follows a 32 year old mentally retarded man named Charlie Gordon who has an aspiration to be intelligent. Charlie is presented with the opportunity to undergo a neurological surgery in hopes of raising his IQ. More than happy to participate, Charlie partakes in numerous experiments both prior to and after the surgery.
In 1968, after gaining an immense amount of popularity, the book “Flowers for Algernon” was adapted into a movie called Charly. However, like most movie adaptations, Charly showed many differences when compared to the book. While there are many differences in the novel versus the film adaptation, this essay will focus on the two most evident. Thus being the relationship of Alice and Charlie and the other difference being the portrayal of the progress reports.
One of the most evident differences between the novel and the film adaptation of “Flowers for Algernon” is the relationship of Charlie Gordon and Alice Kinnian. While in the novel, Charlie has a complicated, loving and intimate relationship with Alice, the film portrays their relationship in a unalike manner. In the film, the relationship between Charlie and Alice is not as complicated as they begin a relationship and maintain it throughout the plot, except for the brief moment when Charlie forces himself onto her. Contrary to the film, the book portrays their relationship as very complicated and radical. There is a constant struggle between being together from both parties. Charlie has not reached the emotional maturity to be in a stable or sexual relationship. Once he has reached that emotional maturity, Alice does not believe it is good for them to be together. There is a very constant “will they” “won’t they” in regards to their relationship throughout the novel, which is not examined in the film. By not including said portrayal, the film is unable to allow the audience to create empathy or a deeper understanding of Charlie’s emotions and motives.
Within the novel, Charlie Gordon, write progress reports detailing his everyday life and emotions very occasionally. These reports are in-depth passages about Charlie Gordon’s emotions, memories and thoughts throughout the surgery and experiment. The noted progress reports help the reader develop empathy for Charlie while also aiding the progression of the plot. However, in the film adaption, the progress reports are removed from the plot entirely. While the audience is able to see exactly what Charlie does throughout the story, they are unable to develop the personal connection and empathy towards Charlie as they were able to reading. This discretion is done due to the creative constraints of making a movie; time and budget as well as keeping the audience engaged.
Although the movie and book of “Flowers for Algernon” are completely different, they both portray the story as a whole. Both the movie and the book are able to use individual attributes to communicate the story and general plot. The effectiveness of one versus the other is entirely dependent of the reader or audience themselves.
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