Popular novels based on literature of the Middle Ages have experienced a substantial success over a variety of genres including young adult fiction, fantasy, mystery, among others. Films containing themes from literature of the Middle Ages have also been widely received. However, films and television programs directly adapting Medieval texts tend to be less well received. Often a film is panned by the critics and by Medieval experts on a variety of listservs to only becomes better received when the next film is released and panned. While there have certainly been some poor quality, low budget films and few, if any that directly adapt any medieval texts, even better made films experience harsh commentary. particularly from the Medieval experts that they do not consider is that these works are created for a more general audience and not those with any level of expertise which may be a factor. This presentation will explore why so few Medie val related TV and movies are successful, whether the intended audience impacts the adaptation, and whether criticism of the experts is justified.
About the presenterDiana Vecchio
Diana Vecchio is an Assistant Teaching Professor of English and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies Widener University in Chester, PA. Her primary area of research is knightly codes in Arthurian literature.