Adaptation of books to screen is very difficult: Ferzan

Antalya, Turkey, Oct 15 (UNI) Adapting a novel for the big screen is not a very easy job, and therefore it is necessary to take the original author into confidence to justify any changes made for cinematic effect.

Ferzan Ozpetek, whose latest film 'A Perfect Day' was the opening film of the Fourth International Eurasian Film Festival in this southern Turkish resort, said he had discussed all changes with Melania Gaia Mazzucco, the author of the novel on whose story the film was based.

'A Perfect Day' is an Italian production directed by the Turkish Ferzan who now lives in Turkey. The director was present at the screening along with the lead actress Isabella Ferrari and producer Domenico Procacci.

Addressing a press meet, Ferzan said he had added some extra characters into the script and also shown the violence against the woman in a different manner, but had got the author's permission.

The characterisation of two women together 'which in the original book is interpreted as a lesbian relationship' was used by him because he felt that only a woman can be the predicament of another woman. ''I go by instinct when I make a film,'' he added. The final interpretation depends on the viewer but his aim was to show a mosaic of personalities and the way their lives cross.

He stressed that though the film is about the break-up of a family, he was personally a man for whom the family was very important.

He said in answer to a question that he had been offered this novel for filming, as another director to whom it had been given earlier had insisted on changing the end.

Isabella said she had deliberately used thick make-up to show that the woman was very independent.''I had read the novel and therefore had accepted the role when it was offered to me, she added.

The director added that the scene of her walking late on a wintry night in high heels and eating an ice cream was also aimed at showing her grit. ''I am very sensitive to violence against women, but I had to show certain scenes as it was the requirement of the screenplay,'' he added.

Producer Procacci said the duo was already working on another script as he had liked the way Ferzan had dealt with the story.

The film is about an estranged couple with two children who have been separated for nearly a year. The husband wants the family to re-unite but is unable to control his temper, leading to disastrous consequences.

UNI XC PD AS1604