On Translation and Transition in Monica Ali’s Brick Lane on Screen An Auteurist Study

Abstract

Though Monica Ali’s Brick Lane (2003) has received huge critical attention on its literary significance as well as its (mis)representation of the Bangladeshi community in Britain, Sara Gavron’s 2007 film adaptation of the novel has not yet been given sufficient critical views. Commenting on the directorial role in the production of the adaptaion, this article explores the translational, transitional and cinematic aspects of the adaptation. While recognising of the merits of Gavron’s Brick Lane, it argues that the lack of auteurist innovation, technical competence and thematic connectivity – some basic theorems of auteur direction – divests the film of significant aesthetic accomplishment. Hence, identifying the adaptational and technical oversights in the adaptation, this article suggests some cinematically possible features the director could have used for a more commendable adaptation of the novel.