8.Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebes 1958 Things Fall Apart is a stunning look into pre-colonial Africa; it shows a world steeped in tradition, and as the book was written by a Nigerian, it avoided the colonial imposition of superiority that dominates this genre. The book shows African civilisation as positive whereas traditionally Africa was seen as a world of savagery; cinema seems to have placed Africa as a continent with limited human populations, like in the Lion King, yet civilisations prospered prior to western intervention. Nigerian radio and television companies have produced adaptations, yet the book could be a phenomenal success; the main character, Okonkwo, accidentally kills a member of his community during a gun salute- this scene would easily translate into a film, and could be done with immense seriousness despite the potential for a comedic take on it. Okonkwo is an accomplished wrestler, and kills a representative of the colonial forces; these feats would provide a film adaptation with the pace that is necessary to keep the audience interested. Okonkwo is not a nice character - he beats his wife and volunteers to kill his adopted child, yet it is an incredible journey to understand and empathise with his predicament. This is one of the reasons people should read, and this book would transform this important message of empathy into a new medium, having already been adapted as a mini-series for Nigerian TV. Furthermore the books themes of strong community, the importance of respecting other religions and the potential for personal ambition to be negative are key lessons for life, no matter where you are. Since we live in a world where it is increasingly less likely that children will find these values in books, it is important for cinema to take some of this burden. Given the resurgence in domestic debate over the role of immigration and cultural diversity, it is important for people to understand Britains shameful colonial past; Things Fall Apart accomplishes this without creating a need for white guilt, meaning its film adaptation would be far less indicting towards whites than Twelve Years a Slave or Django Unchained was for the USA, yet its message would shine through.