Plans on Film Adaptation Proposal

Title: "Almost a Man"

I think the latter half of the original title serves well, because it drives the main point across, and captures in essence what the story is about.

Characters: 

David Glover = Jermaine Crawford

Jim Hawkins = Bruce McGill

Joe (the merchant) = Jeffrey DeMunn

Dave's Mother = Angela Bassett

Setting:

Same setting as the story. Takes place in the early 1900's. I haven't decided if it will take place right at the turn of the century or if it will be at the very end of the plantation age around 1930. Most of the story will take place at Dave's house, at Jim Hawkins' farm, and out in that open field. The climax will take place aboard the train.

Plot/Conflict, Irony, and Symbolism are coming in my next blog, after class. I'm hoping to get some ideas and inspiration from others.

EDIT:

Plot/Conflict:

The man vs. self conflict is going to shine through the plot. Dave is desperate to become a man, but doesn't want to do it the responsible way. He's sick and tired being talked down to and "mistreated" that he aims to buy a gun (no pun intended), so that everyone gives him respect and therefore treats him like a man. His understanding of respect is blurred because he associates it with fear, which can be a form of respect, but it's not the only form. In fact it's the most barbaric approach at earning respect, and my climax and resolution (which doesn't even appear in the story)morally punishes the barbaric attempts of the protagonist, however, the consequence he will face is unjust in the situation's literal aspect.

Irony:

When he gets his initial punishment from Jim Hawkins and when he gets his post-climactic punishment from the law, in both cases he pleads that he be let off easy because he's young, stupid, and not yet an "adult" (17 years old).

Symbolism:

You will also notice in my film adaptation, that the criticism that Dave puts up with is actually pretty menial, and nothing to lose your head over. Unlike an adult (again), Dave is just overly sensitive, high-strung, and his "miserable" existence is self-inflicted through his mind.