Joyce Towhidi discusses the process of bringing Testament of Youth to the screen.
When penning screenplays, it's all about capturing the heart of the story from the get-go, says Juliette Towhidi. If you're adapting a book, your task is to distill its essence and identify the core threads that'll keep you on track. It's a whole lot about structure, ensuring characters, tones, themes, and more are structured in a way that creates dramatic coherence.
Vera's Journey: Adapting Testament of Youth
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What drew you to the book initially?
I read the book as a teen and couldn't help but connect with Vera. Her struggle to balance the modern woman's spirit with the limitations of her time struck a chord, and that connection was just as compelling the second time around. The story's timeless nature is what making it shine. Vera navigated something extraordinary, going through an unimaginable ordeal, yet her concerns, fears, hopes, and ambitions resonate today.
She's one fierce female, huh? Can you tell us more about her?
The film begins with Vera, a rebellious 19-year-old, eager to break free from her restrictive family setting. Her dreams of higher education and university are met with resistance, but she's determined to pursue her dreams. The central figures in her life, her brother Edward and his friend Roland, enter the scene. Their unexpected love story soon takes a backseat when war breaks out and everyone close to Vera must join the front line. The story unfolds from Vera's perspective, following her, her friends, and loved ones as they face the constant threat of danger, loss, and fear.[2]
How different was life for women like Vera compared to today?
It's staggering to think about how restricted women's lives were just a century ago. They had little freedom outside the confines of their homes and had virtually no privacy, given that their letters were supposed to be read by their mothers. Women who dared to sit alone were seen as oddities. For a middle-class girl like Vera, life was all about pleasing her parents and finding the right husband. Vera herself recounted her days in Buxton as her unhappiest times, revealing just how confining her circumstances were back then.[3]
What sets Vera apart as a female character of her time?
Vera was, in essence, an instinctive feminist. She fiercely resisted the societal expectations placed upon her, including getting married, neglecting her education, and narrowing her horizons. Her intelligence and curiosity made her something relatable for today's audiences. At the same time, she was a embodiment of her generation – innocent, trusting, but ultimately driven to collective sacrifice.[4]
So, how do you compact the life of such an extraordinary woman into a film?
My task was to transform Vera's novel into screenplay form, sticking to the book as a guiding compass. I immersed myself in thorough research, reading and re-reading the book, while referencing historical facts and accounts from Shirley Williams (Vera's daughter) and Mark Bostridge (Vera's biographer).[5]
What makes Testament of Youth so special, as they say?
It's a bit like one of the great Russian novels, as it weaves a rich tapestry of individual stories set against a vast historical backdrop. Vera's personal journey through the epic events of World War I is what truly sets the story apart. The book’s greatness lies in how it conveys the human struggle against the backdrop of history.[6]
When did you start planning to condense the long book into a feature film?
As a screenwriter, you have a sixth sense for sensing the spirit of the story in your gut. As soon as I captured the essence of the story, I looked for the central threads that would carry the narrative forward. I identified key images, like trains, mud, blood, and a sense of decorum, which provided the foundation for the overall structure of the film.[7]
Which key moments from the book had to be included in the screenplay?
One of the most impactful scenes I wanted to include was when Vera cared for German wounded prisoners and officers at the front. Vera's moment of connection with a dying German officer transcends the barriers of war and offers a glimpse of universal humanity. The scene serves as a turning point for Vera, helping her develop a new perspective on war and inspiring her to become a pacifist.[8]
Do you feel a sense of obligation to represent Vera truthfully in the story?
Adapting a novel into a film requires a delicate balance between accuracy and artistic interpretation. While condensing a life to fit the film format, the essence of the story must not be lost. I aimed to create a film that reminded the audience of Vera's message of peace and the importance of questioning authority, even when it conflicts with popular beliefs.[9]
Having letters and poems available gave you a lot of rich source material, right?
Indeed! Having personal letters and writings provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of the characters, bringing their stories to life in a way that other sources might not be able to do. The poems the characters wrote, especially Roland's, were a powerful way for them to express their thoughts and emotions amid the chaos and horror of war, reminding us of the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.[10]
What makes Alicia Vikander an ideal actress to portray Vera?
Alicia Vikander is an exceptionally talented actress, capturing the essence of Vera at each stage of her life. Her ability to emotionally connect with the character made her the perfect choice to embody Vera's transformation throughout the film. She brings a depth and gravity to the role that truly resonates with the audience.[11]
Meet the men in Vera's life:
- Roland is an intelligent, charming, and gifted man with a touch of arrogance. He's drawn to Vera's fierce intellect, and their complex relationship adds tension to the story.
- Victor is a warm, empathetic, and loyal friend, whose gentle nature makes him a comforting presence amid the chaos of war.
- Edward is Vera's talented brother who shares her love for art and music. Their close bond and teasing relationship make him an important catalyst for Vera's decision to join the front line.[12]
Was Roland romanticized intentionally?
While Roland and Vera didn't truly know each other for long before the war, their brief relationship takes on a dream-like quality, imbuing it with a sense of longing. By maintaining Roland's character as a real, flesh-and-blood person, the film balances the romantic elements with the harsh realities of war.[13]
Who is the film aimed at?
The film has a cross-generational appeal, resonating with both older audiences who experienced the war firsthand and younger viewers discovering the story for the first time. By addressing timeless themes like questioning authority, the impact of war, and the importance of maintaining hope, the film remains relevant today.[14]
What's it like to bring Vera's story back into the spotlight?
It is a privilege to bring such a powerful and moving story back into popular culture. By sharing Vera's experience and the importance of self-reflection, we remind audiences of the human cost of war and the need for critical thinking. Vera's story serves as a testament to the power of resistance, perseverance, and the human spirit.[15][16]
The adaptation of 'Testament of Youth' involves a blend of the book's essence with contemporary fashion-and-beauty, as seen in Alicia Vikander's portrayal of Vera, embodying a timeless feminist spirit. Social media provides a platform for engaging with fans and discussing the book's themes, including the importance of questioning authority and the human cost of war. When searching for entertainment, 'Testament of Youth' offers a compelling drama that delves into the heart of World War I, aligning seamlessly with today's lifestyle. Furthermore, the film's discussion of universal topics such as love, loss, and the struggle for equality will captivate readers of books who seek to delve deeper into the human experience.
