Books vs. Movies: The Dig

Can you imagine unearthing a treasure trove from a bygone era right in your backyard? That's precisely the thrilling premise of "The Dig" by John Preston, which re-imagines the real-life discovery at Sutton Hoo. Join me, Lluvia, as I dissect both the book and its 2021 film adaptation starring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes. This episode dives deep into the heart of the Sutton Hoo excavation, exploring the historical context and real-life controversies. I also tackle the contentious casting choices, particularly my disappointment with Carey Mulligan's portrayal of Edith Pretty, a role that should have showcased an older actress. My critique extends to Mulligan's history of appropriating roles meant for Latina actresses, emphasizing the dire need for better representation in Hollywood.

The book "The Dig" by John Preston was first published in 2007 and is a historical fiction retelling of the events surrounding the Sutton Hoo archaeological find in 1939. This excavation unearthed one of the most significant Anglo-Saxon treasures in England. Edith Pretty, a widowed farmer, hires Basil Brown, an amateur archaeologist, to investigate the mysterious mounds on her property, leading to a series of dramatic discoveries and legal battles over ownership of the artifacts.

In contrast, the 2021 film adaptation of "The Dig," starring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes, adds its unique elements to the story. Notably, the film includes scenes absent from the book, such as Robert's poignant conversation with his mother about her mortality and a dramatic plane crash near Edith's property. These additions serve to heighten the emotional stakes and create a more engaging narrative for the audience.

However, one of the most significant points of discussion in this episode is the casting of Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty. In the book, Edith is depicted as a woman in her fifties, whose age and health issues play a crucial role in the story. Mulligan, being in her thirties at the time of filming, does not align with this portrayal, leading to a critique of ageism in Hollywood. This casting choice is particularly frustrating as it overlooks the opportunity for an older actress to take on a substantial role.

Furthermore, Mulligan's history of taking roles meant for Latina actresses is also addressed. Representation in Hollywood remains a critical issue, and the casting of white actors in roles meant for people of color only exacerbates the problem. The importance of providing opportunities for underrepresented groups cannot be overstated, and this critique underscores the need for more thoughtful casting decisions in the industry.

Moving on, the film adaptation of "The Dig" also differs from the book in its portrayal of certain characters and events. For instance, the character of Stuart Piggott is depicted as a closeted gay man in the film, a detail not explicitly mentioned in the book. This creative liberty adds a layer of complexity to the character's relationship with his wife, Peggy, and highlights the social constraints of the time.

Additionally, the film focuses more narrowly on the events at Sutton Hoo, whereas the book includes scenes outside of this setting, such as Edith's trips to London. These differences in scope and focus between the two mediums provide a richer understanding of the historical context and the characters involved.

The episode also delves into the legal battle over the ownership of the archaeological treasures found at Sutton Hoo. In the book, this battle is a significant plot point, highlighting the tension between personal property rights and national heritage. The film, however, simplifies this aspect, with the British Museum's claim to the artifacts being less contentious.

In conclusion, while both the book and the film offer unique perspectives on the Sutton Hoo excavation, neither medium is deemed superior. The film is noted for its more engaging narrative, thanks to the added emotional scenes and dramatic events. However, the book provides a broader context and more detailed character development.

Join the conversation as I navigate the complexities and nuances of adapting historical fiction for the silver screen. Whether you prefer the book or the film, "The Dig" offers a fascinating glimpse into a significant historical event and raises important questions about representation and storytelling in Hollywood.