Other Approaches

New script

Watch the documentary on the making of the film on the DVD. Pinter wrote some new script for the film that was not used, set in the café prior to Aston taking Davies to the house. Ask the group to write their version of this scene. What elements would they wish to bring out in the scene? How could they use lines from the text to create the new scene?

If you have the equipment, film the sequence.

New scenes

The film version contains new scenes outside the house, eg in Mick's car, in the garden. Watch these sequences again then ask the students to write or film their own short extra 'external' scenes, and justify what they add to the film or an audience's understanding of the play.

Cutting the script

Having watched the film and studied the play, ask the students why Pinter cut the play script the way he did. Look particularly at one of Mick's speeches which has been cut. Does this change our understanding? Why, or why not? Ask them to look at one of the other long speeches and to cut it. They should then justify why they have cut it in this way.

Pitching the film

The students are told 'in role' that they are going to film a new version of the play for TV. This could be done in groups competing with each other for the commission or as a whole class activity. Students should choose the channel and schedule a time, then choose the cast and a director, select a location, do research on characters - perhaps create a photographic sketch book, etc. They should then 'pitch' their version to the commissioning editor (you, in role) for a drama programme on the selected channel, explaining why a new version is worth doing, what its unique selling point is etc. If there are a few groups you could set up a panel to judge the various options.