Visual Spectacle vs. Narrative Depth: A Critical Examination of the Mortal Engines Adaptation

22 May 2023

Mortal Engines is a captivating novel written by Philip Reeve, first published in 2001. It belongs to the dystopian science fiction genre and presents a post-apocalyptic world where cities have become mobile and roam the Earth, preying on smaller towns to survive. In 2018, the book was adapted into a film directed by Christian Rivers.

While the film adaptation of Mortal Engines successfully captures the visually stunning and immersive world depicted in the novel, it falls short in fully exploring the complex characters and thought-provoking themes, ultimately diluting the depth and impact of the original story.



A wee bit of background...

philip reeve
Mr Reeve

Philip Reeve, born in 1966, is a British author known for his works in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Prior to writing "Mortal Engines," Reeve had worked as an illustrator and a book reviewer. His passion for science fiction, history, and world-building can be seen in the intricacies of his novels.


"Mortal Engines" takes place in a future where civilization has been devastated by a cataclysmic event known as the Sixty Minute War. The novel explores themes such as imperialism, the destructive nature of technological progress, the consequences of war, and the blurred line between good and evil. Reeve masterfully weaves these themes into a narrative that challenges readers to question societal structures and the ethics of power.


In the novel, characters like Tom Natsworthy, Hester Shaw, and Thaddeus Valentine undergo personal transformations and grapple with their beliefs and allegiances. The novel's rich world-building, intricate plot, and morally ambiguous characters provide a solid foundation for a thought-provoking adaptation.


These significant themes and complex characters provide a compelling framework for a film adaptation that delves into deeper philosophical and ethical questions, while also exploring the visual spectacle of the mobile cities and the post-apocalyptic world. It is against these elements that the film adaptation will be assessed and compared.

mortal engines whale


Let's call the changes out straight away:


In the novel "Mortal Engines," the story follows the journey of Tom Natsworthy, an apprentice historian in the traction city of London, and Hester Shaw, a disfigured outcast seeking revenge against Thaddeus Valentine, a prominent archaeologist. As their paths intertwine, they uncover dark secrets about the world they inhabit and the true nature of power.


The novel delves into the personal growth and internal struggles of the characters, particularly Tom and Hester. Tom starts as an idealistic young man, but through his encounters with Hester and exposure to the harsh realities of the world, he undergoes a transformation and questions his beliefs and loyalties. Hester, driven by revenge, discovers unexpected alliances and confronts her own demons, challenging her preconceived notions.


However, the film adaptation of "Mortal Engines" makes notable changes to both the plot and character arcs. Some key plot points are condensed or altered, which affects the pacing and depth of the narrative. The film places more emphasis on action sequences and visual spectacle, sacrificing the intricacies of character development present in the novel.


One significant alteration is the portrayal of Hester Shaw's character. In the novel, she is depicted as a complex, multifaceted character with deep emotional scars and a relentless pursuit for justice. However, in the film, her character is simplified, and her motivations are less explored, reducing her depth and robbing the audience of a more nuanced understanding of her journey.


Additionally, certain subplots and secondary characters from the novel are either omitted or significantly reduced in the film adaptation. These omissions detract from the overall richness of the story and limit the exploration of the novel's thematic elements.


The changes in plot and character arcs in the film adaptation have a substantial impact on the narrative. The film's focus on action and spectacle, while visually impressive, comes at the cost of character depth and the exploration of thought-provoking themes. Consequently, the audience is left with a more superficial understanding of the characters' motivations and the complex moral dilemmas present in the original novel.


Overall, the film adaptation falls short in capturing the full depth and emotional resonance of the novel's plot and characters. The changes and omissions diminish the impact of the narrative, resulting in a less satisfying and thought-provoking viewing experience.


But there are some plus to the film - Visual representation and world-building:


In the novel "Mortal Engines," Philip Reeve presents a vivid and imaginative post-apocalyptic world. The concept of mobile cities, where entire towns and metropolises are mounted on colossal traction wheels and roam the barren Earth, is a central element of the narrative. Reeve's detailed descriptions bring these cities to life, showcasing their intricate machinery, bustling streets, and the stark contrast between the opulence of larger cities and the struggles of smaller ones.


The novel's steampunk aesthetic is another prominent feature. The fusion of Victorian-era technology with futuristic elements creates a unique and visually striking world. The novel explores the innovative use of steam-powered engines, airships, and mechanical advancements that blend seamlessly with the remnants of the past. This aesthetic adds depth and a sense of wonder to the story, capturing the readers' imagination.


In the film adaptation of "Mortal Engines," the visual representation and world-building are key aspects. The use of special effects, set design, and cinematography aim to bring Reeve's world to life on the big screen. The film successfully captures the grand scale and awe-inspiring spectacle of the mobile cities. The visual effects portray the cities' movement, the intricate machinery, and the sweeping landscapes with stunning detail.


The set design and production value in the film also contribute to the immersive world-building. The film's art direction showcases the steampunk aesthetic, blending elements of Victorian architecture, industrial machinery, and futuristic designs. The attention to detail in the costumes, props, and set pieces enhances the authenticity and visual appeal of the world.


However, while the film adaptation does an impressive job in visually representing the post-apocalyptic world and the steampunk aesthetic, it tends to prioritize these visual elements over the depth of the storytelling. The focus on action sequences and visual spectacle can overshadow the exploration of the intricate world-building present in the novel. As a result, the film's visual elements become more of a spectacle themselves rather than serving as a means to fully immerse the audience in the world and enhance the narrative.

hester shaw red scarf


Themes and Messages:


The novel "Mortal Engines" explores several major themes and messages that resonate with readers. Some of these themes include:


1. Municipal Darwinism: The novel critiques the destructive nature of imperialism and the quest for power. It highlights the consequences of cities devouring smaller towns and the moral implications of such actions.


2. Environmental Degradation: The story addresses the consequences of humanity's disregard for the environment, showcasing a devastated world as a result of the Sixty Minute War and the unsustainable practices that led to it.


3. Redemption and Identity: Characters in the novel, such as Tom and Hester, undergo journeys of redemption and self-discovery. Their actions and choices challenge notions of identity, societal expectations, and the potential for change.


4. Ethics of Technology: "Mortal Engines" raises ethical questions about the progress of technology and the potential dangers of unchecked advancements, urging readers to consider the impact of their actions on future generations.


Effectiveness of Conveying Themes in the Film Adaptation:


The film adaptation of "Mortal Engines" partially captures the themes and messages present in the novel, but it does not delve as deeply into their exploration. The focus on action and spectacle often takes precedence over the nuanced examination of these themes.


While the film conveys some aspects of imperialism and power struggles, the exploration of these themes feels diluted compared to the novel. The environmental degradation theme is visually represented but lacks the profound impact and urgency conveyed in the book. The film touches on redemption and identity, but character arcs are streamlined, resulting in less emotional depth and growth.


The ethics of technology theme is not as prominently explored in the film adaptation. The ethical dilemmas and societal implications surrounding technological progress, which form an integral part of the novel, receive less attention in the film.


Impact of Changes on Meaning and Interpretation:


The changes made in the film adaptation impact the overall meaning and interpretation of the story. By sacrificing the depth of character development and thematic exploration, the film leans more towards being a visually-driven action film rather than a thought-provoking exploration of complex themes.


These alterations and omissions in the film adaptation result in a narrative that is less nuanced and impactful compared to the novel. The original depth and richness of the themes and messages in "Mortal Engines" become somewhat diluted, leaving the audience with a shallower understanding of the story's profound implications.

mortal engines city


Reception and Critical Response:


The reception of both the novel "Mortal Engines" and its film adaptation varied among audiences and critics.


The novel received generally positive critical reception. It was praised for its imaginative world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Philip Reeve's writing style and ability to create a compelling post-apocalyptic setting were lauded. The novel also garnered a dedicated fan base, particularly among readers who appreciated its unique blend of science fiction and steampunk elements.


On the other hand, the film adaptation of "Mortal Engines" received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While the visual effects and spectacle were generally praised, the film was criticized for its uneven pacing, diluted character development, and simplification of the source material's themes. The changes made in the adaptation were seen as detracting from the depth and complexity of the original novel, leading to a less satisfying and thought-provoking viewing experience.


Several factors may have influenced the differing reactions between the novel and the film adaptation:


1. Faithfulness to the Source Material: The novel's fans may have had higher expectations for the film adaptation to faithfully capture the depth and complexity of the source material. When significant changes were made or themes were simplified, it disappointed some readers.


2. Medium-specific Adaptation Challenges: The transition from novel to film presents its own set of challenges. Condensing a complex narrative into a two-hour visual experience can result in necessary alterations and omissions. Some fans of the novel may have struggled with the changes made, as they expected a more faithful adaptation.


3. Visual Spectacle vs. Depth of Storytelling: The film adaptation prioritized visual spectacle, focusing on action sequences and special effects. While this approach can attract general audiences, it may have resulted in a shallower exploration of the novel's themes, leaving readers of the novel feeling unsatisfied.


4. Expectations and Personal Preferences: Audiences' expectations and personal preferences play a significant role in their reception of both the novel and the film. Readers who connected deeply with the original novel may have been more critical of the film's changes, while others who were less familiar with the source material may have enjoyed the visual spectacle without the same attachment to the original story.


In conclusion, the essay has explored the novel "Mortal Engines" by Philip Reeve and its film adaptation. Several key differences between the two mediums have been highlighted, encompassing plot and character alterations, visual representation and world-building, the conveyance of themes and messages, as well as the critical reception.


The novel "Mortal Engines" presents a richly detailed post-apocalyptic world, with complex characters and thought-provoking themes such as imperialism, environmental degradation, redemption, and the ethics of technology. The film adaptation, while visually impressive and successful in capturing the grandeur of the mobile cities and the steampunk aesthetic, falls short in fully exploring the depth of the original story. Changes in plot and character arcs, the emphasis on visual spectacle, and the simplification of themes have resulted in a less nuanced and impactful adaptation.


In summary, the film adaptation of "Mortal Engines" presents a visually stunning interpretation of the novel's world, but at the cost of diluting its complex characters and thought-provoking themes. While the film received mixed reviews, the novel was generally well-received for its imaginative world-building and engaging narrative. The differing critical responses can be attributed to factors such as faithfulness to the source material, medium-specific challenges, and individual expectations.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

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