What is straight or loose adaptation in a screenplay?

Answer 1

Straight adaptation in a screenplay involves closely following the source material, such as a novel or play, preserving its plot, characters, and themes, often resulting in a narrative that feels very similar to the original. In contrast, loose adaptation takes more creative liberties, altering significant elements of the story, including character arcs, settings, or even the overall message, to better fit the cinematic medium or the filmmaker's vision. This approach allows for greater artistic expression but may deviate significantly from the original work.