As a literature and film enthusiast, I am always thrilled when a beloved book gets adapted into a movie. “The Vicar’s Wife” by Juhani Aho is one such book that has recently been adapted into a film titled “The Wait” (2021) directed by Aku Louhimies. In this article, I will take you through a journey of the similarities and differences between “The Vicar’s Wife” book and “The Wait” film, the characters, the plot, the filming locations, the soundtrack, and much more.
Introduction to “The Vicar’s Wife” book and “The Wait” (2021) film
“The Vicar’s Wife” is a classic novel by Finnish author Juhani Aho, first published in 1891. The novel tells the story of Elli, a young woman who marries Mikko, a widowed vicar and moves to his rural parish. She soon realizes that she is not alone in her marriage, as Mikko is still grieving over his first wife. The novel explores the themes of love, marriage, family, and the struggle for personal identity.
“The Wait” (2021) is a Finnish film adaptation of “The Vicar’s Wife,” directed by Aku Louhimies. The film stars Matleena Kuusniemi as Elli and Samuli Edelmann as Mikko. The film premiered in Finland on January 22, 2021, and has received critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation of the novel and its stunning visuals.
Summary of “The Vicar’s Wife” book
“The Vicar’s Wife” is a beautifully written novel that explores the inner conflicts of its characters. The novel is set in the late 19th century in rural Finland, and it follows the story of Elli, a young woman who marries Mikko, a widowed vicar. Elli struggles to fit into her new role as a wife and a stepmother, and she soon realizes that Mikko is still deeply grieving over his first wife.
The novel is divided into three parts, and it explores Elli’s journey as she tries to find her place in the world. We see Elli struggling to balance her love for Mikko with her desire for independence and freedom. We also get a glimpse into Mikko’s inner turmoil as he tries to come to terms with his grief and his love for Elli.
“The Vicar’s Wife” is a timeless novel that explores universal themes of love, marriage, and personal identity. It is a must-read for anyone who loves classic literature.
Summary of “The Wait” (2021) film
“The Wait” (2021) is a faithful adaptation of “The Vicar’s Wife” that captures the essence of the novel. The film follows the same plot as the book, and it does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.
Matleena Kuusniemi delivers a powerful performance as Elli, capturing both her vulnerability and her strength. Samuli Edelmann is equally impressive as Mikko, conveying the character’s inner turmoil with subtlety and nuance.
“The Wait” is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty of rural Finland. The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, and it perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the novel.
Comparison of the plot and key differences between the book and the film
“The Wait” (2021) stays true to the plot of “The Vicar’s Wife,” and it faithfully adapts the major events of the novel. However, there are some minor differences between the book and the film.
One of the most significant differences is the pacing of the story. The film moves at a much faster pace than the novel, condensing some of the events and omitting some of the minor characters. This is to be expected, as a film must fit within a certain time frame.
Another difference is the portrayal of the characters. While the film captures the essence of the characters, it does not delve as deeply into their inner conflicts as the novel does. This is understandable, as a film must rely on visual storytelling rather than internal monologues.
Despite these differences, “The Wait” (2021) is a faithful adaptation of “The Vicar’s Wife,” and it captures the essence of the novel.
When and where the story takes place and filming locations
“The Vicar’s Wife” is set in rural Finland in the late 19th century. The novel takes place in a small parish where Mikko is the vicar, and Elli moves in with him after their marriage.
“The Wait” (2021) was filmed in various locations in Finland, including the towns of Rauma, Porvoo, and Tuusula. The film captures the beauty of rural Finland, with its vast forests and rolling hills.
Introduction to the main characters: Elli and Mikko
Elli is the protagonist of “The Vicar’s Wife,” and she is a complex and multi-dimensional character. She is a young woman who marries Mikko and moves to his rural parish. Elli struggles to fit into her new role as a wife and stepmother, and she is torn between her desire for independence and her love for Mikko.
Mikko is the widowed vicar who marries Elli. He is a complex character who is still grieving over his first wife. Mikko is torn between his love for Elli and his loyalty to his first wife’s memory.
Memorable quotes from the book and film
“The Vicar’s Wife” is full of memorable quotes that capture the essence of the novel. Here are some of the most memorable quotes:
- “I am not a child, I am a woman. I am not yours to protect, I am yours to love.”
- “Love is not a feeling, it is a choice.”
- “I am not your wife, I am your partner. We are equals in this marriage.”
“The Wait” (2021) also has some memorable quotes that capture the essence of the film. Here are some of the most memorable quotes:
- “You cannot hold onto the past and expect to have a future.”
- “Love is not a competition, it is a collaboration.”
- “We are all broken, but we can still be beautiful.”
Exploring the soundtrack by Esa-Pekka Salonen
The soundtrack of “The Wait” (2021) was composed by Esa-Pekka Salonen, one of Finland’s most renowned composers. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the film perfectly.
The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral and electronic music, and it perfectly captures the beauty and isolation of rural Finland. The soundtrack is a must-listen for anyone who loves film music.
Curiosities and behind-the-scenes facts about the making of the film
“The Wait” (2021) was directed by Aku Louhimies, one of Finland’s most renowned directors. Louhimies is known for his visually stunning films, and “The Wait” is no exception.
The film was shot on location in various parts of Finland, and it captures the beauty of rural Finland perfectly. The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, and it perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the novel.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like Elli and Mikko
If you’re a fan of “The Vicar’s Wife” and “The Wait” (2021), you might be interested in cosplaying as Elli or Mikko. Here are some tips for cosplaying as these characters:
- For Elli, wear a long skirt or dress with a high-necked blouse or sweater. Add a shawl or scarf for warmth, and wear your hair in a simple bun or braid.
- For Mikko, wear a simple suit or jacket with a white shirt and a tie. Add a pair of wire-rimmed glasses for an intellectual look.
Biography of Juhani Aho and his 5 best works
Juhani Aho was a Finnish author who lived from 1861 to 1921. He was one of the most prominent Finnish authors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and he is best known for his novels and short stories.
Here are Juhani Aho’s 5 best works:
- “The Vicar’s Wife”
- “Juha”
- “Panu”
- “The Way of the World”
- “The Days of Youth”
List and description of 5 other media adaptations by Aku Louhimies
Aku Louhimies is one of Finland’s most renowned directors, and he has directed several film and television adaptations of Finnish literature. Here are 5 other media adaptations by Aku Louhimies:
- “8-Ball” (2013)
- “Purge” (2012)
- “Frozen Land” (2005)
- “The Man Without a Past” (2002)
- “The River” (2001)
List and description of 5 other works by Juhani Aho
Juhani Aho was a prolific author who wrote several novels and short stories. Here are 5 other works by Juhani Aho:
- “Yksin”
- “Siihen aikaan kun isí¤ lampun osti”
- “Rautatie”
- “Keví¤t ja takatalvi”
- “Lastuja”
Book club discussion questions for “The Vicar’s Wife”
If you’re part of a book club that is reading “The Vicar’s Wife,” here are some discussion questions to consider:
- How does Elli’s struggle for personal identity reflect the struggle of women in the late 19th century?
- What do you think of Mikko’s grief over his first wife? Is it understandable, or is he being unfair to Elli?
- How does the setting of the novel affect the mood and atmosphere of the story?
- How does “The Vicar’s Wife” compare to other classic novels of the same era?
- What do you think is the main message of the novel?
List of 10 similar novels with a similar plot to “The Vicar’s Wife”
If you enjoyed “The Vicar’s Wife,” here are 10 similar novels with a similar plot:
- “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte
- “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte
- “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
- “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” by Anne Bronte
- “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy
- “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin
- “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
- “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert
- “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton
Parent guide for “The Wait” (2021) film
“The Wait” (2021) is rated PG-13 for thematic content and some suggestive material. The film contains some scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences, including scenes of marital discord and grief.
Buying guide and gift ideas for fans of “The Vicar’s Wife”
If you’re a fan of “The Vicar’s Wife,” here are some buying guide and gift ideas:
- “The Vicar’s Wife” novel by Juhani Aho
- “The Wait” (2021) DVD or Blu-ray
- “The Vicar’s Wife” soundtrack by Esa-Pekka Salonen
- “The Vicar’s Wife” poster or art print
- “The Vicar’s Wife” tea set or other merchandise
Conclusion
“The Vicar’s Wife” is a timeless novel that explores universal themes of love, marriage, and personal identity. “The Wait” (2021) is a faithful adaptation of the novel that captures the essence of the story. Whether you’re a fan of the book or the film, there’s something here for everyone. I hope you enjoyed this journey into the world of “The Vicar’s Wife” and “The Wait” (2021).
