The Importance of “Structure” and “Theme” in Cinematic and Television Adaptations of One Thousand and One Nights

Filmmakers, television programmers, experts in literature, and those with an average knowledge in literature, cinema, and television, have different standards in evaluation of adapted movies. Similarly, there are various theoretical foundations in comparative studies of adaptation. Analyzing adapted movies and comparing them with literary sources can be done with a cultural study approach of which nature is interdisciplinary depended more on cultural feedback. From this perspective, examining the relationships between cinema and television regarding One Thousand and One Nights series shows that the adaptations in which the story has been developed according to its very cultural-historical function, succeeded more. These kinds of adaptation were faithful to the structure of the work. The reason why the faithful adaptations to One Thousand and One Nights were successful is that the theme of this book emerges from its structure. Crossing out the theme pattern in adapted movies doesn’t satisfy common addressees of book and movie.