Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, “One Battle After Another,” is a loose adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland. The movie marks Anderson’s second attempt to bring the postmodern author’s ideas to the screen, following 2014’s Inherent Vice.
Anderson’s approach in adapting Vineland differs significantly from Pynchon’s original work. While the novel is known for its intricate structure and detailed conspiracies, Anderson favors a linear narrative with pure cinematic momentum. The film follows a flailing single dad trying to save his daughter as he grapples with his own failed revolution.
The movie retains some character details from Vineland but deviates in many others. For instance, Perfidia/Frenesi suffers from postpartum depression and receives witness protection after betraying her comrades, unlike in the novel where she has a more active choice. Anderson also alters the racial dynamics of the characters for his film.
One notable change is that the supporting character Deandra/Regina Hall takes on a different role compared to DL Chastain in Vineland. The film introduces new characters such as Sergio (Benicio Del Toro), who serves as Willa’s karate teacher and protector of undocumented migrants.
Anderson aims to bring empathy to his story by focusing on the struggle for agency and power, particularly for those who may stumble while trying to make a better world. By doing so, he identifies with Vineland’s core spirit rather than providing a faithful rendering of the original text.
Source: https://time.com/7319399/one-battle-after-another-vineland-thomas-pynchon