Re-imagining of The Tempest

I think an interesting perspective for the movie would be from a Greek student's eyes. For one, the country Philip and Miranda take vacation in is Greece. Secondly, they decide to take refuge on a Greek island with the native Caliban--a very idiosyncratic and arguably crazy figure--for their sole company (aside from Aretha, Nino, and the occasional tourist). I think a Greek would interpret or construct Philip as a character more. I think a Greek immigrant might be confused with why a successful job making millions and a marriage with an actress and a typical kid would drive him to insanity like it apparently did in the movie we watched in class. To me, there would be an event,perhaps someone passes him up for promotion and his wife cheats on him with this character, that drives Philip to the edge. That would explain his hatred and his desire to run away. Then, I think the ending ends much more drastically (and closer to the play) as Philip works to lure his ex-wife and former coworker into some plot of revenge. Ultimately, he may forgive them or he may not, it would depend on the specific person reimagining the play. I for one don't think Prospero would spare them.

The Tempest Movie

I think some of the integral differences between the original play and the movie are the addition of Aretha onto the island (perhaps an Ariel replacement, though she creates no magic), and the fact that they voluntarily put themselves on the island. Instead of a usurpation of power, Phillip faces a relinquishment of responsibilities as he supposedly feels crushed under the weight of American Culture.  Thus the focus of the play becomes less about vengeance and power and transcends into the realm of self-discovery. The trip to Greece started as a means for Phillip to find himself, relax, and unwind. Yet it turned into a semi-permanent reprieve from a domineering boss and unfulfilling marriage. Rather than being forced onto the island, Philip willingly goes with his new found love, and begrudgingly brings Miranda. Some may say that they were forced indirectly by the contract; however, they chose the island  and when to go. Nobody put a gun to their heads. These change the dynamic of the theme entirely.
Next, the reasons for Phillip's (and eventually his wife's) slow mental derailment stems from work. Phillip perpetually hates his boss while his wife doesn't work to begin with and finds solace in acting again. This disparity creates a commentary on the ideals of America. Some play too much and burn out while others work too much and face the same fate. The concept of balancing life between work, self, family, and leading a stable life becomes a central issue. For Mama Day, the theme always focused on history and past lessons, while in this movie, the main topic seems to be finding yourself in the hectic culture that progressively becomes more and more material. It's about taking a step back and finding oneself amidst the chaos.