The Razors̕ Edge : analysis and comparison of Somerset Maughams̕ novel (1944) and Twentieth Century-Fox film (1946)

The Razor's Edge is the title of a 1944 novel by Somerset Maugham and the novel's 1946 film adaptation, directed by Edmund Goulding. An analysis and comparison of these two works involves consideration of each version separately as well as both versions together.

Following an introductory chapter in which some historical and critical background information is presented, the initial focus falls on Maugham's novel. Specific elements of the work examined in detail include plot, characterization, setting, point of view, themes, and style.

A formalist analysis of the film, examined without reference to the novel, begins the next chapter. Drawing from Bordwell and Thompson's formalist framework for cinema study, this section explores the film's mise-en-scene, cinematographic properties, editing, and use of sound. This analysis of cinematic style is followed by a look at the film's narrative. In this portion of the chapter, the film and novel are compared, and significant alterations, deletions, and additions are discussed. The effects of these changes on the film's development of plot and characterization are also considered. When ascertainable, possible reasons for some of the changes are introduced.

The analysis concludes with a brief examination of The Razor's Edge's value in a more general study of novels, film, and the adaptation process. Two appendixes provide narrative overviews of the individual works.