Dear John IRP
By: Rebecca Crutchfield
Character: Alan Wheddon
In the movie, the directors decided to change the role of Alan from Tim's brother to Tim's son. This makes Tim and Alan seem like a great family, making it easier for Savannah to fall for Tim in the movie. Marrying Tim would seem like a better idea because she would then "complete the family."
Tim dies of Cancer
In the movie, the directors chose to make Tim die from his cancer. The money that John donated allowed Tim to live another two months with his cancer, but in the end, he passed away. Adding the death of Tim in the movie allowed for Savannah and John to ultimately end up together.
Savannah and John's Relationship
In the movie, Savannah and John end up together. After Tim dies, John and Savannah happen upon each other in a cafe and supposedly rekindle their relationship. The directors did this because it made the movie more of a "feel-good" movie. This change in plot pleased more of the audience and made them happier. This change in plot is seen in many movies and reinforces Hollywood's idea that "the boy always gets the girl."
John's relationship with his father
In the movie, however, the directors focus more on the relationship between Savannah and John. Although there are a few scenes in the movie between John and his father that impact their relationship, there are obviously many more scenes between Savannah and John. The emphasis on Savannah and John's relationship affects the romance in the movie and make it more of a chick flick. Making the movie a chick flick appeals to a greater audience.