For as long as videos have been available to the public, there has been the question of whether or not they are as stimulating to the mind as the written story.
             Ambrose Bierce's, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge", and the short film it became when director, Robert Enrico adapted it to a visual medium, would be a good set to study to answer this question. They have their similarities, such as preparation, themes, and plot. Both also bring their own tactics to the storytelling table.
             The two versions of this story give a sense, by placing union troops around a perimeter, that the main character is surrounded, with no chance of escape. He has a love for nature, family, and life in both. This is illustrated by the way that he thinks of his wife and shows love for the earth when he is alive. Both consist of a series of escapes ending with a sudden, shocking death. Time is imaginary, and is warped and deliberately mishandled in both. Both use death to end the warp in time and bring the audience back to reality.
             The film version of this story adds a definite sense of sound with a soundtrack. This helps to stir emotions, and the lyrics help get a point across. The film also brings into play a bit of symbolism, leading to many parallels with the crucifixion of Jesus. The written story tells us some background of who the main character is, and fills in the story behind his hanging.
             Both Robert Enrico's film and Ambrose Bierce's written work tell approximately the same story, but both have their own way of doing it. As for all films and books, the same may be true. Both are beneficial to audiences in their own way.
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