A Hutcheonian reading of Liv Ullmann's film adaptation of August Strindberg's Miss Julie.

This article analyzes Liv Ullmann’s film adaptation of August Strindberg’s play *Miss Julie* through the lens of Linda Hutcheon’s adaptation theory, focusing on narrative, thematic, character, and setting modifications. Ullmann’s version relocates the setting from Sweden to Ireland and expands the spatial environment beyond the play’s confined kitchen, using cinematic techniques such as symbolism and visual storytelling to explore class antagonism and gender dynamics. The adaptation notably offers a feminist reinterpretation by minimizing the misogynistic elements present in the original play and earlier adaptations, enhancing the role of the servant character Kathleen to create a more complex character interplay. The study concludes that Ullmann’s film maintains fidelity to Strindberg’s work while employing critical distance and creative innovation, illustrating how adaptation can honor a source text while producing a distinct, culturally resonant cinematic work.