Expiration dates on intellectual property were written into the Constitution to “promote the progress of science and useful arts.” Consequently, every year, countless books, music, and films enter the public domain, fueling new concepts for creative works. Correspondent Lee Cowan explores how classic作品 like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, and Walt Disney’s original Mickey Mouse are being recreated in modern times.
Mickey’s New Role
For nearly a century, the iconic character Mickey Mouse has brought joy to audiences of all ages. Now that he’s in the public domain, creative individuals are reimagining Mickey in unique ways.
- Electric guitar maker Jedd Haas has created a customized guitar featuring Mickey’s silhouette.
- At a Paris exhibition, artist Maurizio Cattelan displayed a duct-taped banana, entitled “Comedian,” alongside a stuffed Mickey Mouse.
- Street artist Banksy stenciled an image of Mickey throwing a Molotov cocktail in Beit Sahour, near Bethlehem.
The Great Gatsby’s Renaissance
Another iconic work now in the public domain is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Books, plays, even a dance adaptation have been inspired by this timeless novel, exploring its themes of love, loss, and the American Dream.
- In 2013, “The Great Gatsby” was adapted into a ballet, with music composed by Michael Nyman.
- A 2004 stage play version was written by Simon Levy, exploring the novel’s themes of wealth and romance.
- Novelist Sophie Mackintosh released a 2019 retelling of “The Great Gatsby” from Daisy Buchanan’s perspective, titled “The Hotel Between the Lake.”
Sherlock Holmes: Still Solving Crimes
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective Sherlock Holmes continues to captivate audiences despite his age. His timeless appeal has led to numerous adaptations in various media.
- The BBC’s “Sherlock” series, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, modernizes the classic character while staying true to his essence.
- In Neil Gaiman’s “Good Omens,” Holmes appears as a character who teams up with an angel and a demon.
- Sherlock Holmes has even inspired a video game series, “The Sinking City,” where players solve mysteries and navigate a flooded city.
With the public domain serving as a fertile ground for creativity, classic works can continue to inspire and be reinterpreted, ensuring their cultural relevance for generations to come.
Data sourced from: cbsnews.com
