Final answer:
Director Roman Polanski maintains fidelity in his film adaptation of 'Death and the Maiden' by respecting the original script and staying true to the playwright's story, especially during the critical post-production phase where his artistic decisions are pivotal to the film's final cut.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Roman Polanski's film adaptation of Death and the Maiden, the main way in which the director maintains fidelity to the original material is by respecting the script and telling the playwright's story with utmost precision. This is crucial especially in the case of modern and contemporary plays. Polanski's artistic choices, while they don't conflict with the original material, influence the audience's perception and heighten the experience of the narrative.
The process of making a film is heavily marked by the director's vision, particularly during post-production. This phase is where the movie comes together, with the director selecting the most suitable takes, editing them, and placing them in sequence. In film, the director has the final say in storytelling, which emphasizes the importance of the director's fidelity to the source material.
While the movie is pieced together behind closed doors, it is vital that it still reflects the playwright's story without infringing on copyright rules or the integrity of the work. If the play is within the public domain, the director may exercise more creative freedom, but for copyrighted works, fidelity is key to avoid potential legal issues and honor the artistic process.