The translation of songs in musical films: A study of the film "Wonka"

This dissertation explores the complex process of translating musical films, with a particular focus on the translation of songs. The study begins by establishing a foundational understanding of translation, incorporating relevant theoretical aspects specific to the genre of musical films. The distinctive features of musical films are delineated, followed by an examination of various methods employed in their translation. Central to the discussion is the translation of songs within musical films. This involves a detailed exploration of methodologies, including Peter Low’s Pentathlon Principle and Franzon’s approach, highlighting the unique challenges translators face. The practical application of these theories is illustrated through a case study of the musical film "Wonka”, using both Pentathlon Principle and a targeted questionnaire to analyse three main songs. Using these analyses, the dissertation discusses the effectiveness of the translation strategies and the difficulties in maintaining the original songs' integrity.