The Different Virgil's

Obviously the modern day remake of Inferno that we watched in class is astronomically different than the original book. It's characters, sins, sinners, punishments, as well as many other things have been updated to a much more contemporary critique of our culture. However the main change that surprised me somewhat was the evolution of Virgil. In the original poem Virgil is somewhat of an idol for Dante. He is the all-knowing guide that assists him all throughout the circles of hell. Yes, loosely this is what Virgil is in the film as well, however that all knowing factor seems to be gone. Dante has barely even heard of Virgil, and not only that but Virgil himself also seems a bit unsure at certain times. Throughout the poem Virgil is almost always in complete control. He knows how to talk to and persuade each demon that the two travelers come into contact with. He is able to guide Dante through Hell without only a few hiccups. On the contrary, in the film Virgil is not so persuasive, both when coercing demons to let them pass, and getting through to Dante. There were multiple instances of Virgil needing to physically slap Dante in order to get him to obey and in the poem; nothing of such force was necessary. Now I realize that this was partly included for comedic effect, but it also portrays the very different level of respect that Dante in the poem, and Dante in the film have for Virgil. Originally Virgil is viewed much more as an incredibly well respected elder, whereas in the film adaptation it almost seems as though they are peers. The travelers are more friends than mentor and student. But this is not all because of Dante's views. Virgil is much better at what he does in the poem than the movie. In the film he is forced to shoot the three-headed dog so that they may pass instead of simply convincing as he does in the poem. This makes me feel like the filmmakers wanted to make it seem as though Virgil was almost making it up as he went along, creating yet another satirical comment on hell, and what we actually know about it.