That was exactly my response. I can get the whole “attracted instantly thing,” but really, they both think they hate each other (at least, Elizabeth does), and so right in the middle of yelling at each other (in a very Un-Austen-like manner, too) they want to start making out? It’s like that scene in Ratatoiullie, except not played for comedy (and not in France). And you’re spot on when you say that the reason it’s bad doesn’t have anything to do with not being in the book – tis stupid all by itsownself.
Well, it really depends on what interviews you’re reading. In his shorter, more sensationalist interviews, I tend to think that it’s mostly a PR stunt (not that I condone it, just that I don’t give them too much weight). In his more serious interviews, however, he says that Jane Austen is his favorite author, and demonstrates great respect for her brilliance (and what makes her so brilliant – the quality of her characters, the intelligence of the plot, and the beauty of her writing). He’s also never really said that Pride and Prejudice needs fixing – the added scenes he wrote were more for interpretation’s sake rather than improvement. And I actually agree with him about Sense and Sensibility needing a rewrite – though I don’t think he’s trying to say that his version is the definitive and best rewrite (after all, he also says he thinks that the 1995 film was good as well, though not his take).
As for the licentiousness, I don’t like certain things (the bath, mostly), but I think the seduction opening is no worse than the Wickham making out with random woman in the flashback of P&P (or his dalliances with Lydia). Also, I appreciate the chronology of it (and wish the same scrupulousness had been applied to the duel).
I think that almost all of Davies’ “racy” additions (except for the bath) have solid basis in the text, and while I don’t know how great they are, I don’t think he’s making things up.
Oh, and I actually think Emma is better than P&P in terms of writing skill.
And I was just kidding about Bingley going into Jane’s room. But Jane is a great reason to go places. ;-)
Re: Stripey Dresses
Well, it really depends on what interviews you’re reading. In his shorter, more sensationalist interviews, I tend to think that it’s mostly a PR stunt (not that I condone it, just that I don’t give them too much weight). In his more serious interviews, however, he says that Jane Austen is his favorite author, and demonstrates great respect for her brilliance (and what makes her so brilliant – the quality of her characters, the intelligence of the plot, and the beauty of her writing). He’s also never really said that Pride and Prejudice needs fixing – the added scenes he wrote were more for interpretation’s sake rather than improvement. And I actually agree with him about Sense and Sensibility needing a rewrite – though I don’t think he’s trying to say that his version is the definitive and best rewrite (after all, he also says he thinks that the 1995 film was good as well, though not his take).
As for the licentiousness, I don’t like certain things (the bath, mostly), but I think the seduction opening is no worse than the Wickham making out with random woman in the flashback of P&P (or his dalliances with Lydia). Also, I appreciate the chronology of it (and wish the same scrupulousness had been applied to the duel).
I think that almost all of Davies’ “racy” additions (except for the bath) have solid basis in the text, and while I don’t know how great they are, I don’t think he’s making things up.
Oh, and I actually think Emma is better than P&P in terms of writing skill.
And I was just kidding about Bingley going into Jane’s room. But Jane is a great reason to go places. ;-)