ITV Persuasion -- My Thoughts

[olde_fashioned]

I've just finished watching the new ITV adaptation of Persuasion, and I must say, that I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would!

If you do not know that this is going to contain tons of spoilers, then conisider yourself duly warned.

To those of you who have seen it, what did you think?



I was not ignorant of the adaptation's flaws, thanks to RoP and various other communities online, so perhaps it helps knowing in advance and not being shocked by certain glaring omissions or apalling alterations helped a bit. ;-) I was very sorry not to see that one of my favourite scenes from the book, when one of the little Musgrove boys climbs up onto Anne's back, only to be physically removed by Captain Wentworth, had not made it into the movie. :-( I also did not care for a few members of the cast (Mr. Elliot and the Crofts, namely) and I kept getting strange sensations of desiring to punch Anne's obnoxious relatives in their officious noses. ;-P

Elizabeth Elliot was hideous. Mary Musgrove was revolting. My dad watched most of it and summed up Sir Walter very aptly. He called him an arrogant something, which made me laugh. ;-) I thought he could have been just a little bit more ridiculous (as he was in the novel) and there weren't enough mirror scenes -- (Which, btw, I caught a reference that we Americans only got to see a SHORTENED version. They cut out a scene with Anne and some old love letters, Mr. Elliot looking admirably at Anne on the Cobb in Lyme, and there might be others. *grrr*)

I also do not see what all the fuss is about Rupert Penry-Jones. He did not do much other than stand around and look grumpy at poor Anne. I confess I looked rather grumpily at poor Anne a few times myself, although that was only because the hairdresser had pulled her hair too tight. I did think Sally Hawkins did a very good job conveying Anne's loneliness and despair, and I loved the addition of her journalling. Very moving, and a great way to connect with the viewer, I thought. I thought it was especially so when anne was covering her mouth and sobbing after she thought Wentworth was to marry Lousia.

How on earth would Frederick convince Anne's father to sell Kellynch to an unseemly and obscure sailor, might I ask? That was the most unrealistic part, IMO, other than Anne trotting around Bath. Rather pointless, unless they wanted a breathless Anne to stand huffing and puffing before her love after she's chased him around half the city. Why was he as composed as could be and not even remotely out of breath, I'd like to know??? He was a Naval captain, not a track star. I think Cpt. Wentworth would have done better to buy Anne a pair of Nike's as opposed to a big house. ;-) lol.

Was Mrs. Smith's name really Harriet? I certainly don't remember that. I'll have to check my book later.

Oh! I almost forgot. One thing that I DID like, was that we get to hear Wentworth himself reading The Letter, not like the 1995 version where there is a double voice-over spoiling it entirely so that you can't hear a thing. I do wish they would have kept the novel's setting for it (not running by herself) but overall I liked this better than the Root/Hinds version.

*pauses, after rereading what I've written so far* I have this nasty habit of dwelling on the negatives of an adaptation, don't I? :-/ Sorry about that. I did like it though. I haven't made up my mind as to whether I'll be buying it yet, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I loved the costumes, if I did wish Anne would have worn something other than That Bonnet all the time, and the music was very lovely. I taped it (much to the dismay of my family...) so that I can watch it again at my leisure. That, for me, is the true test of a good costume drama. Either I get bored with it and have no desire to watch it more than a few times, or it grows on me more and more and I become increasingly fond of it. ;-)

Enough! I want to know what everyone else thought. :-D

ETA: Came across this article, (linked from RoP) and while I don't agree with everything this budding comedian says, I do whole-heartedly agree with this:

At the end of the film, as she is about to kiss Wentworth (oh, come on, you always knew how it comes out), her mouth twitches like a bass zeroing in on a tasty side order of plankton as her face moves slowly toward its target.

LOL!

Read the full article here

Comments

[adventurat.livejournal.com]

Was that house meant to be Kellynch? If so, I don't get the point of it, because Mr. Elliott would inherit it anyway!

We've seen this adaptation very differently. I found Rupert Penry-Jones's handsome face the only thing to admire about it; everything else fell far short of hopes and expectations. I thought it not a patch on the 1995 version.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Yes -- as far as I am aware that was the house that "played" Kellynch Hall. I didn't get it, either, because he couldn't buy it, could he? I'm not up on English law enough to know, but I doubt very much that Mr. Elliot would be willing to sell his birthright, even if Sir Walter would be .

I am afraid he really does not do it for me. ;-) I cannot understand what all the fuss is about him.

[elvenjaneite.livejournal.com]

I've heard some speculation that he didn't buy Kellynch but rented it from Sir Walter. Or went to stay with his sister. But neither of those make much sense, IMO.

I did enjoy this adaptation, despite its flaws, mostly because I happen to like Rupert P-J. And I cannot.stand.Ciaran.Hinds. Also, I thought Sally Hawkins did a very good job as Anne.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I suppose the Crofts could have given up their lease, like they were willing to do for Mr. Elliot in the cancelled chapters which somehow managed to make it into the movie. I still think it's silly.

See, I don't get why everyone loves Ciaran Hinds, either! (and I also think he and Amanda Root are way too old). Plus his running around in uniform bugs the heck out of me, and the circus?? What's with that?

[enchantinglight.livejournal.com]

I've heard some speculation that he didn't buy Kellynch but rented it from Sir Walter. Or went to stay with his sister. But neither of those make much sense, IMO.


I've heard some of the same things, but those explanations seem odd to me too. It seemed like he was giving Kellynch to Anne, but he can't give it to her if it's not his to give! That's my view, anyway.

[parelle.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I too took a liking to the Captain :) I thought he was charming and restrained - and loved the letter voice-over. That said, he was nigh on the only bright spot in the show for me. I really didn't like Anne rushing about constantly - and coming completely out of what's proper by doing so - like that kiss! Undignified! But, I also admit that it's been years since I've read the book, so I have nothing to say on its textual accuracy. Perfectly fine, but I do hope for better.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

You're right about his being restrained, and I did rather like the piano scene.

That Kiss was horrible. So UNromantic it was pathetic. Badly done. ;-)

It's been a while since I've read the book, and I almost didn't catch the whole cancelled chapters thing with the Crofts giving up their lease, but there were quite a few textual alterations. *grrr*

[midenianscholar.livejournal.com]

I think I agree with you. Though buying the house was very cute, if not very accurate. I also discovered that my green Regency dress looks a lot like Anne's.

Nikes! Hahaha! (Did you know Nike means victory, after the Greek goddess Nike? [/geek])

Did your heart thump a little hard at the site of Capt. Wentworth's blue jacket which matched perfectly with his eyes? He isn't Tall, Dark and Handsome, but I am a bit fond of him. *oi vey*

...Oh, yes, I wasn't happy with how they moved around Anne's conversation about women loving longest. What let Capt. Wentworth hope about her affections, other than that she turned Mr. Elliot down? It seemed to muddle things a bit.

My sister as Jane and Mr. Elliot walk around in Bath talking: "...They're just walking in circles." Me: "That's how you spend the morning in Bath. You walk around in circles and look at everyone and talk. Then you go home and eat, then you come back for a ball that night. Doesn't it sound fun?" [ending in sarcasm]

*chokes and dies at the article quote* I hate slow kisses. And they got to the kiss sooo slowly I had to go get myself some tea while I was waiting.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Cute, perhaps, but he couldn't have done it! *grrr* And I'm almost certain the waltzing was not period. But then of course if Anne can magically set broken collarbones with a poke and a pop, then why not?

;-) Yes, I had heard that! I was rather pleased when I learned that, though I'm not sure why.

I didn't even notice that! He didn't make my heart thump at all. (sorry) They don't all have to be Tall, Dark, and Handsome, but for me, he wasn't much other than Tall. He needed to emote more, IMNSHO.

Oh, yes! They ruined it! One of the best endings in literary history, and not a single one of these stupid filmmakers can manage to get it right. It's not like it's HARD to adapt. I was hoping maybe Wentworth would overhear her at Harville's saying women love longest, but he was too busy laughing. *facepalm*

LOL! Oh yes, let's go to Bath and drink the muddy water. (I thought that Barbara Spooner's remark in Amazing Grace about the yucky water was very amusing)

I hated THAT kiss! Not even remotely romantic. I thought was was having an asthmatic attack. lol.

[chloeandrudy.livejournal.com]

I liked it but not not as much as the Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds version. I felt more emotion btn the two characters there. I kept feeling she should have felt more confusion, embarressment, or panic at the thought of seeing him again.
Oh that kiss was embarressing to watch.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

That version has never been satisfactory with me, not that this new one is, either. I think they both are full of flaws, but I did enjoy this one much more than I anticipated. (I guess that's the key to enjoyment? Think of how horrible it's going to be, and then you'll be pleasantly surprised. lol)

That kiss was icky.

[chloeandrudy.livejournal.com]

Oh, and I noticed the "Harriet Smith" too. She was in Emma, for heavens sakes. I didn't remember Austen using the same name but she did repeat a few others elsewhere, so maybe so.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Yes! (I'll bet some idiot watched one of the movies and got their names confused.)

JA repeated names, but never both the first name and the surname if I am correct. There is Elizabeth Bennet and Elizabeth Elliot, or Fanny Price and Fanny Dashwood, etc. I think they just screwed it up.

Of course, Mr Rupert Penry-Jones is also the one who spoke distainfully of "Those Austen People" who would want a five hour adaptation if they could get away with it. What is wrong with that, might I ask???

[ex-arcady.livejournal.com]

Some good good points!

YES, about Anne's hair!!! She could've been much more attractive if her hair wasn't as tight!

This adaptation and Northanger are the best ones. Mansfield Park is absolutely terrible. Therefore, I cannot wait to see what you have to say about that! :P

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

See, I thought they were going to have it pulled too tight and then loosen it up later, to show Anne's "bloom" returning as it did in the novel. Even Amanda Root managed to look better by the end of the film.

Oh dear. Well, I'll be sure and be extra sarcastic when I see MP, how's that? *lol*

[twilight-luvers.livejournal.com]

I personally loved it. Persuasion was the only Jane Austen book I hadn't seen a film version of, so I was practically hopping up and down in joy when it came on.

I found the camera angles annoying sometimes, but they were good in a way, because I felt as if we were really intruding (for lack of a better word) on Anne's life, like we became a part of her story. I felt drawn in by the emotions, and must admit I was completely taken by Wentworth. I thought Anne and Wentworth were perfectly acted, just as I had imagined it from the book. Though they did kind of skim over her friendship with Mrs. Smith, I didn't feel it detracted from the story at all. And that kiss and the final scene were too beautiful for me to notice its historical inaccuracy. :)

Now, for indignation. We saw an edited version?! Do you know if the dvd shows the film in its British entirety? Because if so, I am splurging.

[twilight-luvers.livejournal.com]

(It's also my second favorite Jane Austen book, so that might explain my rapture)

[ceallaighgirl.livejournal.com]

I caught a reference that we Americans only got to see a SHORTENED version

Hmm, time to search online for the long version then!

I didn't get to see this, and our admin assistant wandered over to my cubicle to remind me of all the Jane Austen Masterpiece Theatre happenings this winter, so hopefully I'll get an opportunity to see it later.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

The DVD they're selling is supposed to be full-length. Not that this is worth buying, mind. ;-)

Oh, it's not Masterpiece Theatre anymore. It's now "Masterpiece". Isn't that stupid?

[ladybluelake.livejournal.com]

I really liked this version. I kinda liked that it was a little different and I'm a huge Jane Austen fan, but not a true Janeite because in my opinion they bitch way to much ;) True Janeites can kill me, it's there right.

The 95 version with Amanda Root is better, but I just can't see the hate for this one. I understand it for Mansfield Park, ugh. I loved Sally Hawkings, I felt very much for her. Rupert Penry-Jones was good, thought he played it very well. I didn't like the running all over Bath though, that was just wrong.

Northanger Abbey is the cream of the crop. Poor Andrew Davies gets beat up so, but I thought he did very well on adapting Northanger Abbey.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I won't kill you, but I do consider myself one of the Janeites. ;-) And a purist. lol.

The running of the marathon was just plain stupid IMVHO.

As much as I get irritated with AD for certain things, so far, I do think his adaptations are the best. He seems to understand what is crucial in JA's stories and what is not, and what can be changed without compromising the "spirit" of the novel. I'm not even sure this screenwriter read the novel -- he must have picked up a copy of Cliff's Notes on his way to work one morning. *facepalm*

Your icon is lovely. What is it from?

[yeshua-myprince.livejournal.com]

I must say I liked it. I did indeed. Yes, I saw all the flaws, and detested those certain people you mentioned.
I did like the Crofts...and I found Wentworth very fine looking. ;-)
The kiss was rather odd, it took way too long to finally happen. *shudder* It was almost uncomfortable watching her just wait and quiver while he made up his bloody mind to finally kiss her!
Whew!
Otherwise I found it lovely and romantic...and from what I've heard probably the best of the ITV adaptations.
Though, I must say I'm sort of liking S&S 08 by the clips I've seen. Col. Brandon is excellent.

What else did you like about it?

[enchantinglight.livejournal.com]

The kiss was rather odd, it took way too long to finally happen. *shudder* It was almost uncomfortable watching her just wait and quiver while he made up his bloody mind to finally kiss her!

Amen! I was practically yelling at the tv, "Will you please just kiss her already!!!"

[enchantinglight.livejournal.com]

I had some similar thoughts about Persuasion, which I posted
at my journal , if you'd care to read them.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Yes I would, thanks for bringing it to my attention. :-)

[urbansouthuna.livejournal.com]

I would have to agree with most of what has been said so far but here is my take on it:

I was not expecting much from this adaptation. I was pleasantly surprised and did enjoy it. [We were shown a shortened version!?! I'm outraged!!]

I greatly enjoy the 90s BBC/A&E version but see a few flaws in it as well (such as the wonderful C. Hinds being too old for the part).
This new version was enjoyable although too short. I liked Penry-Jones and S. Hawkins. I didn't like her hair though, ugg.
I was also disappointed in the way they mixed up certain lines(like the ones about women loving longest...) and left out a great many scenes for shortness that are not crucial to the story line but greatly help with character development.
I hated the fact that they had her running all the time. She ran in the concert hall and all over Bath, it would have never been done! And how may I ask does her INVALID friend come to walk with her in Bath?? I don't think her name is supposed to be Harriet either.

I also thought that Julia Davis(Elizabeth) was way too old for the role! She is in her early 40s and looks it! Elizabeth is supposed to be nearly 30. I thought Elizabeth & Mr. Elliot looked more like husband and wife instead of father & daughter.
(Mrs. Croft was a bit old as well)

I read somewhere(I can't remember which website but it was an interview with Penry-Jones) that the kiss was originally added by the actors. They were supposed to just pause and then realize they are in public(like in the book) but Rupert & Sally decided they should kiss. The director and producers liked it so they kept it in. I thought it was an extremely awkward looking kiss scene. He looked really calm and she looked somewhere between horny & hungry.

I think that's all.
On the whole, I really did enjoy but would love to see the longer version. :)

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Yes, a shortened version, and I share your sentiments. Apparantly a scene with Mr. Elliot looking at Anne as they pass on the Cobb, one with Harville and Wentworth discussing the latter's recent freedom from his obligations to marry Louisa, one with the entire party walking on the Cobb where Wentworth stares at Anne only to look away when she turns to look in his direction, Anne looking over old (love?) letters, and countless other bits were "shaved" off here and there, or so I'm told.

LOL, yes, there is quite the joke going around that Nurse Rook must be a miracle healer! ;-)

I also did not like either of Anne's sisters, and Mrs Clay was not at all as obnoxious as she should have been. I preferred the Penelope in the '95 version.

The kiss was horrible horrible horrible. End of story.

[urbansouthuna.livejournal.com]

I also do not usually consider myself a "Janite".

I think that term is often associated with obsession and fan fiction.

I am a true lover of Austen though. I am very particular about being true to Austen's work. And I hate this new "biography" thing they are doing on "Masterpiece Classic" (theatre). Because there isn't enough remaining information (ie: letters, journals...) on Jane Austen's life do a factual telling of lost loves. It shouldn't be called a biography and it should remain fiction like "Becoming Jane".


I do wonder: why "Janite"? Why not Austenite"? There are so many Janes in writing.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Now I do, except I prefer the term "Austenite" to "Janeite" for several reasons. ;-) My level of obsession I shall leave to others to determine, but I don't write fanfiction.

Are they really marketing Miss Austen Regrets as an accurate depiction of her life? I am most seriously displeased to hear that, but I shall reserve judgement until I've seen it for myself.

[ephramyfan.livejournal.com]

I personally loved this Persuasion. I thought RPJ did a really good job, he was much more attractive than the previous version of Wentworth lol. Sally Hawkins really made me feel for Anne and her pain and regret. I think I actually enjoyed this in some ways more than Northanger *hides*. Northanger was lighter fair for me at least.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Well I am glad you enjoyed it so much!

LOL! You don't have to hide -- yet. ;-) After I've seen what good ol' Andrew Davies has done to my Northanger, I'll decide if I want to throw things at you. ;-P

[shabby-chick.livejournal.com]

Hi there,
I haven't seen this, but I am actually commenting to let you know that I added you as a friend. :) We seem to have alot in common...if it is alright with you, of course?

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Sure, why not? :-) Nice to "meet" you.

Does your username mean you are fond of Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic?

[greenlee-g.livejournal.com]

i always seem to come back to your lj.. simply because your work is stunning, but i find myself perusing your blog and marvelling at your insights :)

I find this post particularly interesting as i bought the ITV version of Persuasion completely on a whim one day. I am a bit obsessed with all things 'period' and therefore i admit, was drawn more by the wonderfully handsome stare of the lead, than by the dismal reviews i had read of the adaptation up till then.

I have to also admit that i had not seen the previous adaptation of Persuasion (and sadly still havnt) and my thoughts on the version you discuss was decidedly disappointing.

I too seem to dwell on the negative, and although i cannot claim to have hated it, my liking is akin to something of a luke warm nature.

Sally Hawkins, as the lead, did as best she could with the material provided for her. I absolutely loated the close-ups of her.. her staring into the camera just distracted me too much -- while also pointing out that the director could not possibly have shed her in more of an unattrative light. The poor dear looked sickly half the time, cow eyed and just so dull. That irritated me greatly. Sally is not THAT plain, and i think making Anne a little more attractive would also have made Wentworth's attraction to her more believable.

Her mad dash to the finish line at the end became ridiculous and just too funny. My sister and i found ourselves giggling at how ridiculous she looked running up and down.. :)

In the final "confession" scene, i was so frustrated at NOT being allowed to see Cpt Went's face. The Director keeps practically all the way on Anne and i kept going, "show me HIS reaction!" Very frustrating..!

As for the dashing Captain, his performance is heralded as wooden by many. And i cant help but agree to some extent. But perhaps my shallow nature and appreciation for his good looks make me forgive his performance. It was adaqauate i suppose. I was frustrated at the lack of communication aka DIALOGUE between him and Anne.. again making it hard for the viewer to understand and relate to his empassioned feelings for her (their past history not taken into account, just dealing with their present behaviour)


All the negative spewed above though, i have caught myself watching it twice since i bought it. So it definitely isnt catchin dust on the shelf!

Anyway.. Regards,
Greenlee

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

First of all, wow! That's so sweet of you to say that. :-) I'm flattered!

That is why I never buy a movie without seeing it unless it's super-cheap. ;-P Although when one is obsessed with all things period, as you are (and myself as well!) then it sometimes becomes difficult. haha.

Perhaps you should rent the Root/Hinds version and see what you think? They each have their virtues and their flaws, but the older one does have the advantage of cramming more story into the same amount of time, without seeming rushed.

I agree with you 110% about Anne's face. They could have made her a lot more pretty than they did, and I kept hoping that was because they were going to have her "bloom" as Anne did in the novel. I also agree that the didn't give RPJ enough screentime/material to develop his character enough.

[sabrinafair2.livejournal.com]

I taped it, but alas I was doing other things while "watching" it, so I didn't pay too much attention. I don't really like Captain Wentworth in this version, from the bits and pieces I saw him...actually I feel probably the most sad for Anne out of all of Jane's characters. Captain Wentworth, is a bit of a jerk when he's flirting with the Musgrove girls, of course it was Anne who turned him down in the first place.

The part about it being shortened makes sense. I couldn't believe that it was only one hour and a half, I was very disappointed that it wasn't longer.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I didn't like him, either, and I'm glad there's at least one other person who wasn't completely taken by his looks. ;-) I never have been fond of Wentworth anyway, and you're right about his being a jerk.

So was I! I mean, ten minutes? Why bother cutting it??

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

I liked this adaptation, though I found NA to be less inclined to savagely cut the book's details. I thought the leads and Sir Walter to be well acted, but everyone else was either unmemorable or excreable (e.g. Mary Musgrove). I was rather irritated that they didn't include more or different scenes than the 95 film (which I adore in all its flawed glory). It felt like a cheaper remake rather than a fresh adaptation.

One thing that I seem to be virtually alone in appreciating is Anne's run around Bath. I thought it was a nice visual metaphor for her life coming full circle. Though the handheld camera bugged me to no end.

Oh, and I saw the new S&S, and love it intensely.

[einaphets.livejournal.com]

You're not alone. I liked it generally speaking although it'd been nice to have ended after the first location and not keep dashing place to place. Also with such a passionate letter, you'd think they would have had a more animated response from him in seein her running towards him in such a way.

Of course we couldn't see his reaction with the camera behind him filming his shoulder.

Grrrr.

[einaphets.livejournal.com]

I finally got to watch it last night and agree with most of the consensus esp. THAT KISS. OMG that was awful camera work/directing. It's almost like I could hear him thinking, "no, don't make me kiss that..."

Overall I did like it though but it was filmed very unevenly. I liked the Root/Hinds version better. This one had the potential to be much better, I think, with more likeable leads but dang it was piecey. Several scenes where the camera was at an odd angle behind someone's shoulder.

I don't know if I can watch it again without being more preoccupied with the odd mechanical things going on on-screen than the drama itself.

I'm looking forward to the next one. I'm so glad you let me know about it. Thanks.

[victoria-tonks.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would!

I suppose it's a matter of expectations. Once you get the too high, you're almost bound to be disappointed. ;) Like me. :P

Agreed on Mr. Elliot. I've read a few reviews gushing about hic charismatic acting and was all like 'Huh? Are we talking of the same Mr. Elliot?'

I've tried to check Mrs. Smith's name but I don't know if Austen even gave her the first name. :D But I don't think it's Harriet. ;)

Word on RPJ. Especially when, in the span of just one evening, you get to compare his acting to that of Richard Armitage. :P Armitage's one look expresses more than RPJ's 15 min of screen presence, I'd say. But he's very good looking so I guess that's the reason he's gotten so much praise.

The ETA quote about the kiss totally cracked me up. LOL So true!

It looks like I'm yet to see my perfect Wentworth and Anne. *sigh* But at least your review's made me want to watch this adaptation again. :)

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I had very high expectations, and was pleased with the beginning, but it just went downhill from there IMO.

Mr. Elliot, Anne's father, or cousin?

I don't recall Mrs. Smith ever having a first name.

Armitage's one look expresses more than RPJ's 15 min of screen presence

AMEN!!!