Sense & Sensibilty 2008 -- My Thoughts (part one)

[olde_fashioned]

At long last, we get to see the rest of the Complete Jane Austen Season! I thought it was very unkind of the PBS/BBC/whatever execs to torture us with such a huge gap between the adaptations. *pouts* But anyway, patience is a virtue. Or at least so I'm told. ;-P

Firstly, I obviously object to the "seduction" in the opening scene. What, is a Jane Austen story not attractive enough without "spicing" it up?? (Andrew Davies, I'm looking at you!) There is more to love than lust and eros. It was not as bad as I thought it might have been, thankfully. *wipes prudish sweat from brow*

Also, aside from my moral objections to such an addition, I find it highly and materially altering to the story, that we are given such a hugely crucial "spoiler" and clue to Willoughby's true nature so early in the story. We are supposed to be as ignorant as Marianne!! We are not supposed to view him with suspicion. Even the actor they chose makes me raise my eyebrows -- he's too "caddish" looking, in my opinion.

Elinor and Marianne are both well cast, IMO, and I like Elinor especially. I'm a little less fond of Marianne, possibly because I am comparing her too much to Kate Winslet. But seeing her performance once Willoughby breaks her heart will be much more "telling" than what we've seen so far. It's difficult for me to form a "just impression" when I've only seen half a story. ;-)

Margaret has been reduced to the irksome nickname of "Meg", and Elinor is now "Ellie"?? Uhh, thanks, AD, but I think this is S&S, not Little Women or Jurassic Park. Next we'll be hearing about Christmas-just-won't-be-Christmas-without-presents and chaos theory. *eyeroll*

I saw Our Mutual Friend long before this S&S was even filming, and when I learned that David Morrissey, (the creepy-crazy-fist-smashing-Eugene-killing-teacher) was to play Colonel Brandon, I confess I was both pleased and intrigued, mainly because I think anyone who has the ability to pull off such a loony must be at the very least a tolerable Brandon. I was not disappointed. So far, he's suitable in age, temperament, and musical tastes. I really liked the extra musical scenes, with his knowledge of books and music appearing much earlier in the story. Oh, and the poor man has to keep ducking to get in/out of the Dashwood's parlor!! ;-P

Which brings me to the house. And the scenery. And the music. Ohhhh! 8-) Can you tell I love all three?? No wonder tourism has increased umpteen percent for the cottage where this was filmed! It's gorgeous! *sings* I think I want to move to Devonshire..... *sigh* I'll happily trade places with her! :-D (Oh, and I reallyreally hope the BBC puts out a soundtrack of this!! The music is by Martin Phipps!! :-D He did North & South, which means it's prettyyy... ^-^)

I liked the seashells. They were almost a stabilizing element, a reminder that time does not stand still for our mortal pains and sufferings, that our lives may stand still or end completely, but the world around us continues in an endless, heavenly rhythm. How many girls have plucked pretty shells from the beaches and treasured them? Whispered secrets into their cavities, and cupped them to their ears to hear the echoes of the sea? But I digress... back to the cottage. It's delightfully quaint, white, light, and dark at the same time, with such a fantastic view, of cliffs and seascapes and whatnot. I'm surprised Marianne doesn't like it more, what with her romanticism and love of nature and dramatic scenery.

I shall not say that I am "most seriously" displeased, but I wasn't happy at AD's lack of creativity to come up with a tangible reason for Elinor to fall in love with Edward. Surely pirating Emma Thompson's brilliance is low, even for him. Margaret the rambunctious tomboy, hiding under a table in the library?? Edward playing with Margaret, and helping her "hide" from his sister?? *glare* Okaaayyyyy.....

I'm beginning to think that this whole epidemic of "going green" and recycling everything has infected the costumers of the film industry. Is there a reason Marianne has to wear Lizzy's clothes?? Or that New!Elinor has to wear the same hairstyle as Old!Elinor and borrow Lizzy's sense of fashion whilst standing atop a cliff??

Overall, I am on the road to being pleased, but I shall reserve my final judgment until I've seen how it ends. For me, more than one film has been ruined by how the screenwriter ties up all the loose ends. I thought ITV's new Persuasion started out rather promising, only to turn into an 18th Century precursor to the Boston Marathon. But we are dealing with an entirely different kettle of fish with this adaptation, and despite my qualms with Andrew Davies and his values (or rather, a lack thereof...) I will admit that he does know how to adapt a Jane Austen novel, so long as he restrains himself from his licentious tendencies.

Anyway, this has gotten long enough. I'm still hoping for a flannel waistcoat for Colonel Brandon, and that Marianne will pleeeeaaaassseeeee learn how to match her colors.....!! Oh, and I can't wait for that duel!! ;-P

Comments

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

Wooohooo! It’s finally here! And my DVD will be here soon too!

And patience is indeed a virtue. Every young padawan must have patience, or they’ll never become Jedi. Right? :-)

While I agree that the seduction is not terribly appropriate for many people, I like the fact that it’s chronologically accurate. Furthermore, I never thought that Davies is advocating that sort of behavior – instead, it’s meant to show how bad a certain character is. Perhaps the attention paid is overmuch, but I think it’s both more and less than simple advertising.

As for spoiling, I like the way they kept Wilhoughby’s face out of frame – it keeps enough mystery for me. Besides, who’s going to know who it is, unless you have (shock!awe!) read the book. However, I’ve never really liked Wilhoughby, so perhaps my approval of portraying him as this rakish stems from that. As a friend pointed out, this version seems to be the “Zero Tolerance” version regarding Wilhoughby – he’s not apologized for at all – he’s just bad. Which I’m fine with.

I loooooooooorrrrrrvvvvveeee Elinor in this version, and next week I’m planning on gushing even more unrestrainedly about Hattie Morahan’s performance. But for now, suffice to say that I think she’s the best thing about this film – and that she made me fall in love with the character of Elinor from the book, which I’d never done before.

Awww, I loved the use of nicknames. It doesn’t seem overdone to me, and I liked the sense of family closeness and intimacy it built. Perhaps the fact that I have an unfinshed ficlet using the nicknames influences my liking of them, but there tis. I likes.

House – scenery – music – word. And more word. They are absolutely heartbreakingly lovely – so much so that I really really wish I could be in England right now. And listen to the soundtrack there. Mmmmmm.

I dunno if Davies was deliberately pirating Emma Thompson so much as the particular choices both made are logical and fit with today’s sensibilities. The second half diverges much more, so I think it should improve in your estimation.

Don’t know enough to comment on fashion, other than saying I liked Elinor’s dresses – thought they were nice and clean-lined, fitting her character. But I’m completely ignorant, so apologies.

What I can’t wait for: Elinor – Elinor – aaaaaaand more Elinor! Oh, and the duel will be nice too. But Elinor!

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I really like this Elinor, too, and I can't wait for next Sunday. :-) I think her voice reminds me of Anna Maxwell Martin's, but that could just be my over-active imagination!

Yes, they kept his face out-of-frame, but come on, I mean, does Brandon look like/sound like the same guy?? I think not.

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

Weeeeellll, yeah, but it could be Edward, right? Or John Dashwood? Or...you do have a point. And I've never thought it was a great idea - just that it makes a little bit of sense.

[kari.livejournal.com]

It's not just you. I kept thinking that she had such a similarly deep and lovely voice to Anna's. I loved Hattie's expressiveness and interpretation of the character as well.

I was thrilled with the adaptation, by the way. I didn't even mind the digressions from the book (*ahem* swordfight!) as much as I usually do because the script in general worked so well for me. Thanks so much for the reminder that this was airing over the last couple weeks!

[midenianscholar.livejournal.com]

Eh, I didn't catch the nickname thing like...at all. *rolls eyes at self* But that obviously means I don't mind.

I thought Marianne did like the cottage--what with her walks (singing Shakespeare! Did you catch that?) and romantic exclamation upon entering. I'm still waiting for her to finish developing... I did like how Colonel (see, I learn!) Brandon shows off his musical ear to her via complimenting her on a change she made, and she determines to take it as an insult and thinks he's stuck up. Poor Colonel Brandon. I almost pity him for ending up with a teenager... ;)

Oh, also, try to be nice to the poor Marianne actress. She came after a very good actress, so it's hard for her to live up to it. *pats wittle Marianne* :)

Edward/Elinor/Margaret didn't bother me either, obviously. I did want a little extra something, but I was satisfied. Margaret was priceless! *snickers*

Lemme see...I think that's it. :D

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Ha! I suppose I'm being overly picky with that. 8-/

Singing Shakespeare -- um, no? *shakes head at self* Is that when she was avoiding Brandon and walking with Margaret? I heard her singing, but I didn't recognize the song.

I pity him!! I still like Brandon + Elinor better, since I'm not overly fond of Edward, and Marianne, even though I like her, doesn't deserve Brandon IMVHO. ^-^ I get mad at Edward for his duplicity.

SIGH! *tries to do poor widdle actwess justice*

Margaret is adorable!! I was hoping she'd stick her tongue out at Fat Dashwood Child when they were leaving Norland. ;-P

[midenianscholar.livejournal.com]

:D

Yes--when she's walking, she starts singing a song in A Much Ado About Nothing. "Converting all your sounds of woe
Into. Hey nonny, nonny."
The rest is here (http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/shakespeare/sigh_no_more_ladies.html).

I'm kinda with you in that. :) Marianne annoys me a bit.

lol!

Haha! Yes.

[goingofthings.livejournal.com]

I think you will really enjoy the 2nd half much more. I cannot wait - sometimes when I watched it I would skip on ahead to the 2nd half, which I'm usually too OCD to do because if I watch a movie I want to watch the whole movie, but sometimes I just wanted to get to the duel and the rain scene!. *swoon*

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

LOL!! I enjoy the entire story-telling process and I don't mind it taking a long time. In fact, the longer a costume drama is, the better, IMO!

Eeeeeee!! 8-D Okay, that's enough!! Rain scene?? Ala Wives & Daughters? Okay, stop, stop!!!

I can't wait for the duel.

[nuranar.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen this yet, but reading your review is very interesting. Re: the seduction, I think I'd hate it primarily because it gives away such a HUGE plot point. Foreshadowing in this case is not a good idea. As for the morals... no, I wouldn't like it either. But it does make a difference if it's portrayed negatively or positively (it sounds like it's negative), provided, of course, that it's - tasteful is the best word I can come up with. But I'd be all-around happier without it.

I'm beginning to think that this whole epidemic of "going green" and recycling everything has infected the costumers of the film industry. Is there a reason Marianne has to wear Lizzy's clothes?? Or that New!Elinor has to wear the same hairstyle as Old!Elinor and borrow Lizzy's sense of fashion whilst standing atop a cliff??

*giggles uncontrollably* That is one of the wittiest comments on the "green" movement that I've heard in a long time. :D

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :-D Gee, I even get italics. ;-)

The seduction was not, IMO, a "sympathetic" one except for the girl -- we are left feeling sorry for her, as she stares sadly out the window begging him to come back. We'll probably get a more "blatant" opinion of their behaviour later in the film.

:-D Thank you! *bows* I am happy to have amused you!

[airehen.livejournal.com]

Ah, see, we missed the very first part (my mom and me). But then seeing the previews for the next installment, I remembered about Willoughby. As I commented before, it's been a while since I read the book - so the memories are all there, just a bit faded. I like Elinor and Marianne, and Edward. I didn't know what to think of Mrs. Dashwood's hospitable cousin at first, but he does seem like an amiable fellow - even if his mother-in-law is a bit obnoxious. And I know it may have been the custom for everyone to show up and stand in a row for greetings, but in this one they all seem a bit strained. And each time, the camera angles make you think they're purposefully posing to get their picture taken.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Sir John Middleton? I don't like him as much in this version, but then I doubt there's hardly anyone to compare with Robert Hardy. ;-) I don't like this Mrs. Jennings at all, so far. We'll see if Davies kept in her nursing Marianne during her illness, and that might "improve" her character a little.

[airehen.livejournal.com]

P. S. So actually, I'm glad I missed the *spoiler* at the beginning. 'Cause I actually liked Willoughby. Though I also liked the tension between him and the Colonel.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

You didn't miss anything worth watching. ;-P

You LIKE Willoughby?? The actor, you mean?

[enchantinglight.livejournal.com]

I may do something like this myself, so my comments here will be minimal.

I really like your comments about the seashells.

As to Marianne matching her colors... you wouldn't, by any chance, be referring to that strange yellow/pink combination she wore on several different occasions, would you? Or the red dress/yellow gloves, which I would never wear, but that did grow on me after a while?

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Ah, okay! That's fine, and I'd like to read it when you're done. :-)

Thank you! :-D

Hahaha, YES that horrid pink/yellow stuff she was wearing. Did you see her GREEN gloves?? With a red coat?! *faints* I didn't mind the red dress with the yellow gloves, though. I just wish she'd quit wearing those stupid scarves. I did read that the costuming department made a conscious decision to make her look more frivolous and juvenile than her sister. It'll be interesting to see how she dresses once she's matured later.

[harmoniouslife.livejournal.com]

I wandered into your journal from bbccostumedrama, and I really enjoyed your review. I agree with you on all points.

My problem with the opening seduction scene, apart from the fact that it gives so much away, was that it set a tone that the rest of the movie (thankfully) didn't follow. If I didn't already know the story I would have been completely confused as to what that had to do with the rest of the plot. Besides that, it was just uncomfortable to watch. It was very unlike the scene that Davies invented for P&P, which actually did start the movie off with a gallop.

I was most disappointed with the costuming. They must not have had the budget for it, otherwise why would they rent gowns for the principals to wear? Not only that, but some of the colors were jarring against the scenery. It was as if they gave no thought to the overall color palate.

But these were minor issues-- overall I really enjoyed it. I thought the casting was very good and the locations were beautiful.

[midenianscholar.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'm rewatching S&S and I noticed a few things.

1) When Elinor's in the library (just before Edward comes), she picks looks at the Bible and then picks up a pretty pencil box. I thought that it said E. Dashwood (for Elinor) on it, but actually it's H. Dashwood (for her father). Which, of course, made me think of how her dad might have passed on her passion for drawing to her... Very charming idea. :)

2) Marianne wasn't singing the song I thought she was. She was singing Shakespeare, but it's a song from the very end of Twelfth Night. (Has nothing to do with the play actually, but pretty much all Shakespeares end in a song.) Here are the lyrics: http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/shakespeare/when_that_i_was_and.html

I think that's it. :)

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I saw the pencilcase (and got a little bug-eyed over it!) but I couldn't read the intial, only the Dashwood part. That is indeed a very interesting observation! Good catch!

Ah, well, Shakespeare is still Shakespeare, right? ;-) At least you recognized it!!

I would watch it again tonight, but there's a special part-2 of the CSI: Miami cliffhanger from last night that we're planning on watching. ;-P I'll try and watch it again before Sunday, though! *ponders distressed reactions of family*

[sabrinafair2.livejournal.com]

I'll have to sit down and actually watch this one. I watched pieces of it, but for some reason it wasn't interesting enough to tempt me to devoting my undivided attention. I do have to give some praise for Davies for even trying to handle S&S. After Thompson's screenplay I would be extremely terrified to touch it and for my creation to be compared with hers.

[shabby-chick.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen this one yet, although I know quite a bit about it. From watching trailers, interviews, and such, I've already decided I don't like Willoughby, and I'll hate the opening scene. What is with Davies? I just don't like what he does to these films. :(

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

LOL!!! The opening scene is admittedly, not as bad as I thought it would be. It is mostly "overly sensual" and "implying" rather than explicit. That's no excuse IMO but others are not as picky as I am. ;-)

[ephramyfan.livejournal.com]

I really enjoy the mini-series as a whole and thought the casting was great :) Elinor especially!

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Yes, Elinor is probably as near to "perfect" as I've seen, judging from all 3 adaptations. ;-)