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

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Well, that's true. I forgot about Edward, really. ;-)

No, not sense -- sensibility. ;-P

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

Touche - looks like you're brushing up for the duel next week. ;-)

Speaking of which, however, do you think this version favors sense, sensibility, or some mixture of the two? I've heard some say it's way too "Romantic" and sensibility favoring, but I thought that the way Elinor is the emotional center of the film balances it out.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Heheheh. ;-) I am soooo looking forward to that!! The few possibilities have been discussed quite a lot considering that neither man was injured, so I'm hoping Willoughby loses/misses and then begs for mercy like a cowardly dog. ^-^ But then that's just me.

Hmmmm....what a great question!! :-D Really, it's difficult for me to answer about this adaptation since I obviously haven't seen it all. Ask me that in another week. ;-) But as for the story of S&S -- I've always thought the "ideal" was a sort of balance between the two. Elinor is obviously Sense, and she's accused of not having any sensibility. Marianne, is of course Sensibility, and it's doubtful if she has any sense at all. ;-) But I think both girls do have both qualities, only Elinor's sensibility is kept in check by her sense, and Marianne learns to practice more sense once her sensibility has lead her to a broken heart.

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

I do agree about the book - and eagerly await your verdict on the second half, which I think was much better. I really like how they give Elinor tiny outlets for her emotions, like beating the rug, but only when she's alone, not in public like Marianne.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :-)

I liked the rug part, too! ;-) I think she wished the rug was Fanny, lol.

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

Of course! Marianne thinks Elinor can deal with Fanny because she doesn't care (or worse, likes her), but if she were less self-centered, she would see that Elinor dislikes Fanny just as much as she does, but has self-control.