Part III
I know that this is already my third post about Austens’ adaptations, but bear with me because I still have a number of interesting movies to introduce to you. I don’t just want to give you a list. More than telling you the things that I find interesting about these movies, I want to show you the feelings that you will probably experience while watching these adaptations. When you watch a movie, read a book or listen to a piece of music, in many cases, what truly matter are the emotions brought to you by that work of arts. With that in mind, I will keep my review as short and informative as possible.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
This movie, along with many others, proves that Emma Thomson is truly a jack of all trades. As the screenwriter and one of the two leading actresses of the film, she is one of the main reason to the immense success of the film. Her screenplay wonderfully captures the spirit of Austen’s original novel, earning her an Academy Award that year. Her performance as the emotionally repressed Elinor moves the audience deeply. Viewers feel for Elinor, the one who hides a passionate heart behind her unbreakable will. Kate Winslet as Marianne, Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon, Hugh Grant as Edward and the supporting cast all did an incredible job in adapting the classic novel to the screen as well. The plot stays true to the source, bringing up pretty much every important detail without making the pace seem rushed. The more times I rewatch the movie, the more I love the feelings that it stirs up in me.
Northanger Abbey (2005) and Persuasion (1995)
It’s very unfortunate that Northanger Abbey and Persuasion don’t have that one special adaptation that can please everybody like Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility. Nevertheless, Northanger Abbey (2007) and Persuasion (1995) are two charming adaptations that you should consider watching at some point on your Austenian adventure. Though there’s not much about either movie that are exceptionally memorable, in general, they are both good movies with a balanced cast and many lovely scenes of the English countryside. They were relatively faithful to the original source in terms of plot development, staying true to the vibe of Jane Austen’s works for most of the time. I can assure you that they would not disappoint.
A sleepy conscience 