I was sick over the weekend. To pass the time and to amuse myself, I watched several film adaptations of some of Jane Austen’s novels.
I’m going to be in a fangirl mode and talk about the “heroes” of the films.
image from janeausten.co.uk
I already watched “Sense and Sensibility” years ago but it was a great treat to watch it all over again. I love Alan Rickman, who in the said film, played Colonel Brandon. He is such a wonderful actor. Mr. Rickman is also known as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. I just found out that there is a 2008 adaptation of the said title, I will watch it when I have time.
image from pbs.org
And then I saw “Persuasion”. I adore Captain Frederick Wentworth who is dashing, handsome and very charming. Rupert Penry-Jones was the perfect actor to play the said character. The epitome of an English gentleman! I cannot help but swoon whenever he appeared on screen. Hot! Hot! Hot! *sigh*
I also got to see two versions of “Pride and Prejudice.” The earlier version was the 1995 BBC mini-series where I fell in love not only with the heroine, Elizabeth Bennet but also her counterpart, Mr. Darcy, which were portrayed by Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth respectively. Ms. Ehle gave life to her character magnificently! She is so charming, beautiful and witty! I really love her face! And Darcy, my Mr. Darcy! Colin Firth breathed life into such “complex character.” He was perfection! I just love it when he appears on screen. I cannot help but think of a similar character, one I also love, who appeared in one Korean series (but of course!) – the infamous Maestro Kang/Kang Mae.
image from erasofelegance.com
On the other hand, I find the 2005 movie version quite lacking but I would admit it has its moments. Mr. Darcy’s rendition of his two proposals to Elizabeth were quite romantic and passionate. And Matthew Macfadyen who played Mr. Darcy was good looking and smashing compared to Colin Firth. But…I’d still prefer Colin’s Mr. Darcy anyway. I found Keira Knightley who played Elizabeth Bennet a bit bland.
image from lovefilm.com
I guess I love the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice because the chemistry between Ehle and Firth was undeniable. Furthermore, both actors gave outstanding characterizations. I also didn’t like how the film was compressed into 2 hours and 9 minutes, which sacrificed a lot of significant developments in the lives of the characters in the novel. The series, however, encapsulated the important events and dialogues, consistent with the novel.
image from erasofelegance.com
I would love to watch other film adaptations of Ms. Austen’s novel. I believe, there are a few still that I have to look for. Meanwhile…where can I find my Mr. Darcy? 
I’ve read all of Jane Austen’s Novels at least twice and watched the movie versions. I think BBC came up with a movie special for her novels. I’m not sure if it was all or just some.
Have you seen emma? Where Gwyneth Paltrow plays lead. It’s my least liked novel of Jane Austen, but it was the one that introduced me to her (it was a requirement back in my HS English class).
Did you watch the movie Becoming Jane? The one with anne hathway playing Jane Austen. It’s quite interesting in its ending.
I have not seen Emma and Becoming Jane. Both are included in my list along with Northanger Abbey and Manfield Park though.
I’m quite fixated with Pride and Prejudice and with Mr. Darcy at the moment. LOL.
I know exactly what you mean about just not getting the 2005 film adaptation of P&P- I found it almost cringe worthy the first time round- however, it is now my firm favourite- 500 watches on… Honestly it gets that good! I particularly recommend watching it with the commentary from Joe Wright, the director, it just adds so much more. And lastly did you know that Firth and Ehle dated for real during and after filming?- so I guess they had a bit of an unfair advantage. I was quite peeved to hear that Collins recently stated that he has never watched the film ever since its release and hates being constantly associated with Darcy…
On the other hand- I just HATE Becoming Jane- ohh, they sooo ruined what could have been a great film- were the hell was any truth or reflection of character? I wonder if I am the only Janeite that feels that way??
Hi Caroline! Thank you for your comment.
Hmm, I just might take another look at the 2005 version of P & P. Who knows? It just might grow on me. Yes, I read that Firth and Ehle were dating that time so the chemistry was already there, I suppose.
I guess Colin wanted to break free from being associated with Darcy, huh?
I had ambivalent feelings as regards Becoming Jane. I also wrote a small note about the film here in my blog. I felt that something was missing and felt that a another actress would have done a better job. But I did like how the film ended (with that interesting detail).
Btw, I paid your blog a visit and I find it interesting.
Glad to hear that you’re giving the 2005 version another go. I don’t know if the following is abit too geeky for you (I reign geek supreme!) however once you start to look out for movie goofs….enjoy!
Continuity: When Mr Darcy confesses his love for Elizabeth, both characters’ fringes change position throughout the confrontation.
Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Mrs. Bennet’s sister comes, delivering Jane from London, Kitty comes into the room crying. When Mrs. Bennet’s sister says, “They probably can’t afford it,” her mouth is still moving after the line has ended.
Crew or equipment visible: During the ballroom scene, when Lizzie and Charlotte bump into Mr Darcy and he asks Lizzie to dance with him, if you turn the volume up you can hear the crew members discussing the position of the boom in the background.
Continuity: At the dinner in Lady Catherine’s house, the second candle from the left on the candle holder is alternately crooked/straight during Elizabeth and Lady Catherine’s conversation.
Continuity: During the second dance that Jane is dancing in, Mr. Darcy changes his position near the fireplace many times between shots.
Revealing mistakes: During the first scene of the movie in the house when Mary is seen playing the piano, she is not actually touching the keys.
Anachronisms: Lizzie is clearly wearing Wellington boots in many scenes.
Audio/visual unsynchronized: In the scene where Jane tells Elizabeth that Mr. Wickham has not come to the ball, Jane’s lips keep moving after Elizabeth says “He must be here,” though Jane says nothing.
Revealing mistakes: In the scene where Elizabeth examines the bust of Mr. Darcy, the camera pans around the back of the bust and dried dollops of plaster can be clearly seen on the backside of the shoulders and the column. The bust is supposed to be carved marble, and would not have the plaster dollops.
Continuity: Towards the end of the movie, when Lizzie wakes up to walk outside, her hair is on the outside of her jacket. Once she starts to talk to Mr. Darcy, her hair is tucked into her jacket.
Continuity: While sitting in the woods “quite close to” Mr Darcy’s house with her Aunt and Uncle, Lizzie is wearing a dark brown dress with a lighter colored coat. But when they go to see the house, Lizzie’s dress has changed to a cream striped dress with the same coat as before.
Continuity: When Mr. Darcy helps Lizzie into the carriage, the hand shot shows her in the process of sitting down, but the next cut shows her still standing.
Continuity: Early in the film Darcy assists Elizabeth into the carriage with this right hand. Afterwards the camera zooms onto this hand to show the effect that this ‘first touch’ has upon him. In a much later part of the film when Darcy wants to touch her again, but cannot, the camera zooms on this hand again. This time, however, it is his left hand.
With love Caroline x
Wow Caroline! You are certainly very observant and thorough!
I’ve taken note of your observations and I hope to enjoy looking for them in the movie! Thank you!
Jac