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Post by Val on Mar 29, 2008 19:08:20 GMT -5
It looks like tomorrow night, Mar 30, will be the first chapter of PBS/Masterpiece Theater's new Sense & Sensibility. If you go to the website tinyurl.com/yoahfs there are actually videos you can watch of different topics, like THE COSTUMES! Be sure to set your recorders now so you don't forget. It will be nice to see a new one. |
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Lady Serendipity
Clergy
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort". --Jane Austen
Posts: 120
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Post by Lady Serendipity on Mar 30, 2008 15:46:24 GMT -5
Thank you Val! Those were very interesting to watch!
I have to admit, I saw the Emma Thompson S&S years ago, and didn't care much more it...can hardly tell you why...it just didn't "speak" to me.
So I've been very interested to see this new adaptation, and those vid clips made me think I shall enjoy it very much!
(Austen + a little Bronte = a good thing, in my book! ;D)
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Post by Val on Mar 30, 2008 18:34:28 GMT -5
I have to admit, I saw the Emma Thompson S&S years ago, and didn't care much more it...can hardly tell you why...it just didn't "speak" to me. But it's good for costumes, even if you don't like the movie! |
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Post by Mrs Parker on Mar 31, 2008 16:48:23 GMT -5
I'm not crazy about the little gerbil they cast as Willoughby. He's just too smarmy to fool anyone, IMHO.  I haven't read the book for awhile but wasn't Edward a bit plain in appearance? They've cast another Hugh Grant in the role. Overall, I'm enjoying the new version. Not great for bonnet-mining but there's always S&S for that!  |
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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Mar 31, 2008 17:14:53 GMT -5
I'm not crazy about the little gerbil they cast as Willoughby. He's just too smarmy to fool anyone, IMHO. I haven't read the book for awhile but wasn't Edward a bit plain in appearance? They've cast another Hugh Grant in the role. Overall, I'm enjoying the new version. Not great for bonnet-mining but there's always S&S for that! Bonnet Mining... LOL! I recorded it; I was so tuckered after the tea, I just shucked my costume, leapt into my pajamas, watched an hour or two of television while eating spaghetti, and called it an early night. I'll probably watch it tonight. I probably won't have a problem with a smarmy willoughby... I thought the prior one to be altogether too dashing and cute for the character. I don't think they villified him enough. Scoundrel. I'm curious to see the new Brandon. Nobody will ever beat the Rickman brandon for me, but I'm always happy to see someone *try*. |
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Post by Val on Mar 31, 2008 17:26:13 GMT -5
I've only seen the first hour so far, and will be watching the rest shortly, but these are my observations so far:
So far I like the characters very much in this version.
Fanny Dashwood reminds me of a snake, with her sinewy head turns. I could almost hear a hiss.
This Elinor's voice sounds almost exactly like Emma Thompson. If I close my eyes, I can imagine it's her!
When Col. Brandon walked, my heart went pitter patter. He almost looks like Liam Neissen (sp). I still like Alan Rickman better, but this one will do just fine.
This Willoughby looks sleazy from the get-go. How could anyone be taken in by him? I think this time they didn't think the story thru enough that Willoughby was able to mezmerize everyone and didn't need to look so obviously like an evil man.
Wow, real country dancing, not like the formal stuff we've seen in the past. Lots of fun teenager times.
Yep, so far I'm enjoying it. On to the next hour!
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Post by Mrs Parker on Mar 31, 2008 17:45:49 GMT -5
Val, I was thinking the same thing-Emma T must have done the voice-over. LOL The Fanny/snake thing, as well. She reminds me of Amanda Richardson in Blackadder.
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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Apr 1, 2008 9:52:07 GMT -5
Okay, I'm loving it so far.
It's a lot ... bleaker... in colour and style, so to speak than the prior version. I think Willoughby is frightfully ugly... and that suits me fine. He is a worm; and I LOVE LOVE LOVE how severe and wise Brandon is in this adaptation. He's more... feeling, but his thoughts and intentions are much clearer.
You're right about Emma Thompson's clone; and Edward is very Hugh-like.
Fanny is deliciously rotten, her child, oh, her child... LOL... and her costumes are to die for.
I really didn't want it to end. I'm so happy to have a new experience with my favourite JA novel. YAY!! More movies I must own!!
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Post by Val on Apr 1, 2008 9:59:09 GMT -5
I really didn't want it to end. And aren't you happy that is hasn't "ended" & we have Part 2 to look forward to? Why couldn't they do all these new versions in 2 two hour segments? This story is so much richer than the pinched abridged versions the last couple months showed us. I can actually say Bravo! this time. But will reserve full judgement until after Part 2. Which, if Hawaii doesn't get PBS, I won't be able to see until a week later on my recorder. |
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Post by Val on Apr 1, 2008 10:09:12 GMT -5
I haven't read the book for awhile but wasn't Edward a bit plain in appearance? They've cast another Hugh Grant in the role. I forgot to comment on this. I am feeling a little tired of Hugh Grant's "acting" in all his movies. In all the ones where he portrays someone not sure of himself, embarressed, shy, etc, he always does that same stuttering talk. Can't the man come up with another way to portray this? When I see him, all I see is Hugh Grant acting, not Edward Ferrars, or whoever else he is supposed to be. His acting skills are really limited. As to all the male actors, it's very hard to understand how they can act so strong, powerful, & self assured to everyone, but then go whimpering back to their mothers/fathers/aunts to marry someone else. It's very contradictory. I know folks were very controlled by money and inheritance but to my modern eye, it's hard to take in. I guess I've never been in the "money" to understand it. |
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Post by Mrs Parker on Apr 1, 2008 11:43:08 GMT -5
Some years ago, it was pointed out to my by a friend who is an actor that Christopher Reeve used much the same technique to counteract his appearance. He would mumble, stumble and hunch to lessen the impact of good looks. Mr. Grant probably subscribes to the same school of acting.
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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Apr 2, 2008 9:51:31 GMT -5
Sir James (Or James Arnott) posted these photos of Chawton and more interestingly, of the costumes from this adaptation, which he saw and took photos of at an exhibit. web.mac.com/jmsrntt/iWeb/Site/Chawton.htmlHe has other interesting photos of a HUGE Jane Austen ball, 300 people. Browse away. Sir James is part of the Hampshire Regency Dancers: Youtube |
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Post by Val on Apr 2, 2008 10:08:36 GMT -5
Mrs. Jennings costume with the pelisse is most interesting. I'll have to go back to the movie and see how it fits on her. I like pelisses like that. Probably not really historically correct but it sure gives a nice variety to costumes, especially if the gown is a solid color or plain. |
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Post by Val on Apr 2, 2008 10:50:40 GMT -5
There are some great videos here! One of them shows a lady with a braid of satiny fabric wound round her head like a braid of hair. That would look nice on my short hair. And this upcoming Ball in Lansing, MI. looks like a lot of fun. What a lovely invitation they made up. www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2T_1K-oRRo&feature=relatedI keep changing my mind how I want to make my gown for Costume College. Yikes! |
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maudelynn
Clergy
~ I may not always make good sense but I ALWAYS make good tea!~
Posts: 193
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Post by maudelynn on Apr 2, 2008 12:03:26 GMT -5
So far my head screams no no no. I shall try to sit through part 2, but so far it does nothing for me, which makes me sad as Marianne is ...well, let's just say I have been called Marianne since I was about 11
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Lady Serendipity
Clergy
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort". --Jane Austen
Posts: 120
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Post by Lady Serendipity on Apr 2, 2008 23:09:24 GMT -5
I liked this EVER so much better than the movie version! For one thing, I just never could buy into the notion of Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson. Eh. I don't know that I like this Marianne, though!  And I really really really WANT to like this Brandon (I usually *do* fall for those quiet, stong, stoic characters!) but eeeeeh, he's just not doing anything for me yet. And is it just me, but....I know those were different times and all....but didn't they say she was not yet 16? And he's 35? It just seemed CREEPY to me (from my modern standpoint!) that his focus immediately zoomed in on her, from the moment he met her....and that he never even considered the seemingly more fitting (in age, and in personality) Eleanor. Heck, they made the mom only *40*!!! SHE would have been the most appropriate choice for him!!! But, yeah....I fully expect part two to put my misgivings to rest.  VERY glad we get the extra time in this one, and agree that it makes me sad that the other adaptions were so abbreviated! The extra length pays off in all the little nuances that get sped past, otherwise. I love how atmospheric this is, and the locale they chose. |
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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Apr 3, 2008 9:54:56 GMT -5
The age difference may be creepy but it certainly wasn't unheard of in those days (or even these days for that matter).
The good thing is that Brandon will pass away in Marianne's prime, and she will have his estate and her freedom to pursue what she likes. ::I'm evil to think that, I know::
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tess
Clergy
"...my gown is to be trimmed everywhere with white ribbon plaited somehow or other." - Jane Austen
Posts: 172
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Post by tess on Apr 3, 2008 16:21:03 GMT -5
The age difference may be creepy but it certainly wasn't unheard of in those days (or even these days for that matter). Well, as one with experience I can say that at least for those middle years the age difference can work. I dated a man 17 years my senior, from age 26 until I was 33. I think it would have started to get weird again, but fortunately I got smart enough to move on after 7 years and no proposal! Happily married now to someone closer to my age and with a much better heart! |
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maudelynn
Clergy
~ I may not always make good sense but I ALWAYS make good tea!~
Posts: 193
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Post by maudelynn on Apr 8, 2008 11:56:15 GMT -5
I watched the 2nd part and did not care for this version very much. It was not as bad as the 2005 version of P and P but I don't think I will be purchasing it.
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Post by Miss Ida on Apr 9, 2008 0:59:29 GMT -5
I adored this version it is by far the best made IMO! Brandon was charming, Marianne delightful, Elinor gorgeous and Edward VERY handsome and charming.
I didnt care for Willoughby he looked looked like a retard to me,
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Where so many hours have been spent in convincing myself that I am right, is there not some reason to fear I may be wrong? ~ Jane Austen 
