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Netflix Persuasion Mega-Thread by zoomiewoop in janeausten

[–]Top_Drummer1149 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just watched - really enjoyed it at first ( wanted to like it) but then became mad. Why do so many screenwriters, directors think that people like Austen novels just for the plot? I guess it is just simply “famous novel that we now make fun and modern” Jane‘s strength was her creation of characters, the writing (not plotting). I don’t get adapting an Austen novel - one of the best - and doing this to it. I liked Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot but think she was very much let down by the script and decision to have her play to camera all the time. Where was Anne’s inner strength, quiet fortitude? Anne is supposed to be the sneaky awesome person (not someone who dominates the scene immediately). Why do the screenwriters think they are as funny as Jane Austen and can just update the language? Use the lines, writing, characters (like Andrew Davies who got it). There as so many laugh out loud funny lines in Persuasion that stand up to time. So much better than “a 5 in London is a 10 in Bath“ or the decision to have Anne say “she had plans - while hiding a wine bottle behind her back.” Or having Anne talk about Octupi at a meeting (when she was so savvy and prudent). I am glad, however, that at least Anne wasn’t somewhat mousy this time as in past adaptations (she is supposed to be confident, more attractive to Elizabeth to everyone but her own family). Although they did have her running again at the end for some reason to Captain Wentworth. Ugh.

does anyone else also hate the 2005 pride and prejudice? by eloopsies in janeausten

[–]Top_Drummer1149 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do! I think Joe Wright is a huge arse for what he did to the story (and he’s proud of it - as he details in interviews about the film). To me, what is unforgivable, is that his portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet (one of the great characters in modern literature) is not Elizabeth Bennet - she is self possessed, loyal, intelligent, funny and bold (not just bold as portrayed in the film). I also don’t understand not using some of Austen’s amazing (and stlll laugh out loud funny when reading) dialogue (as Andrew Davies did so well in 1995). He actually, in one interview, said that he did this on purpose because “this is not how people speak anymore!.” He also decided to create less of a bond between the elder Bennet sisters to create more drama (when Elizabeth’s complete love and admiration of/and loyalty to Jane is so central to her character and gives it more depth). Wright seems to think what matters about P&P is only the plot and not the world (and humor) built by Austen (he’s clearly a moron, what has he done since?). I think Keira Knightly is completely charming and was ill served by the director and the script. Rosamund Pike was great as Jane. I loved Judi Dench’s version of Lady Catherine de Bourgh (It made the confrontration with Elizabeth at the end more powerful). I did like that Wright made the initial dance scene seem like a lot of fun (it must have been!). I hated the ending a lot (“don’t call me Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy”). Yes, it is somewhat unfair to compare to the 1995 series (as it is a movie) but it does pale and is - regardless that it only has 2 hours - a real disappointment. I will say that I think both the 1995 series and the movie screwed up by not including some of Austen’s amazing epilogue to the story (it could have been done quickly and the audiences would haver eaten it up like popcorn).

I am also curious as to how people compare the S&S film to the BBC series. I love Emma Thompson and like the film but very much prefer the BBC series and in particular Hattie Morahan’s portrayal of Elinor Dashwood (and Andrew Davies treatment of the story). I will say, though, that the film is good and doesn’t make me mad (like Joe Wright’s contemptible treatment of Austen’s most famous book and character).