Friday 23 September 2016

Classic Remarks: Jane Austen Adaptations

This week's discussion prompt for Classic Remarks (hosted by Pages Unbound) is Which Austen adaptation is your favourite, and why?

Sense and Sensibility Poster

My choice for this would have to be the 1995 (Emma Thompson) Sense and Sensibility, which is on my top five list of favourite films. I really like the story of S&S, and I think it is brought to life really well in this adaptation. Although it isn't the most faithful adaptation to the book, I feel that it captures the spirit of the story very well and I like the additions, such as the much greater development of Margaret's character - she is a very minor character in the book and basically only exists as a plot device in one or two scenes. The acting is also superb as well, and the characters are very well done. I enjoyed the two other versions of Sense & Sensibility that I've seen (the 2008 and 1981 ones), but although they were good they didn't quite manage to captivate me as much as this version did.
 
Honourable mentions have to go to both the 1995 and 2005 versions of Pride & Prejudice, and the Kate Beckinsale Emma, all of which I also greatly enjoyed. I've yet to see the 2009 Emma, but suspect it may make this list when I have done. I'm also hoping to see Love & Friendship pretty soon!!

4 comments:

  1. I love the Emma Thompson version of S&S, I think she did a fantastic job with the screenplay. It definitely plays around with the plot of the novel a bit, but I agree that it works well, particularly her fleshing out of Margaret.

    I saw Love and Friendship a few weeks ago - personally, I really enjoyed it, although since it's based on one of Austen's minor works, it has a very different feel to other adaptations of her work. I think that's actually a point in its favour, though, because it makes it feel a bit fresher and exciting. I hope you enjoy it when you see it! :)

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    1. Thanks! That's good to know about Love and Friendship - I'm hoping to get the DVD so I can watch it soon.

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  2. Great choices! I enjoy Margaret being fleshed out, as well. Sometimes I actually forget she's in the book!

    Thanks for participating! --Krysta

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    1. Margaret is one of my favourite characters in this adaptation :)

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