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Sense & Sensibility (2008)
An Immersion in Jane Austen's World
Over a decade after Emma Thompson's Oscar winning adaption of Jane Austen's most popular novel, Sense & Sensibility; screen-writer Andrew Davies brought the story to television released as a mini-series through the BBC. Given the critical acclaim Thompson's adaption received, one can't help but make comparisons. However, just as with Shakespeare, the fascination and enjoyment often comes in the choices of how and which pieces of the story will be developed and in the skill of the acting.
The choices made in this adaptation bring more detail to the genesis of the Dashwood's circumstances, and the past dubious indiscretions of the cad Willoughby. To hardcore aficionados of Jane Austin, the opening scene between the unidentified lovers may feel out of place, even awkward especially since Austin didn't pen such a scene, nor is it even close to 19th century sensibilities. However, if you forgive this odd beginning, what follows is a much more illustrative and informative picture of life for the Ladies Dashwood as it was prior to Mr. Dashwood's death, than previous adaptations have afforded.
They lived in splendor, yet due to the inheritance laws of the time, they also lived in a precarious state of anxiety not knowing if or how their father's first born son would honor Mr. Dashwood's request to take care of his 2nd wife and daughters. The mini-series format was much better able to take the time to fully develop this part of the story, which really provides the dramatic grounding to Austin's emotional tale. For instance, the scenes in which John Dashwood and his conniving wife Fanny discuss what his promise to his late father really meant, was excellent in it's distastefulness. Just as the stark dichotomy between the majestic Dashwood home is juxtaposed against the bleak and clinging coastal cottage that the Dashwoods are reduced to. These scenes are not only included, but are detailed out beautifully allowing the audience to fully appreciate the change in circumstances of the Dashwoods, and their need not only emotionally, but financially to be married.
The casting by Kate Rhodes James is stellar; except perhaps for Dominic Cooper as Willoughby whose slight-of-frame, roguish, modern boy charm doesn't quite transfer to the 18th century. Subtle, yet purposeful directing by John Alexander lends a nuanced portrayal throughout. For example, Dan Stevens does a fine job in depicting the honorable and reserved, yet intelligent Edward Ferrars. This is an Edward who sees through his sister's insincere and mean-spirited discourse, and deflects the barbs thrown at the sisters Dashwood with a slight expression of the face, and perfectly placed word. His performance is more shaded and genuine than Hugh Grant's stammering and visibly conflicted Edward.
The BBC has a long history of putting out top-notch period dramas, that along with multi- award winning writer Andrew Davies, and this glorious three-part/three hour format provides an enjoyable and entertaining immersion into Jane Austin's Sense & Sensibility.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Full Picture of the Bennet Family
Jane Austen affected a sea change in the novel in the early 1800s. Before that time the novel was limited to rather far-fetched adventure stories like Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. In the early 19th century, writing about everyday events was quite out of the ordinary, and Jane was the first to successfully portray the behind the scenes workings of the ladies and gentlemen of the English countryside.
Watching a new adaptation of a Jane Austen novel is like seeing Shakespeare's Hamlet, there are no surprises in the final outcome. Rather the entertainment comes in the particular adaptation, actor's skills, and production qualities. Austen's Pride & Prejudice is one of her most popular novels, and each time it has found it's way onto the big screen and into DVD it's created a lot of passion for and against the adaptation.
Universal's production has had a number of disappointed viewers as evidenced by many an online review. This disappointment typically seems to stem with having something to do with the casting decisions and the perceived lack of chemistry between the principal players. Conversely, some felt there was too much chemistry, or not enough propriety in the manner in which the Bennet's conducted themselves. Or that the Bennet's were incorrectly shown to be struggling financially and therefore didn't live or dress up to the idealized version of English gentility.
To the chemistry of the actors, I believe the casting in Universal's version was excellent. Matthew Macfadyen perfectly portrayed the aloof, shy, yet emotionally caring Mr. Darcy. Keira Knightley is a surprise in this role, for she is able to capture the strong-willed, hastily opinionated and yet free spirited Elizabeth Bennet quite well. But more importantly, this adaptation develops the full picture of the Bennet Family, with all five Bennet girls, with their individual personalities vying for the best dress, or introduction. Both Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet, and Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennet are superb in their timing, and comedic needling of one another. Judi Dench as the controlling Lady Catherine de Bourg, is pleasingly condescending wicked.
Screenwriter Deborah Moggach portrayed the Bennet family in a very real and grounded environment. While she may have packaged Austen's novel in a less glamorous light than is typical; she was able to reflect the troubling circumstances people of that time had to deal with. After all, the financial fix and worry of having five girls with no inheritance in 18th century England was the very point of view and experience that Jane wrote from.
Between Director Wright and screenwriter Moggach, this version of Pride & Prejudice is deeply thought-provoking, and portrays the ups and down, moral questions, dilemmas, and hardships of being in society in the 18th century.
Due Date (2010)
Wacky "Buddy" Tale
What happens when a series of wacky unexpected events throws two perfect opposites together? Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis answer the question with LOL comedic timing, facial expressions, and expert physical talent.
Regular guy Peter Highman (Downey) finds himself without options, when he crosses paths with Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) on his way from Atlanta to Los Angeles for the birth of his first child. Forced to go cross-country with Ethan the pot smoking wannabe Hollywood actor, or miss his wife's due date, Peter finds himself being led deeper and deeper into Ethan's nutty life as it plays out on the road.
This is a simple tale that proves to be great entertainment for the very basic fact that good writing, spot on acting, and a dog, always makes for a good time.
Foyle's War (2002)
It's all in the Character Development
All the story elements are present for an entertaining TV series: WWII era, mystery, personal conflict, British detective intrigue, southern England countryside villages, and authentic costumes. Lay on top of that, outstanding writing (Anthony Horowitz) and acting (Michael Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks, Anthony Howell), and you've got "Foyle's War".
Series I consists of four episodes that introduces and then slowly develops the main characters with a subtlety that sets British drama apart. Rather than spelling out the character's personality and back-story quickly, the viewer is given a glimpse into their lives, and then little by little the depth and connections are further developed within each episode.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle is the quintessential steady, determined, low key, and close-to-the-cuff British detective whose simple statements belie the thinking behind the man. Kitchen masterfully portrays the nuanced emotions of Foyle through facial, and body motions that are consistently delivered. Samantha 'Sam' Stewart played by Weeks, is perfect as Foyle's driver for her ability to portray the odd mixture of humor, enthusiasm, naiveté and an old soul quality to her character. Howell does a fine job in his portrayal of Detective Sergeant Paul Milner by conveying both the assistant's calm professional diligence and personal melancholy.
Both the mystery to be solved and the personal lives of the characters come together to deliver an enlightened and satisfying portrait of the English home front in the early days of the war.
Emma (2009)
Visual Excellence
There is no doubt that the dramatization of a Jane Austen novel is immensely popular, perhaps none so much as Austen's 'Emma' which revolves around one of the few Austen heroines who is wealthy and doesn't "require" a husband to maintain her status.
The latest adaptation, written by Sandy Welch and broadcast originally as a four-part BBC television drama, is outstanding for it's visual beauty, and production values. Shot on location in the villages and parishes of southern England, you immediately are immersed into a romanticized version of 19th century England. The costumes are beautifully authentic and provide an individualized palette of color for each character that substantiates their personality and status in life.
Director Jim O'Hanlon made excellent use of a continuous camera flow that follows the actors through various rooms without missing a line. The casting choices are right on, with no distracting oddities. O'Hanion, working with this excellent cast, obviously put a great deal of emphasis on facial expression and it is a delight to watch great actors convey subtle nuances that enhance the storytelling. Note: Don't pass up watching the Special Features segment provided.
Date Night (2010)
Falsely Hyped
Fifteen minutes into the movie and I was disinterested, an hour in and I was rolling my eyes and wishing it were over. Date night was strongly hyped before release with trailers that showed, as it turned out, the only funny lines in the movie.
Steve Carell uses the same cadence, voice tone, expression, and body language as Michael in "The Office", and it's just worn out. Tina Fey was Liz Lemon from "30 Rock". The plot was silly stupid and inconsistent as it fluctuated between simplistic, labored joke lines and tortured attempts at husband/wife relationship sentimentality.
One bright spot comes from J.B. Smoove as the cabbie caught in the middle of the Foster's adventure. His comic timing and delivery is excellent and brings some much needed energy to the story. Ironically Smoove isn't even credited in the movie.
Overall, the "action" sequences were neither thrilling, nor funny. It was like the producers didn't know what kind of movie they wanted to make, spoof, romance, or action, so they did none of it well. This is a case where all the ingredients just didn't mix well. The fact that the hype was over the top for this movie illustrates how the movie business is on a real quality low again this year.
Justified (2010)
Fully Justified to Bite Nails, and Cry Tears
The writing and acting are simply masterful. This series is truly the most compelling on TV past or present. Each character is complete and fully drawn, with a little bad in the good, and a little good in the bad. All the actors are superb, with the standouts being Olyphant and Goggins.
As season 1 developed, the special relationship between Raylan Givens (Olyphant) and Boyd Crowder (Goggins) began to unfold in unexpected and yet very intriguing ways. The character of Boyd was not originally intended to last a full season, so the fact that the writers allowed these characters to organically develop into something much more than planned is truly satisfying for the audience, and no doubt for the actors as well
. Brilliant!
The Mayor of Casterbridge (2003)
Bleak Story & Over Acted
Perhaps I simply don't appreciate Thomas Hardy's plot lines, but as a fan of 19th century classic British literature productions I find Hardy's "Mayor of Casterbridge" bleak without break and lacking sophistication in character that so defines Austen, Gaskell, Dickens and Carroll.
It could be that the A&E production and screenplay written by Ted Whitehead failed to capture the essence of Hardy's words. However, the bottom line is that this adaptation is oddly paced, and largely overacted. Jodhi May, who was outstanding in Daniel Deronda just previous to this production, was miss cast as Elizabeth-Jane. Her heaving breath, hunched shoulders, and facial expressions are overly dramatic and irritate throughout. One scene that did show how good it might have been, takes place in Part I between Henchard and Donald Farfrae when Henchard confides the haunting truth of his sin against his wife and child. Unfortunately in the end, there just isn't enough good to make this production compelling enough beyond filler until something better arrives.
Cranford (2007)
Satisfying Tale – Excellent Acting
What is so satisfying about British productions of 19th century authors is that there is inevitably an ensemble cast of outstanding actors. They all work together from minor to major roles without letting ego or grandstanding overwhelm the story.
Cranford and Return to Cranford (RTC) is enjoyable not only for it's acting, but for it's excellent writing. The adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel about a small village with little outside influence, and it's growing pains when old ways begin to change, specifically when faced with the development of the railroad, is consistent and true to the story.
As expected for this period, the class system based on the remnants of the feudal system is ever present between the relationships of the townspeople and the aristocrats. Propriety, appearances, and societal rules forever rule the lives of the 19th century Britons. Cranford/RTC will draw you in and immerse you in the conflicts, misunderstandings, and joys of its characters.
Kenny (2006)
A hilariously funny movie with a heart
"Kenny" is a mocumentary about a Melbourne Aussie (Kenny) who's a porta-potty guru. As you learn the business of waste management you soon realize there's more to Kenny than meets the eye. As he battles the oddities of dealing with people and their waste needs, you are treated with some of the best common sense wisdom. He covers everything from divorce, fatherhood, family conflicts, to death, and employee relations. He is an honest, straightforward, simple guy who just wants to do a good job for people and be treated with respect.
"Kenny" is a hilariously funny movie with a heart. The comedic timing is right on with great acting that you'll have to keep reminding yourself is not real. This is a movie you will think about for a long time after. English subtitles are provided for the "Aussie-Impaired".
Aristocrats (1999)
Empty Characters, Strange Pacing
Based on a true story, Aristocrats follows an English aristocratic family, who claims royal blood and status via Charles II bastard lineage. The convoluted time-line in fits and starts, takes place prior to the American Revolution on through to the Irish uprising in 1798.
The story starts out interestingly enough, but at about part 3 of 6 you begin to wonder if there is a point to the story. The last 3 parts are simply depressing. More than anything, the time-line begins to rapidly fly by without any specific storyline accountability nor historical grounding. The casting is odd in general. In particular, as the characters age, the casting changes are really horrible choices that offer no consistency or context of character and plot.
If you've nothing else, you may find this a mild diversion. But all in all, this doesn't measure up to the BBC's standards.
The Buccaneers (1995)
Illuminates 1870's Marriage Alliances Between American & English Families
Backdrop: In the latter half of the 1800's, America's New York was a rising industrial and financial giant. Many "old money" families like the Vanderbilt's and Astor's began to look to England to secure English titles to add to their prestige. Whereas, the "new moneyed" Americans denied admittance into New York society, also looked to England for a title and acceptance. On the other hand, where England was still a colonial power with extreme amounts of wealth in the hands of a few landed gentry, many of these landed English families were cash poor; thus paving the way for marriage alliances to be formed across the Atlantic.
The Story: Edith Wharton's unfinished novel, The Buccaneers takes place within these historical times, and portrays the hazards that develop when socially driven families manipulate and connive young minds through the use of duty, honor, title and wealth.
This BBC production is splendidly done, with grand costumes of the day, beautiful locations, and strong performances by the cast. One slight drawback is that several key characters seem to simply fade away within the story, so that the emotional investment is oddly lost and dismissed for three of the four girls halfway through the series.
The ending developed from Wharton's notes is satisfying, at the same time that it is unsettling. For true to the time, women's choices were difficult, and often crushing. Surprisingly, you may find that you'll think on this story long afterwards.
Berkeley Square (1998)
Enjoyable "Upstairs, Downstairs" Like Tale
"Berkeley Square" is an Edwardian period piece with an "Upstairs, Downstairs" flavor to it.
London's Berkeley Square of the 1800's (as it still is today) was a genteel residential area situated around a central neighborhood park. Here is where upper class families and their servants lived their lives with what turns out to be very little privacy. "Berkeley Square" centers around three nannies and the difficult task of living in residence, and maintaining some semblance of a personal life. Unfortunately for the nannies, their personal lives often intersect disastrously with that of their wealthy employers.
The casting and acting is quite good. The Edwardian fashions reflect the period perfectly, and the ups and downs of the nannies relationships illustrate the class driven society, it's rules, and it's casualties for both the genteel and working class. An enjoyable production, with the only drawback being that the series was canceled; leaving the last episode hastily packaged up leaving plot lines dangling, and a desire for more that can't be satisfied.
The Barchester Chronicles (1982)
Great Entertainment, Classic BBC
There's just nothing better than a BBC drama set in England in the 1800's. The ensemble cast plays each character archetype to perfection. The romantic & societal intrigue of the town of Barchester centers on the ambitions of the church clergy, which proves quite entertaining. The dialogue of this adaptation is excellent. A young Alan Rickman superbly plays the conniving Reverend Obadiah Slope, echoing his later tour de force performance as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies.
Enjoyable, like a Shakespearian comedy, leaving the viewer well satisfied.