Monday, April 10, 2017

Jane Austen's 1995 'Persuasion' version is the best

Michelle had asked me to compare two Jane Austen movies made a decade a part. “Persuasion 1995” and “Persuasion 2007.” The first had a top rate movie budget. The second was a made-for-TV BBC production with less money. There is a big difference in setting, authenticity and detail. The first is by far better in regards to casting. Amanda Root (Anne Elliot 1995) is the perfect age. Sally Hawkins (Anne Elliot 2007) is far too young.

Anne rejected Frederick Wentworth 8 years before in his offer of marriage. He goes off to war and returns a wealthy man. He is sought after by young women. Anne has become an old spinster (age 27) who has no men in her life. She's nearly forgotten by her social climbing father and sisters.

https://www.amazon.com/Persuasion-Fiona-Shaw/dp/B00003JRCQ
(Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds 1995).

(2007) Anne writes in her journal and cries over Wentworth. She also narrates how she feels and how Frederick might feel. She even cries tear-drops on her journal. It's all melo-dramatic. (1995) Anne holds her emotions intact even while looking at her age in the mirror. She takes care of her family first. You can see all the emotions in her eyes and body language. She's also a lovely woman who knows music, poetry and smart conversation.

(2007) Frederick actually speaks his love for Anne to a friend. He looks at her longingly too like a young teen boy. (1995) Frederick never speaks his emotions. It's all in his eyes, face and body language. The man “shows” us that he still love's Anne. You can even see his jealousy when she talks to other men. No matter how much both of them fight it. They cannot deny their love for each other. (I say, watch the 1995 version). 

https://www.amazon.com/Persuasion-2007-Sally-Hawkins/dp/B000YIGNKE
(Rupert Penry-Jones and Sally Hawkins 2007)

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