. . . Top five Jane Austen adaptations and why?
OH
OH YOU WENT THERE.
1. Pride & Prejudice (David Rintoul & Elizabeth Garvie version, 1980)
This was *my* first P&P. It’s…I just think the casting for Darcy and Elizabeth is exquisite. David Rintoul as Darcy is definitely kind of my ideal man. Tall and slim and looks great in a waistcoat and has a jawline To Die For. And Elizabeth is just sparkling with wit. The whole adaptation isn’t fancy–this was a low-budget time for the BBC–but the vivacity and elegance and spirit of Austen is so present, and I can quote like every line, and I just…it has to hold this place in my heart.
2. Persuasion (Ciaran Hinds & Amanda Root, 1995)
As I grow older, I grow in appreciation for this story and this version. This, as others have said, has one of the best physical transformations ever of the heroine. It isn’t a makeover, it’s just that the way Amanda Root plays Anne (with hair and makeup styling choices I’m sure), over the course of the film she just…recovers a natural glow and a look of hope that pervades her and it’s beautiful to watch.
And Ciaran Hinds is A+ 10/10 would recommend and marry as Wentworth. He’s not traditionally dashing or handsome, but he is such a MAN. He is just wonderful.
AND THE TWO TOGETHER. THE LETTER. THE GAZING. THE KISS. KILL ME.
Also, it’s just a really excellently produced version.
3. Sense & Sensibility (Emma Thompson & Kate Winslet, 1995)
Need I even explain? The soundtrack ALONE. The acting. The whimsy and the heartbreak and the life lessons. Of all Austen’s books, S&S is probably the one I’d be least likely to grab (that or Northanger Abbey) but this adaptation is one of the best and brightest. It’s sweepingly romantic and epically beautiful and I will ALWAYS LOVE IT.
4. Mansfield Park (Nicholas Farrell & Sylvestra Le Touzel, 1983)
This should probably be ranked higher. Mansfield Park (book and this movie, which is def. the ONLY GOOD ONE) is my secret, stealth fave. It’s also the subject of one of my favorite fanfics, “Out of the Blue”–a modern AU which y’all should read.
This adaptation is again in that quiet BBC period, but it’s perfect. I love the casting, quirky as it often is. I love the characters. I love the story unfolding. I just…and Edmund is perfect. I can’t even explain how much I love him. He just–inhabits that role delightfully.
5. Pride & Prejudice (Colin Firth & Jennifer Ehle, 1995)
OF COURSE this makes the list, though I’m sure you’re surprised that it rounds out the end. It wasn’t my first P & P, and so I actually had to warm up to it. But I do really love it now, with the exception of a few details (ahem, Mrs. Bennet). I don’t think I need to explain this versions attributes…music, setting, length, lake scene…
