It has not been good. I already owned the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice (and by far the best version, mind you), and before buying any other movies based on her novels, I decided to read the books that were associated with the movies again. Just to get a better feel for the ones that followed the books most closely. Here are my top four picks (at the moment).
I forced myself (truthfully, Rick was gone so I didn't quite force myself) to watch the Kiera Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice - and while I loved the scenery and music (the soundtrack is one of many in my Amazon cart), I will have to pass on that movie version. Sadly, Colin Firth is forever in my heart as Mr. Darcy (deep sigh).
Next on the list: Persuasion. If you haven't read this book, it is so lovely. My movie choice to accompany this book is the A&E version once again.
I rushed back to the library (and why I don't own all of Jane Austen's books is beyond me) and borrowed Emma. I already own the version with Gwenyth Paltrow and while I love some of the filming in that version, I also borrowed the A&E version and LOVED it! Yes, the characters aren't as "handsome" and big-names, but it stayed so much truer to the book and the characters themselves (in my opinion that is). And now, I have two versions (my husband can roll his eyes here).
Today I finished reading Sense and Sensibility. Just in time to see BBC's newest version begin on PBS - and so far, I am loving it. Of course, I am going to have to find some time this week to watch the version with Kate Winslet again so I can compare, but I have already pre-purchased the new version by BBC through Amazon. Sad, but true. Another two copy movie.
I'm a sucker for a good movie. I admit it. And to prove it, I'm probably going to go broke. I'm only comforting myself in that my children can someday watch these movies (safely) and I am sure my girls will love them as much as I do.
And now...how many books and movies left to read and watch?
Yay - someone else how has gotten 'hooked' on the Jane Austin Master Piece Theatre Sunday nitghts. My husband actually alerted me to the fact that PBS was playing Pride and Pred. And having read the book, I completely agree! The box office movies, while good, just leave out so much detail from the books that you can only get in the 10 hour version :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've seen this version of Sense and Sensibility - so far it is great!
Yay! You ARE alive! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to succumb to peer pressure....putting some more Jane Austen movies on my Netflix queue. :)
My sister told me about the Sunday night Jane Austen series, but I haven't had time to commit to it. Of course as an English major I do LOVE Jane Austen! And by the way, totally agree.....Colin Firth is a little slice of Heaven!!!
ReplyDeletei think that you just inspired me to hit the library book shelves, and maybe the DVD section as well!
ReplyDeleteI love the A&E version too! I didn't watch the updated...i mean, who can do justice to Colin Firth? But I will give it a shot sometime soon as Melissa@breathoflife loves it and mentioned it this week. Now you both have me in th emood for these movies!
ReplyDeleteOk, so I caught the tail-end of the BBC version on PBS one evening of Persuasion..and got hooked..THEN the phone rang and it was someone I couldn't say "wait" to..and I missed the climax...(I Don't know what he said!?)
ReplyDeleteSo ever since, I've been wanting to see it..so tell me...which version should I watch and is it at the Library???