02.27.07
Sense and Sensibility Movie Notes!
By: Leah
Ok, so here are all my notes from Sense and Sensibility…I’ve tried to organize them a little, but it’s really informal! I’ll post my other notes soon.
Sense and Sensibility (BBC)
I tried to notice the background scenery (ie., nature, paintings, etc.) or lack-there-of. There really wasn’t much to look at. The nature scenes are pumped up a little bit, but not like in the newer SS; there are no panoramic shots, which I think do much to enhance the nostalgia of an Austen film. There is a little chivalry nostalgia, though; I thought Edward was more of a catch than I read him to be.
In Episode 2, Edward walks out of the house and surveys the countryside, which includes a large tree. This is a long shot, but might this be a reference to Queen Elizabeth I ?
I think the directors thought alot about the costuming and hairdress of each character. I like these touches.
Mary-Carolyn and I talked about how this version really enhances the gothic elements to Austen, which are most notable in Northanger Abbey. At the end, Mrs. Radcliffe is even mentioned. I liked this blending of books or ideas, especially because of Marianne’s youthful interest in passionate books.
Ang Lee/Emma Thompson SS
Again, I like the careful details in dress and hairdress. These simple touches add alot to the character, especially in summarizing details that Austen uses paragraphs to describe. As I’ve watched more films, I’m starting to notice how the film makers condense Austen’s epic introductions (like family/plot introductions) into a few minutes of screentime. It’s details like dress and panoramic shots the countryside that help to communicate background information.
I think the panoramic nature shots really enhance the Pastoral in this film. Thompson does seem to be interested in postfeminism; while she explicitly discusses female oppression, she also includes Pastoral shots of Norland, which seems to imply that the early 18th century was a beautiful, romantic time. At least, I think that late 20th century women are drawn to Austen films because they are an escape to a simplier time. I think the scene in which Elinor, while riding with Edward, disusses how women have few options. This is juxtaposed with the beautiful English countryside, and Elinor is riding her own horse. The disparity between what she is saying and what she is doing is an interesting one–while she enjoys nature, she is concious of her oppression. Maybe Thompson means for the scene to speak to the disparity between Elinor’s sensible character and Marianne’s romantic one? This is something that I’d like to talk about in my paper, so if anyone has any ideas about this, let’s talk about it!
Here is the Sense and Sensibility trailer…it includes the scene where Elinor and Edward are riding and talking. It also really emphasizes the Pastoral scenes; because this is the trailer, I assume that the producers knew that included strong natural scenes would draw more movie-goers. Interesting.
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I think Margaret’s role is really important to progressing the plot and making Edward more acceptable to viewers. Do you think that the BBC version made a huge mistake in excluding her? I do.