Everything Austen Challenge Task 4

Task 4 Completed – 2008 BBC Mini-series Sense and Sensibility Review

I have been eagerly awaiting the 2008 BBC version of Sense and Sensibility to become available in Australia and at last I’ve seen it.  The opening scene immediately distinguishes it from previous adaptions and certainly made this Austen fan sit up wide eyed.   Visually it is absolutely gorgeous and I’m going to say I love it far too much in the following review.

I was delighted with this version and the way it has picked up on parts of the book that have until now, not been translated to film.  The actors are terrific, solid and you feel convinced.   As much as I adore the Emma Thompson film version I feel this adaption is more true to the book.  It certainly has time to address more as it is a mini-series. I am torn between my favourite Elinors now, Emma Thompson swept me away in the film and I am a huge fan but closer in age to Elinor,  Hattie Morahan portrays Elinor Dashwood beautifully and I am sure it will be her face I visualise when I read the book from now on.  I did find myself thinking about Emma Thompson a lot while watching it and I think it is because the two actresses’ voices are uncannily similar.

Dan Stevens is my Edward from now on.  He plays the part so close to my idea of Edward that it felt like I’d just put on my comfy slippers.  I respected Hugh Grants’ portrayal but I was never completely convinced.

One of my highlights and it probably won’t make sense to everyone, was seeing Mark Williams waltz into Barton cottage as Sir Middleton.  I adore this man and his quirkiness.  Anyone who can get me to sit through an entire series on steam engines (Mark Williams on the Rails) just because of his infectious manner of delivery, makes it to my honours wall.

I would say the only part of this version that didn’t sit comfortably with me was the actor who played Willoughby, Dominic Cooper.  It certainly has nothing to do with his delivery, he was brilliant but it is simply that I visualise someone different, taller and more charming.  It’s hard to be impartial when I’ve already got such a vivid feeling about how my Austen men should be. Please don’t let this form a negative opinion of Dominic Cooper because I’m sure he will make many melt, just not my taste I guess.  I can’t see the sexual appeal of James McAvoy either and yet as an actor he is fantastic.

The scriptwriter Kevin Hood did an amazing job.  He’s written a period drama with a contemporary style and delivery and I’m sure this version will recruit many new Austen fans to the fold.

Love it, love it, love it, love it, just in case you weren’t convinced.

Posted on 11 August '09 by Michelle, under Jane Austen & Austen Inspired.

6 Comments to “Everything Austen Challenge Task 4”

#1 Posted by Heather (11.08.09 at 15:02 )

I’m so glad you loved this version as well! It was beautiful and I completely agree with you on Willoughby; he just didn’t do it for me! Even though his acting was superb! Thanks for your review!

#2 Posted by Heather (11.08.09 at 15:03 )

I can’t remember if I told you before, but I really love the look of your blog! Very stunning visually!

#3 Posted by Maria Grazia (11.08.09 at 23:55 )

I also appreciated this BBC adaptation of Sense and Sensibility and … guess what? … I neither liked Dominic Cooper as Willoughby since 1995, Greg Wise, was far more gorgeous. I have seen DC in THE DUCHESS and HISTORY BOYS and he was very good but he didn’t convince me as Willoughby. Good review. Cheers!

#4 Posted by Heather (12.08.09 at 00:38 )

Your Pirate Jack is adorable! Thanks for the picture!

#5 Posted by Stephanie (12.08.09 at 05:35 )

Sorry to hear that Willoughby didn’t float your boat. :) I absolutely love Greg Wise in the Emma Thompson S&S and nobody quite compairs!!

#6 Posted by karstrel (17.08.09 at 16:55 )

I agree with almost your entire review. I loved this version, and I felt it captured more of the book, and I think, more of the feelings that went on. I disagree with you on the point of Dominic Cooper. I think that his charisma was perfect for the part, although I must say I liked Greg Wise better. I think that DC’s appeal is in his persuasion, not his “good looks.” Like Wickham, except different…lol. Great review!