They say that time and distance are the best healers. After revisiting the 2008 miniseries of Sense and Sensibility last night on Masterpiece Classic, I have to agree. This controversial new adaptation by Andrew Davies which premiered last March has mellowed for me, and the rough edges that I wrote about in my initial review of part one, seem not as sharp. Or, I may be just so comfortable to be back in Austen territory after a tumultuous month of Victorian melodrama with Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Wuthering Heights, that all faults are happily accepted as trifles!
What stands out in this second go round for me are the superior production values; the filming locations, costumes, carriages, the cinematography and the sweeping music. Hattie Morahan’s performance as Elinor Dashwood is beautifully tempered and even like a precision timepiece just ticking along; constant, stoic and precise to the minute. Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars has actually (and forgive me dear Jane Austen) improved upon the character that we experience in the novel. Here, any annoyance of Edward’s weak and indecisive nature has been replaced with more emotional depth and a bit of humor, which is always a great remedy for characters defects. Even creepy Satan’s spawn Dominic Cooper as Willoughby has grown on me. He is still ill suited in the role (no charm, no sex appeal) but I value his acting and commend him for his reserve. And, the final turn-about for me was my new reaction to the sexing up of the script which had really annoyed me to distraction before. It’s still there, every pulse pounding heartbeat and heavy breathing moment in the opening scene, but who cares? Since I have seen this production all the way through and know director John Alexander’s powerful conclusion, it is an easy two minutes to overlook.
Even though it has only been ten months since we last enjoyed this production, it is still rich, poignant and visually stunning the second time. I do still miss the humor and wit though. Nobody seems to get Jane Austen right in this regard on the screen, though the Emma Thomson version of Sense and Sensibiliy1996 and Pride and Prejudice 1940 have their hilarious moments. Yes, even Laurence Olivier’s line “every Hottentot can dance.” makes me laugh! Not Jane’s prose, but close.
Be sure to catch Masterpiece Classic next Sunday, February 8th on PBS for the dramatic conclusion of Sense and Sensibility. I’m rooting for both of the Misses Dashwood.
Laurel Ann (Austenprose)
Virginia Claire
Christina B.
RegencyRomantic
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
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Br. Paul Byrd, OP
Aia A. Hussein
I agree that time has been kind to this production. I loved Hattie as Elinor, and the film bears repeat watching.
Watching S & S again only confirm in my mind that JA is a much more ‘wholesome’ writer, if you will, than TH and EB. Her work is uplifting, bright and sunny. Enough of gloom and doom in this time we’re in!
I forgot to watch this!!!!
I think having an “interesting” Edward is one of the keys to making a visual adaptation of S&S work, particularly when you have as fine an Elinor as Hattie Morahan’s. I think Morahan is just sublime in the role and her Elinor really merits an Edward with some life in him.. And I agree, I just ignore the first two minutes as typical Andrew Davies excess and concentrate on the rest–and there is much to like in this production.
Well, Dan Stevens is a heck of lot better at playing Edward that Hugh Grant! I could stand him in the 1996 adaption of S&S. He was always nervous and unsure and not with it!
I enjoyed this version, I haven’t seen it lately though. You always caught more when you watch it again, and again, and again!
[...] The rebroadcast of episode two of the 2008 mini-series Sense and Sensibility concluded last night on Masterpiece Classic and I am duly satisfied, not only with this production but with Jane Austen’s amazing story. You can catch up on my thoughts on episode one here. [...]
[...] one at the Masterpiece offical site and read reviews at Jane Austen’s World and here at Austenprose. Tune in to PBS this Sunday for the [...]
I am trying to obtain the name of the wonderful Chopin (?) piano/pianoforte, which was played by Maryann upon her visit to Col. Brandon’s estate. It was a composition he presented to her, and she thought it was too difficult. It is very lovely. Any ideas anyone?