Jane Austen

My fondness for Austen was something I stumbled across in high school. I continue to reread her novels often and also have my own personal Annual Jane Austen Film Festival where I watch the various movie versions of her novels. The Annual Jane Austen Film Festival sometimes occurs several times per year — not just annually.

My favorite book is Sense and Sensibility, with Emma a close second. My favorite movie is Persuasion, with the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice again, a close second.

While Pride and Prejudice is considered to be her finest work, I find Sense and Sensibility and Emma more entertaining. The sisters’ journey of maturation and self-awareness both serve to make this an engaging book.

Emma is a complete delight from cover to cover. I could not help but be amused by her completely misguided attempts at running other people’s lives. As Emma skips merrily along, you just know that it will all eventually come apart. When Emma’s plans begin unraveling it is comedy at its best. The movie version with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam is an excellent adaptation. The A&E TV version, while entertaining and well-acted, seems to miss the abundant humor of the movie version.

The film Persuasion with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds is one of the best adaptations ever made of a Jane Austen novel. At least I think so! This film is so brilliantly acted with such subtle nuances that it is a pure joy to watch. It is a startling surprise — especially with today’s Hollywood films — to see a movie that manages to convey such tenderness, affection, and passion with just a look, a glance, or a mere touch of hands. Kudos should be given to Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds for their portrayals of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth.

Some links to Austen sites


Back to Literature & Pop Culture

Return to top