I'm impressed by your dedication to showing us the effects of three minutes of running and "the face of regret." We can at least be thankful that Jane Austen never put anyone through the romcom cliche of running like that through an airport. Very nice, Rome, and owl be seeing you.
I love this version for Sally Hawkins. Fell in love with her performance in Happy Go Lucky. I've been a fan ever since. She and Rupert Penry-Jones have wonderful chemistry. There is much color and nuance in all their interactions. And my wife thinks it is criminal that Wentworth never wears his uniform. Always choose to take yourself out of your comfort zone. It gave me quite a giggle. Have fun.
I thought running was a great touch. I was grinning the whole time because you were *absolutely right* that there's no way she looked like she'd actually run as long as she was supposed to have. It was a great little "experiment."
Yeah, the '95 characters are so stiff and held-back. Wentworth especially came off as so aggressive in some scenes that combined with his age, it made me uncomfortable. The 2007 version felt much softer and more vulnerable on both parts.
@@vanyadollys someone I can't recall has mentioned, yeah, his age seemed weird with the giggly girls agog at him- the point is he hasn't aged in an *agéd* way, and as much as I appreciate Hinds' Wentworth, the thing with the so-young girls adds a discordance in this day and age, even if not so much in Austen's day.
Jerome, that stunt you *persuaded* to do, running around for three minutes and coming back all out of breath really makes this video! It was absolutely hilarious! 😆 All in seriousness, I want to say well done once again on the review as always. Have a great day!
Hi Jerome! I actually quite love this 2007 adaptation. I also love the 1995 version, which is the first one I watched. I'd have to watch them both again to decide, but there are some aspects of this one that I like even better. I'm a big fan of Sally Hawkins and I really like the depth of feeling, yearning and regret in this version. I enjoy the intimate view of Anne's thoughts and feelings throughout the movie. It's not perfect and I agree that some of the faults are mostly to do with the rush of the ending. That said, I find this one very emotionally satisfying. On another note, your personal test of the physical effects of running around like Anne in the ending is priceless and much appreciated, haha! It's one of those quirky and uniquely Weiselberrian things that we love about this channel!! : )
Though I love the 1995 version more. I had heard an expert in Georgian era military say that technically the wardrobe this Wentworth had was more accurate as the naval officers weren't allowed to be in uniform unless on duty. Which is unfortunate as Ciaran looks positively grand in that uniform!
My impression of this Persuasion is that, as in the 2009 Sense and Sensibility and the Keira Knightley Pride and Prejudice, the conflict of desires is played out more visibly for a greater payoff/catharsis at the end of each story. While I enjoy the emotional cinema of Anne and Elinore, both characters who are prone to tightly govern their own emotions, I think the pace of the 90s versions tend to be truer to the books in that the resolutions (i.e. they can get married afterall) there strike me as understated and not intended as a big reveal or surprise. Maybe Emma does work that way in the books because Knightley's motivations are hidden to us? As a guy and a Christian, I've become more interested in Austen over the past several years due to various praises of Austen as one of the great moral novelists of English literature. In particular C.S. Lewis and others praise Austen for her depiction of "virtue" in both men and women. Virtue as a character trait between extremes, between Anne's being persuaded by others and Wentworth's inflexibility, but also as a contrast between what is obviously good character and bad character such as Wentworth and Mr. Elliot, Col. Brandon and Willoughby, etc. Lewis actually wrote an entire essay about Austen you might be interested in. You might also interested in how modern audiences get Austen wrong in regards to feminism. If so, I'd encourage you to listen to Janice Fiamengo's video essay on Austen here on TH-cam. Fiamengo is a literature professor out of Canada. I enjoy your reviews!
It is difficult to do something completely unique, but your literally breathtaking combination of movie review, scientific experiment, and improvised athletic performance certainly qualifies. You have ascended beyond the hilly landscape of mere talent into the empyrean of legend and I salute you. I’d also love to to have seen Roger Ebert try this.
Last comment...you mention (wonder) "When did Wentworth write the letter?" This seems analogous to me when I noticed in Jane Eyre with Ruth Wilson when, all of the sudden, in the carriage on the way to shopping, Jane is in a white/cream dress. I wonder "When did she get this dress? Did she sew it that night after the 1st kiss?...borrow it from Mrs. Poole or Bertha?!"
I totally agree about the frumpy wardrobe in 2007. I enjoy the performance by Amanda Root much better. I also preferred Ciaran Hinds as Wentworth however Rupert was very good as well.
Catch your breath, sister! Another great review, Jerome. Did you study film/literature because you have a remarkable talent for film analysis? Regarding shaky cam, you're absolutely right that it was out of place in a period drama. The camera should be an observer and not draw attention to itself, especially during talking head scenes. Shaky cam is an effective way to underscore action but it's overused now. The French call it cinema verite (handheld) and it gives drama a realistic, documentary look. Perhaps that's what the filmmakers of Persuasion were going for. Most likely it was done to appeal to a youth audience with short attention spans. When it comes to natural lighting, Kubrick did it best on Barry Lyndon. He shot the candle light scenes with only candle light (mind you, double wicked and reflectors on the ceiling) and he was able to capture the low-light by using a very fast lens, an F0.7 designed by Zeiss for NASA. Btw, it was your review of Them that turned me on to your channel. I was delighted to see you make the connection between Them and Aliens. Clearly, Cameron was inspired by Them, either consciously of subconsciously. You also mentioned The Deadly Mantis in your Them review. If you want a good laugh, checkout Mystery Science Theater 3000's riff on it. You can find it on TH-cam. I look forward to your next review. Huzzah!
Oh, dear! Thank you very much for demonstrating a virtually breathtaking declaration of love after a no-nonsense 3 minutes running, it was absolutely 🤣 ! I am also truly amazed at how similar are your observations of the characters with mine, me being nearly 3 times older than you and living , so to say, in quite the opposite end of the world ( and not only geographically). You are fantastic, and so is your family that have brought you up the way you are- so well-read, deep understanding and articulate! And I am going to re-watch the movie right now!😊👍
Funny you mentioned the 'running' in the final scene. I watched this last night and thought to myself "I wonder if Sally Hawkins runs in real life? She looks like she could run the Boston marathon!"
@@Weiselberry I'm glad you carried through once committed, as it made for a delightfully off-the-wall moment in your video review. That was so much fun to watch.
That was a great review! I’ve wondered the same thing about everything you mentioned. The running thing was hysterical! I do love this movie and the older 95 one too.
You were hilarious!! 😂 I saw both versions too and I liked the second one as well. However, after her long run and then that even longer length of time to kiss I just had to roll my eyes. I thought, Really?! C'mon Wentworth! She's run all over town and you can't move this kiss along by meeting her half way?! Wth! 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I still roll my eyes every time I see that scene at the end. Love it though!😂
I like this one. It's good that we have different adaptations out there which may not be our favorites, but still do the job. Unfortunately, there are too many adaptations that are unwatchable to me. While the 1995 Amanda Root Persuasion will always be THE ONE (IMO), this one was nicely done, as well.
lol! so i run 5k 2-3x a week, and when i get to the end of my route, even now after doing this regularly for just over a year, I am incapable of speaking two or three coherent words let alone trying to articulate a complex thought! but your sacrifice for the sake of, well, science, is appreciated!
Really fun review. I hope you got a good workout towards the end! Just playing with my nephew tires me out well enough 😂. I think I was too busy in 2007 and 2008 watching Doctor Who or Life on Mars to catch this. I do remember those close-up and POV shots, though. 😊
Love your uploads. Especially nice to relax/unwind after several days worth of hard work. I love being a film nerd, and I've learrned so much about different films from you. Thank you JW!
LOL. That run though!! My introduction to Jane Austen was the 1971 version of Persuasion. It is not perfect, but i fell in love with the story anyway. Out of the '71, '95 and version in your review, 1995 is still my favorite.
This gave me such a laugh. I love your commitment to proving your point on the running scene. I wouldn’t have the guts to do that 😂 Great video as always. I think you got me curious enough to give this adaptation a try.
Hands down, the best part of this was your running test... Laughed out loud 😂😂 you are great at these reviews, have a natural way of talking, keep it up! :))
BRAVO!!! I watched this over the weekend to just refresh my memory of it. I have so many conflicting feelings about it and think my opinion of it sunk 😂. I hate the shaky camera and angles, how she'll look at the camera-basically all the odd artistic choices they made- and the whole running through Bath and the kiss 😬. Despite that it does still have a few moments that I enjoy-particularly the going back and forth between Anne and the Crofts when they first arrive at Kellynch. 2007 was the first adaptation of it I'd seen-didn't totally love it even then!- but I love 1995 so much more even though I have some qualms with it.
The most blatant thing for me was when Anne runs into Mrs. Smith just standing out on the sidewalk when she's supposedly unable to walk... Although, they used Mrs. Smith in the 1995 version to change Mr. Elliot's (already somewhat nebulous) motivation for wanting to marry Anne - for money because he's secretly poor - which undercuts Anne's rejection of him a bit. So, there's that. I prefer the 1995 version, too (although, don't get me started on the rum look of the Admirals boat crew at start of the movie...)
Another excellent and insightful review. Really like your observations on the lighting and camera work in particular. This is a really good adaptation esp fior Sally Hawkins performance but agree completely about what you say about the ending
Very enjoyable video, as always! I mistakenly thought one of the actresses was Ciaran Madden, who starred in "The Beast Must Die", which you reviewed a while back. I looked her up and she did play Marianne Dashwood in a 1971 adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility". Your running made me think about the time I was racing to get to my departure gate at an airport. I wasn't used to the run and was sore the next day. Do take care!
I also prefer the 95 version. But after the recent version I have better appreciation for this effort. From what I understand, at that time, Royal Navy officers weren't allowed to wear their uniforms except onboard ship and at official events on shore. If anyone can confirm....
I think I caught clips of it on pBS thinking it was Masterpiece Mystery at the time so I did see part of it and frankly, I agree if you about the editing Sometimes some historical period/genre works have sometimes in the 2000s do weird almost fast and furious style editing at which is frankly out at touch for well it's genres
I really liked the '95 version so I went into the 2007 version with some trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. Although the 4th wall breaks took a bit of getting used to, I thought they were effective. However, her last diary entry has no voice over, which I thought was odd. Maybe the film makers were saying, 'there isn't anything left to be said'? The actors and locations were very effective though I thought the '95 version gave us deeper secondary characters, especially Elliot and Wentworth. I liked also that the leap at Lime was foreshadowed during the country walk. What works especially well in this newer version in the romantic chemistry between the two leads... okay, except the l o n g prelude to their kiss. Again, I'll chalk that up to the subjective nature of having the story told from Anne's point of view. The run was also a bit much but, as you say, a different take on her finally connecting with her love. Overall, a lovely bit of Jane Austen that doesn't try to overthink the author's work.
Thanks for this J., nicely done. I appreciated the comparisons to the '95 version and will choose one of these in the near future. Funny that you said 'modern' a few times since I did see a movie called Modern Persuasion recently. Kind of a rom-com that included a fluffy cat named Wentworth. "Anne" uses the cat as a sounding board so no need for a fourth wall breaking. Regarding the run around the house, I appreciate the effort but please don't do that again. I remember how I felt in 7th grade after my first 50 yard dash; I had the face of regret and then some! But if you do, don't forget the cool down. Thanks again, your review made my day.
Another Jane Austin review, well done and I hope we see more! Do you think you would tackle Charles Dickens stories? I just rewatched David Copperfield (1935) and I'd like to see you review that one and many other of Charles stories. Thanks again for a new video, they always make me happy!
Thank you! I'd love to talk about more Dickens! I can't believe I've only covered a handful of adaptations so far (not counting all those versions of A Christmas Carol). There are many I saw in my pre-TH-camr days that it would be lovely to revisit and share with everyone. Great suggestion!
That was hilarious and the sound of your footfalls made it even funnier lol You’d have to run a long, long way to find a better and funnier review of Persuasion (2007) than this one. I do like the 2007 version but would also say I prefer the one from 1995. I agree completely, the creative choices they made were sometimes quite strange, it did seem like they were trying to appeal to a younger demographic with the editing and camera shots, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were inspired by the 2005 Pride and Prejudice, some of the music cues from Persuasion reminded me a little bit of Pride and Prejudice. it did look as though they were choosing interesting looking shots over logical ones, A calm, relaxed Harville having a nice solitary stroll and taking in the view of the rough tides by the Lyme seaside while getting belted by them and the rain, I live not too far from a similar old stone walkway by the sea and nobody would go for a leisurely walk there in such terrible weather, I felt the shots of Benwick walking back and forth above the others on the raised stone platform in top hat and all black made him seem a little unsettling, if Jack the Ripper had been around during that period and not 60 or 70 years later this version of Benwick may have been a suspect lol, Scotland Yard : Tell me Captain Benwick, do you like poetry? Anne : Captain Benwick, you’d best not answer! Lol even the final view of him had me thinking his friend Wentworth should stay close and keep a hand on him so he doesn’t leap to his death :0 I liked his top hat🎩 I never really notice top hats in these series and films but I thought their top hat game in this one was exceptional lol I didn’t notice Anne’s cloak until you mentioned it lol, I’m usually bad at noticing wardrobes or clothing in general, I could’ve spoken to someone ten minutes ago and remember what they said, if they smiled, if they laughed, if they seem like a nice warm person but I probably couldn’t tell you what they were wearing, they could be wearing a bin liner and I wouldn’t notice it, well except good top hat’s apparently. I liked the cast overall, I think they all did well with Sally Hawkins as Anne, Joseph Mawle as Harville and Anthony Head as Walter being standouts for me, I wouldn’t say I liked them more than the 95 cast but I did like them, I’m unsure if Amanda Hale gave a really good performance or an iffy one, her Mary did seem a tad loopy. I also picked up on Harville’s recognition of the name Elliot and liked that it helped add a history to the friendship between Wentworth and Harville, there was a trust between them and for the very private and brooding Wentworth to speak of her so highly, I think Harvillle’s warm greeting would suggest that he has spoken highly of her, it shows how much she means to him. I never expected to like the Harville character so much because he’s not very memorable to me in the book. Sally Hawkins was very good, very different from Amanda Root but I liked what she did, I didn’t mind the fourth wall breaks for the reasons you mentioned, it did feel like she was alone with nobody to confide her feelings in except for the audience, I liked her expressiveness, you could feel her sadness and felt for her, her joyous relief filled with emotion when hearing Wentworth wasn’t to marry almost made me cry. Anthony Head was a bit over the top and dramatic but I was ok with it, I think it worked. Anthony Head is in Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a librarian named Giles, my sister loves Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alice Krige went from the persuasive wedding cancelling Queen to the Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact, We are the Lady Russell, you will turn down Captain Wentworth’s proposal, resistance is futile! Tobias Menzies has played a nasty character in Outlander too, he can play snooty very well. The moment when Anne falls is hard to watch, felt so bad for her, she must’ve been thinking, oh no! not in front of Wentworth and Louisa. I watched a documentary about Michael J Fox titled ‘Still’ yesterday and there’s a moment when Fox falls over in front of a couple of people and It reminded me a little of when Anne fell, I was thinking about Persuasion because of your upcoming review, he must’ve felt embarrassed, it was hard to watch but it’s one of my favourite moments in the doc because he owned it and made it a really funny moment. Wentworth pulling Anne to the carriage and picking her up and dropping her on the bench seat was a peculiar choice lol, it’s like he was packing luggage, I imagine a modern version of Wentworth picking Anne up on a plane and putting her in the overhead compartment lol. The conclusion to this version of Persuasion is so oddly put together, there can only be a minute if not seconds between the time Wentworth exits through the front door of the Elliot residence on Royal crescent and Anne following behind him, yet he has completely vanished out of sight, how could he have walked from one end of the crescent to the other and around the gable end of the furthest house in that time? I imagine him walking out calmly and then running like a lunatic with arm’s swinging when he thinks he’s out of Anne’s sight, probably made it a few doors down and hid down the steps lol, and you’re right! How did he write the letter in such a short amount of time? When the film opens and we’re following Anne as she’s organising the families belongings we see her stop at a maid holding an inkwell, Anne dips her pen and continues about her business, did Wentworth have a maid holding an inkwell outside the Elliot household? Were they running together with Wentworth trying to dip his pen and write and covering the poor maid in ink? that’s now canon in my mind lol One day someone will edit a video with footage of Anne running miles and Forrest Gump running across America for them to stop and stare at each other, or Tom Cruise would work, he runs in every film. Although there are questions about how and when Wentworth wrote the letter and how time and human fitness and stamina works at Royal crescent, perhaps Bermuda Triangle and Royal crescent are related :D Royal crescent is an interesting place, the original designer had the homes built as facades and those who purchased them were tasked to build the homes they wanted behind the front facade, all beautiful on the outside, some beautiful on the inside and perhaps some less so depending on the wealth of the home owner, the idea of a house built as a beautiful facade first with not much inside seems to fit the character of Sir. Walter Elliot very well. I’m satisfied with the ending, it’s sweet and like you’ve mentioned, no circus lol. ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~
Well! You brought up a lot of great points and questions here. I didn't the history behind the construction of those houses in Bath, but you're right, that IS some nice, subtle symbolism for Sir Walter. Haha, you noticed the maid standing there with the inkwell too. I've seen this movie several times before and I don't think I ever caught that until this time. Wentworth MUST have had a servant jogging alongside him so he could write that letter--that's the only viable explanation! LOL, I'd like to see the remix where Forrest Gump runs by and Wentworth stuffs Anne in an overhead compartment. :)
I rewatched this last night. Here is something so comical, I had to point it out! In the beginning, when Ann goes upstairs, her pen needs more ink. Standing there, with arms outstretched is a servant with a plate of ink. The person is frozen and does not flinch a muscle. It is as though this person is a mannequin and not a living human. 1st: how convenient the servant is just there. 2nd: Is this her job? To stand, arms outstretched in case someone needs ink? She never moves, even after Ann walks on...so is it her job to just stand (frozen mind you) all day?
I really do enjoy this version a bit more than 1995 - up until very recently I never knew it existed but for some reason I am on a classics novels' adaptions (and reading them as well) - Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Bronte sisters. The more I watch this newer version, the more I appreciate how elitist and snobby Elizabeth is (vs. just a snotty brat in 1995), and how vain the father is and how thunderous/angry looking but then melted into wonderful loving looks by the Captain Wentworth character (his evolution from being really mad at her, staring her down as she plays the piano, to the adorable look of joy in the last (made up) scene where he presents her with her wedding gift.@@Weiselberry
It's interesting in the 90s version hearing people like the Admiral speaking in a somerset accent . Before the industrial revolution , everyone spoke with a regional accent but when the working classes came into money, through industry , the landed gentry adopted the posh English accent we know today . This differentiated them from the nouveaux riche working-class .
I totally like all these main actors. Yet this version-- I can take it or leave it. After loving the 1995 version, this 2007 one was kind of a disappointment. I did not care for the cinematography, the ugly costumes, or the script. I don't like that his love is not finally solidified in the letter, and that we find out his true feelings before the letter. I preferred seeing him hurrying to write it and wondering what it said. I also did not like the running marathon to Wentworth. And my fav characters from 1995, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Rook, well, I missed seeing those actors here. However, when Anne smashes into Wentworth and they kiss all is well with me, despite that she should have been totally out of breath. (Great demo by the way). And the ending, I concede is much better than the circus/dinner party/ship setting in 1995. This 2007 ending is very, very lovely. Oh and one last thing, this version is tons better than the infamous 2022 Persuasion!
I would love it if someone would edit in your out of breath lines and place them on top of the actual movie. Also, you have to give us the link to the video of her running with the Benny Hill music in the background.
I gotta admit I hate the shaky cam thing. I've switched off many shows because I feel like I'm gonna throw up. There's a reason they invented steady cam. Recently I was forced to sit through 5 mins of a modern tv show that was *constantly* zoom in zoom out shakey shakey pan to another speaker, zoom in zoom out, shakey shakey, pan back to the first, zoom in zoom out, here comes my lunch!! So that's a deal breaker for me. I noticed they used the look at the camera thing for comic effect in Singing In The Rain (which I was recommended recently). It caught me by surprise the first time, did he just look at the camera?
WOW, I really need to read that book. Have you ever seen the Move 'The Jane Austin Book Club'? A bit cheesy, but I watched it three time due ti its 'Feel Good' screen play. It inspired me to read a the complete Jane Austin book series I have in my Classic bookshelf, but life got in the way and I never got that far into it. Which reminds me, do you have any opinion about the Classic 'Crime & Punishment'? I believe the 70's TV series Colombo was very inspired by that Classic (which I still watch on cable TV when I see an episode being presented).
I watched both versions recently for the first time, and I enjoyed the '07 version much better. Even though I'm not a big fan of Persuasion, both Anne and Wentworth won me over with how vulnerable and tender their portrayals were. Wentworth being younger made his behavior more forgivable than the 90s version to me, and Anne shows more personal regret and accountability over her choices rather than suffering passively. Mary was my only sticking point in this adaption. She was too much!
I love the 2007 version so, so much. Wentworth should not be wearing his uniform (which is what bothers me about the 1995 version). He would have a rosette on his hat to indicate he's in the Navy when he's ashore (per Roy & Lesley Adkins in "Jane Austen's England: Daily Life in the Georgian and Regency Periods"). I agree with you on the running scene. Not *that* terrible, but I wish they had been true to the book with respect to the composition and how the letter was presented to her. It's such a compelling scene in the book. Anyway, 1995 is nice and well done but there's a passion lacking. Anne just looks shocked and wooden throughout so you never get to see any happiness in her. She needs a Lexapro or something. 2007's Anne is at least smiling and engaged in life despite her pain. I wish this was available on streaming somewhere other than BritBox. I'd like to own a digital version, so I settle for my DVD.
You're review was great. And please forgive me, but the ending with all the heavy breathing left me slightly disconcerted Regardless, you are very smart and as cute as a button. Looking forward to more of your content ❤
So I lied...here is my take on characters: 1995 - I like Amanda Root (Anne) and her sisters Elizabeth and the histrionic Mary! I like Rupert as Wentworth...something about Ciaran (?) rubs me wrong. And I do enjoy how EACH of the family (forget their name) approach Anne (in 1995) to complain about Mary. I like the family friend (who played in Chariots of Fire) in the 2007 version...I detest how in 2007 Anne runs after Wentworth when he leaves the banquet hall. I mean...how likely is that? She seems a bit transparent and desperate here. Mrs. Clay in 1995...well, I am no dentist (nope a nurse in real life) but her crooked teeth bother me. Her teeth to me make me think how much of a lower class she might be. And Anne's dad in 1995 really plays the moron well!
Honestly, if there is one good thing that came out of Persuasion (2022) was a more nuanced appreciation, in the fandom of this one. Because before that it was LOATHED, to a level I thought was wildly unfair to it. You'd imagine it was some horrible travesty... and it is not? There's good tension and good acting in it, and some of the decisions in script and costuming are quite clever. For example, the captains' costumes: in reality uniforms were not worn off duty (William Price, for example, is disappointed that he cannot show off his at Mansfield Park) save for some exceptional occasions (I think *army* uniforms were a different matter, but I'm not sure). Where 1995 chooses to just flaunt this in favor of a better aesthetic and easier rememberance for the audience (which I don't think it's a bad decision, it just is) 2007 seeks a compromise in dressing them in colors and styles that resemble navy uniforms -a whole lot of navy blue and white- which is both a good reminder of their profession, and realistic in terms of, yeah, I can imagine a man who is used to wear a certain uniform in certain colors would probably gravitate to wearing similar clothing when in civvies. It is the sort of thing that reveals that there was loving care in the production. I agree with you that the fourth wall breaking here is done with purpose and to effect. I think people also tend to forget that the very nature of tv movies in a way demands writing that is very forthcoming with meanings and rather plain in plotting; unlike the cinema, you are fighting for the attention or half attention of a person that can switch channels at any moment (streaming has blurred this line a lot), and the budget at your disposal is smaller. In my experience with people, those who access Persuasion first through the 1995 adaptation have difficulty understanding the plot, but do get the gist of it if they watch 2007. Which is something it has going for itself, hehe I always joke that there cannot be a Persuasion movie where the ending DOESN'T include something weird and symbolic that feels random. 1995 has its circus, trying to convey the notion that life is unpredictable and joy can be around the corner, but the first impression is one of "wait, what". And for 2007, it is the Bath marathon. The *concept* is rather sweet and interesting: Anne comes back full circle from Wentworth to Wentworth. It sounds good and tense on paper.... and... it's more than a bit ridiculous in execution. But it makes me think a lot of Nick Cave's Straight to You (ended up making an edit with it at some point). Penry-Jones' and Menezes' performances are different from the book character, but I also find them interesting in their own right. They fit *this* movie really well. Particularly Mr Elliot is the best representation of the allure of the bad boy in an Austen adaptation for me. Like, sure, he's shady and looks very dangerous, but there's a magnetism to his personality that makes you understand *why* other people seem to ignore the red flags and forgive and forget things he hasn't apologized for. As always, it is a treat to get a notification for one of your videos!
Excellent observations! Thanks for clearing up the question about uniforms. Another commenter brought that up, and I didn't know there was such a rule (or that the 1995 version had blatantly violated it). I don't think I was aware before of the extent to which die-hard fans disliked this version. When it aired on tv, I had only my family and friends to compare notes with, and since none of us would have dared call ourselves Austen scholars, we more or less took it (and its fellow adaptations) at face value. (Oddly enough, we reached similar conclusions about all of them, despite some having zero familiarity with the books or previous adaptations.) Speaking for myself, I think time and experience has given me a more favorable view of this version. Not that I totally disliked it before, but I have a better understanding now of why they made certain choices, and I appreciate those choices that worked especially well. As you say, there's quite a bit of good, clever stuff here. Thanks again for sharing all these great points!
I only saw both versions recently and I'm surprised this one would be so strongly disliked! It's more emotional, but the '95 version had plenty of absolutely awful handheld camera action as well. As an adaptation it's still very faithful. It's hardly the 2022 version or even '05 P&P. The running was a bit much and she really should have grabbed her bonnet, but I can't fault them for it too much. It's ridiculous, but it's effective. Especially the part where she finally finds him is beautifully done IMO. The way the sound fades out and she can't look away from him. I didn't even mind the world's longest lean-in. 😄
This version always seems to waste the opportunities it sets up in the earlier section. It seems to be an economy measure and a shame as the cast was good.
But '95 Wentworth also looked like he was 50. I think it's more relatable (and less alarming) for a younger man to behave the way Wentworth does in the novel.
I felt like Anne running like that was a riff on “Run Lola Run” (1997). It was very influential clearly. I felt like it was a ham-fisted “message” like, ‘see, women were athletic despite their silly dresses’ or something similar. “Triathlons are the Elliot way…” Yawn. My only objection to the old Persuasion was the circus. “Life is unpredictable! See?” Sam Goldwyn call your office. One of my college roommates always said filmmakers should just insert a flashing red arrow to make their symbolism even MORE obvious. I find that stuff very tedious.
I think the circus, and perhaps more significantly Anne and Wentworth's lack of attention to it, indicates that the couple has no more distractions pulling them apart. The circus is so distracting to everyone else that the two can even kiss in public, but they only have eyes for each other.
@JeromeWeiselberry >>> FWIW, I checked IMDb to very this: Ms. Hawkins also appeared in 2017's *THE SHAPE OF WATER.* When I saw her face in this video, I thought I recognized her. I was right.
I'm impressed by your dedication to showing us the effects of three minutes of running and "the face of regret." We can at least be thankful that Jane Austen never put anyone through the romcom cliche of running like that through an airport. Very nice, Rome, and owl be seeing you.
"The 2022 version, which still exists." LOL
I love this version for Sally Hawkins. Fell in love with her performance in Happy Go Lucky. I've been a fan ever since. She and Rupert Penry-Jones have wonderful chemistry. There is much color and nuance in all their interactions. And my wife thinks it is criminal that Wentworth never wears his uniform.
Always choose to take yourself out of your comfort zone. It gave me quite a giggle. Have fun.
I thought running was a great touch. I was grinning the whole time because you were *absolutely right* that there's no way she looked like she'd actually run as long as she was supposed to have. It was a great little "experiment."
I feel the chemistry more with the 2007 version than the 1995 version.
Yeah, the '95 characters are so stiff and held-back. Wentworth especially came off as so aggressive in some scenes that combined with his age, it made me uncomfortable. The 2007 version felt much softer and more vulnerable on both parts.
@@vanyadollys someone I can't recall has mentioned, yeah, his age seemed weird with the giggly girls agog at him- the point is he hasn't aged in an *agéd* way, and as much as I appreciate Hinds' Wentworth, the thing with the so-young girls adds a discordance in this day and age, even if not so much in Austen's day.
Jerome, that stunt you *persuaded* to do, running around for three minutes and coming back all out of breath really makes this video! It was absolutely hilarious! 😆 All in seriousness, I want to say well done once again on the review as always. Have a great day!
Hi Jerome! I actually quite love this 2007 adaptation. I also love the 1995 version, which is the first one I watched. I'd have to watch them both again to decide, but there are some aspects of this one that I like even better. I'm a big fan of Sally Hawkins and I really like the depth of feeling, yearning and regret in this version. I enjoy the intimate view of Anne's thoughts and feelings throughout the movie. It's not perfect and I agree that some of the faults are mostly to do with the rush of the ending. That said, I find this one very emotionally satisfying. On another note, your personal test of the physical effects of running around like Anne in the ending is priceless and much appreciated, haha! It's one of those quirky and uniquely Weiselberrian things that we love about this channel!! : )
Though I love the 1995 version more. I had heard an expert in Georgian era military say that technically the wardrobe this Wentworth had was more accurate as the naval officers weren't allowed to be in uniform unless on duty. Which is unfortunate as Ciaran looks positively grand in that uniform!
Oh my God, that running test 😂😂😂😂. You're such a genious! I know I'd prefer to remain single the rest of my life before running like that 😂😂😂
I had a similar thought, "gee whiz, is he really worth all this??" 😄
My impression of this Persuasion is that, as in the 2009 Sense and Sensibility and the Keira Knightley Pride and Prejudice, the conflict of desires is played out more visibly for a greater payoff/catharsis at the end of each story. While I enjoy the emotional cinema of Anne and Elinore, both characters who are prone to tightly govern their own emotions, I think the pace of the 90s versions tend to be truer to the books in that the resolutions (i.e. they can get married afterall) there strike me as understated and not intended as a big reveal or surprise. Maybe Emma does work that way in the books because Knightley's motivations are hidden to us?
As a guy and a Christian, I've become more interested in Austen over the past several years due to various praises of Austen as one of the great moral novelists of English literature. In particular C.S. Lewis and others praise Austen for her depiction of "virtue" in both men and women. Virtue as a character trait between extremes, between Anne's being persuaded by others and Wentworth's inflexibility, but also as a contrast between what is obviously good character and bad character such as Wentworth and Mr. Elliot, Col. Brandon and Willoughby, etc. Lewis actually wrote an entire essay about Austen you might be interested in.
You might also interested in how modern audiences get Austen wrong in regards to feminism. If so, I'd encourage you to listen to Janice Fiamengo's video essay on Austen here on TH-cam. Fiamengo is a literature professor out of Canada.
I enjoy your reviews!
It is difficult to do something completely unique, but your literally breathtaking combination of movie review, scientific experiment, and improvised athletic performance certainly qualifies. You have ascended beyond the hilly landscape of mere talent into the empyrean of legend and I salute you. I’d also love to to have seen Roger Ebert try this.
Thank you! :D
Last comment...you mention (wonder) "When did Wentworth write the letter?" This seems analogous to me when I noticed in Jane Eyre with Ruth Wilson when, all of the sudden, in the carriage on the way to shopping, Jane is in a white/cream dress. I wonder "When did she get this dress? Did she sew it that night after the 1st kiss?...borrow it from Mrs. Poole or Bertha?!"
The way you described the characters traits was cracking me up 😅. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work 👍📽️
I totally agree about the frumpy wardrobe in 2007. I enjoy the performance by Amanda Root much better. I also preferred Ciaran Hinds as Wentworth however Rupert was very good as well.
Catch your breath, sister! Another great review, Jerome. Did you study film/literature because you have a remarkable talent for film analysis? Regarding shaky cam, you're absolutely right that it was out of place in a period drama. The camera should be an observer and not draw attention to itself, especially during talking head scenes. Shaky cam is an effective way to underscore action but it's overused now. The French call it cinema verite (handheld) and it gives drama a realistic, documentary look. Perhaps that's what the filmmakers of Persuasion were going for. Most likely it was done to appeal to a youth audience with short attention spans. When it comes to natural lighting, Kubrick did it best on Barry Lyndon. He shot the candle light scenes with only candle light (mind you, double wicked and reflectors on the ceiling) and he was able to capture the low-light by using a very fast lens, an F0.7 designed by Zeiss for NASA. Btw, it was your review of Them that turned me on to your channel. I was delighted to see you make the connection between Them and Aliens. Clearly, Cameron was inspired by Them, either consciously of subconsciously. You also mentioned The Deadly Mantis in your Them review. If you want a good laugh, checkout Mystery Science Theater 3000's riff on it. You can find it on TH-cam. I look forward to your next review. Huzzah!
Oh, dear! Thank you very much for demonstrating a virtually breathtaking declaration of love after a no-nonsense 3 minutes running, it was absolutely 🤣 ! I am also truly amazed at how similar are your observations of the characters with mine, me being nearly 3 times older than you and living , so to say, in quite the opposite
end of the world ( and not only geographically). You are fantastic, and so is your family that have brought you up the way you are- so well-read, deep understanding and articulate! And I am going to re-watch the movie right now!😊👍
Funny you mentioned the 'running' in the final scene. I watched this last night and thought to myself "I wonder if Sally Hawkins runs in real life? She looks like she could run the Boston marathon!"
I loved your experiment of running around the house three times to prove a point, but I can't help wondering what the neighbours thought :D
HaHa! Yesm I wonder too!
They're thinking, "There goes that crazy lady doing bizarre things again..." :D
I reallllllly hope they didn't notice! I almost stopped short on the second lap and canceled the whole thing because I felt so ridiculous. :)
@@Weiselberry I'm glad you carried through once committed, as it made for a delightfully off-the-wall moment in your video review. That was so much fun to watch.
I have to commend the dedication to figuring out just how out of breath one would be after running around town! Love it!
That was a great review! I’ve wondered the same thing about everything you mentioned. The running thing was hysterical! I do love this movie and the older 95 one too.
You were hilarious!! 😂 I saw both versions too and I liked the second one as well. However, after her long run and then that even longer length of time to kiss I just had to roll my eyes. I thought, Really?! C'mon Wentworth! She's run all over town and you can't move this kiss along by meeting her half way?! Wth! 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I still roll my eyes every time I see that scene at the end. Love it though!😂
I like this one. It's good that we have different adaptations out there which may not be our favorites, but still do the job. Unfortunately, there are too many adaptations that are unwatchable to me. While the 1995 Amanda Root Persuasion will always be THE ONE (IMO), this one was nicely done, as well.
I prefer this version over the 1995 version, and I saw the 1995 version first. I like Sally Hawkins as Anne over Amanda Root.
Sister Jerome, if you're a dinosaur, then I'm a paleontologist!
Wow . What a coincidence. I watched it yesterday. Really loved this.
I’m exactly the same-the 95 version will always be my favorite just because it was my first.
lol! so i run 5k 2-3x a week, and when i get to the end of my route, even now after doing this regularly for just over a year, I am incapable of speaking two or three coherent words let alone trying to articulate a complex thought! but your sacrifice for the sake of, well, science, is appreciated!
Really fun review. I hope you got a good workout towards the end! Just playing with my nephew tires me out well enough 😂. I think I was too busy in 2007 and 2008 watching Doctor Who or Life on Mars to catch this. I do remember those close-up and POV shots, though. 😊
Love your uploads. Especially nice to relax/unwind after several days worth of hard work. I love being a film nerd, and I've learrned so much about different films from you. Thank you JW!
LOL. That run though!! My introduction to Jane Austen was the 1971 version of Persuasion. It is not perfect, but i fell in love with the story anyway. Out of the '71, '95 and version in your review, 1995 is still my favorite.
I’m sorry I’m not a big Jane Austin fan but I still like listening to your reviews. Keep up the good work.
Hello Jerome! Great to see you today. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
This gave me such a laugh. I love your commitment to proving your point on the running scene. I wouldn’t have the guts to do that 😂 Great video as always. I think you got me curious enough to give this adaptation a try.
Hands down, the best part of this was your running test... Laughed out loud 😂😂 you are great at these reviews, have a natural way of talking, keep it up! :))
Thank you! :)
BRAVO!!!
I watched this over the weekend to just refresh my memory of it. I have so many conflicting feelings about it and think my opinion of it sunk 😂. I hate the shaky camera and angles, how she'll look at the camera-basically all the odd artistic choices they made- and the whole running through Bath and the kiss 😬. Despite that it does still have a few moments that I enjoy-particularly the going back and forth between Anne and the Crofts when they first arrive at Kellynch.
2007 was the first adaptation of it I'd seen-didn't totally love it even then!- but I love 1995 so much more even though I have some qualms with it.
The most blatant thing for me was when Anne runs into Mrs. Smith just standing out on the sidewalk when she's supposedly unable to walk... Although, they used Mrs. Smith in the 1995 version to change Mr. Elliot's (already somewhat nebulous) motivation for wanting to marry Anne - for money because he's secretly poor - which undercuts Anne's rejection of him a bit. So, there's that.
I prefer the 1995 version, too (although, don't get me started on the rum look of the Admirals boat crew at start of the movie...)
I love that you tan then said the dialogue for us. 🌸🌸🌸
Another excellent and insightful review. Really like your observations on the lighting and camera work in particular. This is a really good adaptation esp fior Sally Hawkins performance but agree completely about what you say about the ending
Very enjoyable video, as always! I mistakenly thought one of the actresses was Ciaran Madden, who starred in "The Beast Must Die", which you reviewed a while back. I looked her up and she did play Marianne Dashwood in a 1971 adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility". Your running made me think about the time I was racing to get to my departure gate at an airport. I wasn't used to the run and was sore the next day. Do take care!
OMGGGGG...😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Recreating that scene..... HILARIOUS !!! 👏💯
I also prefer the 95 version. But after the recent version I have better appreciation for this effort. From what I understand, at that time, Royal Navy officers weren't allowed to wear their uniforms except onboard ship and at official events on shore. If anyone can confirm....
Oh no, not another one. She seems so darn happy too.
I think I caught clips of it on pBS thinking it was Masterpiece Mystery at the time so I did see part of it and frankly, I agree if you about the editing Sometimes some historical period/genre works have sometimes in the 2000s do weird almost fast and furious style editing at which is frankly out at touch for well it's genres
I really liked the '95 version so I went into the 2007 version with some trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. Although the 4th wall breaks took a bit of getting used to, I thought they were effective. However, her last diary entry has no voice over, which I thought was odd. Maybe the film makers were saying, 'there isn't anything left to be said'? The actors and locations were very effective though I thought the '95 version gave us deeper secondary characters, especially Elliot and Wentworth. I liked also that the leap at Lime was foreshadowed during the country walk. What works especially well in this newer version in the romantic chemistry between the two leads... okay, except the l o n g prelude to their kiss. Again, I'll chalk that up to the subjective nature of having the story told from Anne's point of view. The run was also a bit much but, as you say, a different take on her finally connecting with her love.
Overall, a lovely bit of Jane Austen that doesn't try to overthink the author's work.
Thanks for this J., nicely done. I appreciated the comparisons to the '95 version and will choose one of these in the near future. Funny that you said 'modern' a few times since I did see a movie called Modern Persuasion recently. Kind of a rom-com that included a fluffy cat named Wentworth. "Anne" uses the cat as a sounding board so no need for a fourth wall breaking. Regarding the run around the house, I appreciate the effort but please don't do that again. I remember how I felt in 7th grade after my first 50 yard dash; I had the face of regret and then some! But if you do, don't forget the cool down. Thanks again, your review made my day.
Oh, you definitely don't need to worry about me doing that again! :)
Another Jane Austin review, well done and I hope we see more! Do you think you would tackle Charles Dickens stories? I just rewatched David Copperfield (1935) and I'd like to see you review that one and many other of Charles stories. Thanks again for a new video, they always make me happy!
Thank you! I'd love to talk about more Dickens! I can't believe I've only covered a handful of adaptations so far (not counting all those versions of A Christmas Carol). There are many I saw in my pre-TH-camr days that it would be lovely to revisit and share with everyone. Great suggestion!
@@Weiselberry awesome! Thanks darling! 💖💕
That was hilarious and the sound of your footfalls made it even funnier lol
You’d have to run a long, long way to find a better and funnier review of Persuasion (2007) than this one.
I do like the 2007 version but would also say I prefer the one from 1995.
I agree completely, the creative choices they made were sometimes quite strange, it did seem like they were trying to appeal to a younger demographic with the editing and camera shots, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were inspired by the 2005 Pride and Prejudice, some of the music cues from Persuasion reminded me a little bit of Pride and Prejudice. it did look as though they were choosing interesting looking shots over logical ones, A calm, relaxed Harville having a nice solitary stroll and taking in the view of the rough tides by the Lyme seaside while getting belted by them and the rain, I live not too far from a similar old stone walkway by the sea and nobody would go for a leisurely walk there in such terrible weather, I felt the shots of Benwick walking back and forth above the others on the raised stone platform in top hat and all black made him seem a little unsettling, if Jack the Ripper had been around during that period and not 60 or 70 years later this version of Benwick may have been a suspect lol, Scotland Yard : Tell me Captain Benwick, do you like poetry? Anne : Captain Benwick, you’d best not answer! Lol even the final view of him had me thinking his friend Wentworth should stay close and keep a hand on him so he doesn’t leap to his death :0 I liked his top hat🎩 I never really notice top hats in these series and films but I thought their top hat game in this one was exceptional lol I didn’t notice Anne’s cloak until you mentioned it lol, I’m usually bad at noticing wardrobes or clothing in general, I could’ve spoken to someone ten minutes ago and remember what they said, if they smiled, if they laughed, if they seem like a nice warm person but I probably couldn’t tell you what they were wearing, they could be wearing a bin liner and I wouldn’t notice it, well except good top hat’s apparently.
I liked the cast overall, I think they all did well with Sally Hawkins as Anne, Joseph Mawle as Harville and Anthony Head as Walter being standouts for me, I wouldn’t say I liked them more than the 95 cast but I did like them, I’m unsure if Amanda Hale gave a really good performance or an iffy one, her Mary did seem a tad loopy. I also picked up on Harville’s recognition of the name Elliot and liked that it helped add a history to the friendship between Wentworth and Harville, there was a trust between them and for the very private and brooding Wentworth to speak of her so highly, I think Harvillle’s warm greeting would suggest that he has spoken highly of her, it shows how much she means to him.
I never expected to like the Harville character so much because he’s not very memorable to me in the book. Sally Hawkins was very good, very different from Amanda Root but I liked what she did, I didn’t mind the fourth wall breaks for the reasons you mentioned, it did feel like she was alone with nobody to confide her feelings in except for the audience, I liked her expressiveness, you could feel her sadness and felt for her, her joyous relief filled with emotion when hearing Wentworth wasn’t to marry almost made me cry. Anthony Head was a bit over the top and dramatic but I was ok with it, I think it worked. Anthony Head is in Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a librarian named Giles, my sister loves Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alice Krige went from the persuasive wedding cancelling Queen to the Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact, We are the Lady Russell, you will turn down Captain Wentworth’s proposal, resistance is futile! Tobias Menzies has played a nasty character in Outlander too, he can play snooty very well. The moment when Anne falls is hard to watch, felt so bad for her, she must’ve been thinking, oh no! not in front of Wentworth and Louisa. I watched a documentary about Michael J Fox titled ‘Still’ yesterday and there’s a moment when Fox falls over in front of a couple of people and It reminded me a little of when Anne fell, I was thinking about Persuasion because of your upcoming review, he must’ve felt embarrassed, it was hard to watch but it’s one of my favourite moments in the doc because he owned it and made it a really funny moment. Wentworth pulling Anne to the carriage and picking her up and dropping her on the bench seat was a peculiar choice lol, it’s like he was packing luggage, I imagine a modern version of Wentworth picking Anne up on a plane and putting her in the overhead compartment lol.
The conclusion to this version of Persuasion is so oddly put together, there can only be a minute if not seconds between the time Wentworth exits through the front door of the Elliot residence on Royal crescent and Anne following behind him, yet he has completely vanished out of sight, how could he have walked from one end of the crescent to the other and around the gable end of the furthest house in that time? I imagine him walking out calmly and then running like a lunatic with arm’s swinging when he thinks he’s out of Anne’s sight, probably made it a few doors down and hid down the steps lol, and you’re right! How did he write the letter in such a short amount of time? When the film opens and we’re following Anne as she’s organising the families belongings we see her stop at a maid holding an inkwell, Anne dips her pen and continues about her business, did Wentworth have a maid holding an inkwell outside the Elliot household? Were they running together with Wentworth trying to dip his pen and write and covering the poor maid in ink? that’s now canon in my mind lol
One day someone will edit a video with footage of Anne running miles and Forrest Gump running across America for them to stop and stare at each other, or Tom Cruise would work, he runs in every film.
Although there are questions about how and when Wentworth wrote the letter and how time and human fitness and stamina works at Royal crescent, perhaps Bermuda Triangle and Royal crescent are related :D Royal crescent is an interesting place, the original designer had the homes built as facades and those who purchased them were tasked to build the homes they wanted behind the front facade, all beautiful on the outside, some beautiful on the inside and perhaps some less so depending on the wealth of the home owner, the idea of a house built as a beautiful facade first with not much inside seems to fit the character of Sir. Walter Elliot very well. I’m satisfied with the ending, it’s sweet and like you’ve mentioned, no circus lol.
~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~
Well! You brought up a lot of great points and questions here. I didn't the history behind the construction of those houses in Bath, but you're right, that IS some nice, subtle symbolism for Sir Walter. Haha, you noticed the maid standing there with the inkwell too. I've seen this movie several times before and I don't think I ever caught that until this time. Wentworth MUST have had a servant jogging alongside him so he could write that letter--that's the only viable explanation!
LOL, I'd like to see the remix where Forrest Gump runs by and Wentworth stuffs Anne in an overhead compartment. :)
Oh God in heaven, I hated that cloak, I feel validated 😄
I rewatched this last night. Here is something so comical, I had to point it out! In the beginning, when Ann goes upstairs, her pen needs more ink. Standing there, with arms outstretched is a servant with a plate of ink. The person is frozen and does not flinch a muscle. It is as though this person is a mannequin and not a living human. 1st: how convenient the servant is just there. 2nd: Is this her job? To stand, arms outstretched in case someone needs ink? She never moves, even after Ann walks on...so is it her job to just stand (frozen mind you) all day?
Yes, that part always makes me chuckle, haha.
I really do enjoy this version a bit more than 1995 - up until very recently I never knew it existed but for some reason I am on a classics novels' adaptions (and reading them as well) - Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Bronte sisters. The more I watch this newer version, the more I appreciate how elitist and snobby Elizabeth is (vs. just a snotty brat in 1995), and how vain the father is and how thunderous/angry looking but then melted into wonderful loving looks by the Captain Wentworth character (his evolution from being really mad at her, staring her down as she plays the piano, to the adorable look of joy in the last (made up) scene where he presents her with her wedding gift.@@Weiselberry
It's interesting in the 90s version hearing people like the Admiral speaking in a somerset accent . Before the industrial revolution , everyone spoke with a regional accent but when the working classes came into money, through industry , the landed gentry adopted the posh English accent we know today . This differentiated them from the nouveaux riche working-class .
The actresses for Anne and Mary look like sisters. They have so many similarities
I totally like all these main actors. Yet this version-- I can take it or leave it. After loving the 1995 version, this 2007 one was kind of a disappointment. I did not care for the cinematography, the ugly costumes, or the script. I don't like that his love is not finally solidified in the letter, and that we find out his true feelings before the letter. I preferred seeing him hurrying to write it and wondering what it said. I also did not like the running marathon to Wentworth. And my fav characters from 1995, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Rook, well, I missed seeing those actors here. However, when Anne smashes into Wentworth and they kiss all is well with me, despite that she should have been totally out of breath. (Great demo by the way). And the ending, I concede is much better than the circus/dinner party/ship setting in 1995. This 2007 ending is very, very lovely. Oh and one last thing, this version is tons better than the infamous 2022 Persuasion!
Yep, that '22 version sure exists alright.
I would love it if someone would edit in your out of breath lines and place them on top of the actual movie. Also, you have to give us the link to the video of her running with the Benny Hill music in the background.
thank you so much for the great video it was so good> I was also wondering if you would do a review of Sense and Sensibility 2008
Thanks! I've seen it a couple times, and I'd love to talk about it sometime!
I gotta admit I hate the shaky cam thing. I've switched off many shows because I feel like I'm gonna throw up. There's a reason they invented steady cam. Recently I was forced to sit through 5 mins of a modern tv show that was *constantly* zoom in zoom out shakey shakey pan to another speaker, zoom in zoom out, shakey shakey, pan back to the first, zoom in zoom out, here comes my lunch!! So that's a deal breaker for me.
I noticed they used the look at the camera thing for comic effect in Singing In The Rain (which I was recommended recently). It caught me by surprise the first time, did he just look at the camera?
You had me cracking up at the end! 😂😂
WOW, I really need to read that book. Have you ever seen the Move 'The Jane Austin Book Club'? A bit cheesy, but I watched it three time due ti its 'Feel Good' screen play. It inspired me to read a the complete Jane Austin book series I have in my Classic bookshelf, but life got in the way and I never got that far into it. Which reminds me, do you have any opinion about the Classic 'Crime & Punishment'? I believe the 70's TV series Colombo was very inspired by that Classic (which I still watch on cable TV when I see an episode being presented).
Thank you for your review I did like this version of persuasion xx
Thanks for this neat review!
I remember seeing this one years ago. Loved the review!
Just watched this video again. Please let me know when your next marathon is. I want to see JW in action. ❤ felt.
You have a charming streak of madness, m'lady.
Great review.
Nice review
I watched both versions recently for the first time, and I enjoyed the '07 version much better. Even though I'm not a big fan of Persuasion, both Anne and Wentworth won me over with how vulnerable and tender their portrayals were. Wentworth being younger made his behavior more forgivable than the 90s version to me, and Anne shows more personal regret and accountability over her choices rather than suffering passively. Mary was my only sticking point in this adaption. She was too much!
I couldn't help to fall in you with Jerome after she runs like Sally Hawkings.
I love the 2007 version so, so much. Wentworth should not be wearing his uniform (which is what bothers me about the 1995 version). He would have a rosette on his hat to indicate he's in the Navy when he's ashore (per Roy & Lesley Adkins in "Jane Austen's England: Daily Life in the Georgian and Regency Periods"). I agree with you on the running scene. Not *that* terrible, but I wish they had been true to the book with respect to the composition and how the letter was presented to her. It's such a compelling scene in the book. Anyway, 1995 is nice and well done but there's a passion lacking. Anne just looks shocked and wooden throughout so you never get to see any happiness in her. She needs a Lexapro or something. 2007's Anne is at least smiling and engaged in life despite her pain. I wish this was available on streaming somewhere other than BritBox. I'd like to own a digital version, so I settle for my DVD.
You're review was great. And please forgive me, but the ending with all the heavy breathing left me slightly disconcerted Regardless, you are very smart and as cute as a button. Looking forward to more of your content ❤
That was fun
Harriet Smith...same name used in Emma..did Jane Austen run out of names?
So I lied...here is my take on characters: 1995 - I like Amanda Root (Anne) and her sisters Elizabeth and the histrionic Mary! I like Rupert as Wentworth...something about Ciaran (?) rubs me wrong. And I do enjoy how EACH of the family (forget their name) approach Anne (in 1995) to complain about Mary. I like the family friend (who played in Chariots of Fire) in the 2007 version...I detest how in 2007 Anne runs after Wentworth when he leaves the banquet hall. I mean...how likely is that? She seems a bit transparent and desperate here. Mrs. Clay in 1995...well, I am no dentist (nope a nurse in real life) but her crooked teeth bother me. Her teeth to me make me think how much of a lower class she might be. And Anne's dad in 1995 really plays the moron well!
Honestly, if there is one good thing that came out of Persuasion (2022) was a more nuanced appreciation, in the fandom of this one. Because before that it was LOATHED, to a level I thought was wildly unfair to it. You'd imagine it was some horrible travesty... and it is not? There's good tension and good acting in it, and some of the decisions in script and costuming are quite clever.
For example, the captains' costumes: in reality uniforms were not worn off duty (William Price, for example, is disappointed that he cannot show off his at Mansfield Park) save for some exceptional occasions (I think *army* uniforms were a different matter, but I'm not sure). Where 1995 chooses to just flaunt this in favor of a better aesthetic and easier rememberance for the audience (which I don't think it's a bad decision, it just is) 2007 seeks a compromise in dressing them in colors and styles that resemble navy uniforms -a whole lot of navy blue and white- which is both a good reminder of their profession, and realistic in terms of, yeah, I can imagine a man who is used to wear a certain uniform in certain colors would probably gravitate to wearing similar clothing when in civvies. It is the sort of thing that reveals that there was loving care in the production.
I agree with you that the fourth wall breaking here is done with purpose and to effect. I think people also tend to forget that the very nature of tv movies in a way demands writing that is very forthcoming with meanings and rather plain in plotting; unlike the cinema, you are fighting for the attention or half attention of a person that can switch channels at any moment (streaming has blurred this line a lot), and the budget at your disposal is smaller. In my experience with people, those who access Persuasion first through the 1995 adaptation have difficulty understanding the plot, but do get the gist of it if they watch 2007. Which is something it has going for itself, hehe
I always joke that there cannot be a Persuasion movie where the ending DOESN'T include something weird and symbolic that feels random. 1995 has its circus, trying to convey the notion that life is unpredictable and joy can be around the corner, but the first impression is one of "wait, what". And for 2007, it is the Bath marathon. The *concept* is rather sweet and interesting: Anne comes back full circle from Wentworth to Wentworth. It sounds good and tense on paper.... and... it's more than a bit ridiculous in execution. But it makes me think a lot of Nick Cave's Straight to You (ended up making an edit with it at some point).
Penry-Jones' and Menezes' performances are different from the book character, but I also find them interesting in their own right. They fit *this* movie really well. Particularly Mr Elliot is the best representation of the allure of the bad boy in an Austen adaptation for me. Like, sure, he's shady and looks very dangerous, but there's a magnetism to his personality that makes you understand *why* other people seem to ignore the red flags and forgive and forget things he hasn't apologized for.
As always, it is a treat to get a notification for one of your videos!
Excellent observations! Thanks for clearing up the question about uniforms. Another commenter brought that up, and I didn't know there was such a rule (or that the 1995 version had blatantly violated it).
I don't think I was aware before of the extent to which die-hard fans disliked this version. When it aired on tv, I had only my family and friends to compare notes with, and since none of us would have dared call ourselves Austen scholars, we more or less took it (and its fellow adaptations) at face value. (Oddly enough, we reached similar conclusions about all of them, despite some having zero familiarity with the books or previous adaptations.) Speaking for myself, I think time and experience has given me a more favorable view of this version. Not that I totally disliked it before, but I have a better understanding now of why they made certain choices, and I appreciate those choices that worked especially well. As you say, there's quite a bit of good, clever stuff here.
Thanks again for sharing all these great points!
I only saw both versions recently and I'm surprised this one would be so strongly disliked! It's more emotional, but the '95 version had plenty of absolutely awful handheld camera action as well. As an adaptation it's still very faithful. It's hardly the 2022 version or even '05 P&P.
The running was a bit much and she really should have grabbed her bonnet, but I can't fault them for it too much. It's ridiculous, but it's effective. Especially the part where she finally finds him is beautifully done IMO. The way the sound fades out and she can't look away from him. I didn't even mind the world's longest lean-in. 😄
Nice review. All that running and the letter scene ruin this one for me. I prefer the 1995 by far.
This version always seems to waste the opportunities it sets up in the earlier section. It seems to be an economy measure and a shame as the cast was good.
This struck me as Jane Austen mixed with a bit of Jane Eyre.
The 2022 version can still exist. It just should not have been called Persuasion.
95 Wentworth looks like he could be a naval captain. 07 look like he could be going for a mani-pedi.
But '95 Wentworth also looked like he was 50. I think it's more relatable (and less alarming) for a younger man to behave the way Wentworth does in the novel.
😁
Oh Jane! Do you have close neighbors? Did they see you running around the house and wonder what was going on?😅😅
I felt like Anne running like that was a riff on “Run Lola Run” (1997). It was very influential clearly. I felt like it was a ham-fisted “message” like, ‘see, women were athletic despite their silly dresses’ or something similar. “Triathlons are the Elliot way…”
Yawn.
My only objection to the old Persuasion was the circus. “Life is unpredictable! See?” Sam Goldwyn call your office.
One of my college roommates always said filmmakers should just insert a flashing red arrow to make their symbolism even MORE obvious. I find that stuff very tedious.
I think the circus, and perhaps more significantly Anne and Wentworth's lack of attention to it, indicates that the couple has no more distractions pulling them apart. The circus is so distracting to everyone else that the two can even kiss in public, but they only have eyes for each other.
Mie mi se pare ca acest film este facut neglijent. Se observa indicatiile regizorului, nu - mi plac actorii..
@JeromeWeiselberry >>> FWIW, I checked IMDb to very this: Ms. Hawkins also appeared in 2017's *THE SHAPE OF WATER.*
When I saw her face in this video, I thought I recognized her. I was right.