The novel "Persuasion" is one of my favourite Jane Austen works, yet there has never been a film adaptation of it that at all does it justice. The 1995 version is probably the best among the few, but it is greatly flawed. The script takes too many liberties, especially towards the end of the film. I see why Dear has included some attempt at both the novel's endings, as the original ending is worth its reading, but it very clearly does not work. Anne can hardly refute Wentworth's expectations of her marriage to Mr Elliot, which would render the more romantic letter proposal unnecessary, so instead runs off without answering him! Anne running out of the concert in pursuit of Captain Wentworth made me laugh. The quiet and proper Anne of the novel would never make such a scene. Mr Elliot's absolute proposal, which in the novel is only implied, makes Anne seem unfeeling and almost as if she has been leading him on.Furthermore, Captain Elliot's announcement that he wishes to marry Anne at the party, together with the kiss in the busy street, are completely out of character and period. Amanda Root does an emotional performance of the gentle and feeling Anne Elliot, yet she constantly looks worried, and I feel betrays her feelings towards Captain Wentworth too obviously. However, I do like the way her appearance improves throughout the film, as her "bloom" returns with her spirits. I also enjoyed the scenery of Bath and Lyme, which alone gave me satisfaction in the movie. I did enjoy Sophie Thompson's portrayal of the hypochondriac Mary, but felt Mrs Smith's character to completely lack development or seriousness.
Persuasion is a novel consisting of much narration of Anne's feelings, and less dialogue than other books. Hence it is difficult to be adapted, and I feel should be left alone as an excellent work of literature, rather than be rendered mediocre through botched attempts at conveying its emotion.
Persuasion is a novel consisting of much narration of Anne's feelings, and less dialogue than other books. Hence it is difficult to be adapted, and I feel should be left alone as an excellent work of literature, rather than be rendered mediocre through botched attempts at conveying its emotion.