In this Dork Reporter’s opinion, Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility is the best of breed of Jane Austen film adaptations. Please note, however, there are two very good reasons to discredit my opinion on this subject:
I. Despite my English major, I am ashamed to admit I have read only one Jane Austen novel: Emma. Yeah, I know, I’ve got to get working on that.
II. Sense and Sensibility features two of this Dork Reporter’s all-time favorite movie crushes: Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Any film featuring just one of these English roses automatically earns extra credit. Any film featuring Emma and Kate, together, equals porn (especially if they hop into bed together, as they do here… granted, as sisters keeping their toes warm, but still!). Any film featuring Emma and Kate, plus a screenplay by Emma, equals orgasm.
Kate’s got a bee in her bonnet
A few extra notes:
- Dork Report guest commentator (and first-class Austen aficionado) Snarkbait has coined the best phrase for this genre: “Regency Era froth”
- Actor Greg Wise (John Willoughby) later became Mr. Emma Thompson, after Kenneth Branaugh foolishly let her get away
- Hugh Grant’s trademark stammer, persistent interest in the carpet, and out-of-control hair are still charming even in 18th Century surroundings. But it is difficult to stifle a snicker when the devilish Grant, as Edward Ferrars, expresses an interest in joining the Church
- I wish I had Alan Rickman’s (Col. Brandon) vocal cords
- Hey, look! It’s Tom Wilkinson in a cameo as the soon-to-be-late Mr. Dashwood! The Dork Report thinks Wilkinson is one of the finest actors working today
- required viewing: Emma Thompson’s 1996 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar acceptance speech (not on YouTube as of this writing, but here is the text)
It ain’t easy being sensible
Buy the DVD from Amazon and kick back a few pennies to The Dork Report.
And I appreciate the appreciation of my appreciation. Er…
I still haven’t managed to see Blackadder, but I’ve watched quite a few skits from “A Bit of Fry and Laurie” on YouTube, which are very, very funny. House does a fantastic job of harnessing his balls-to-the-wall, yet very British humor into an American drama. Remarkable writing feat, if you ask me.
The Empire Incident involved a three-year-old, twisted coils of magnetic VHS strip, and a suspiciously corner-of-cassette-shaped indention on a small boy’s bedroom wall.
Hi, H-Bomb!
Here’s a bit of trivia via guest dork reporter Snarkbait: Alan Rickman is reported to have had a speech defect as a young lad, contributing to his now-envious dulcet tones.
‘fraid I have yet to watch House, but I do very much love Blackadder, and as such you are correct in calling me out for failing to mention Hugh Laurie.
I so very much owe you a comment on Mean Teacher… perhaps on your fine appreciation of Star Wars?
Possibly one of my favoritestest movies of all time. You are soooooooo right about about the desirability of Alan Rickman’s vocal chords — why I think it was genius that Kevin Smith cast him as the Metatron. Shame on you, however, for not mentioning the splendiferousness of Hugh Laurie’s performance, but then perhaps you are not as smitten with the good Dr. House as I am.