What question(s) on a period drama (or period dramas) would you pose to me to answer in a decent length post?
I am putting up a few rules, though (just to avoid any confusion later):
1. I will of course try to answer as many questions as I get, but keep in mind that I might not be able to answer them all for a couple of reasons. First, I could get a lot of questions and would simply have to pick and choose. Second, there are just some subjects that I don't have much to say on (or in other words, I have a one word answer and that's it :-P).
2. If I feel uncomfortable answering a question or if I feel like a question will make my readers uncomfortable, then I will not answer it. This mostly applies to topics of a mature nature (so those questions better be G or PG rated).
3. If you have a question that might not be an analysis question but simply want my opinion on a period drama or what not, feel free to ask it. Just keep rules 1 and 2 in mind and keep it respectful and clean.
Can't wait to see what you all ask!
Can't wait to see what you all ask!
God Bless,
Okay, here's one that comes to mind, and I may be back--why exactly do you think Jane Austen didn't write proposal scenes in Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, and Sense and Sensibility? You could answer those as a block or each book separately (because there may indeed be separate reasons).
ReplyDeleteI would really like to know what you think-why have all the Mansfield Park adaptions failed to capture the novel? (The 1980's one did get close, though.) Is it simply a hard novel to adapt, or did the script-writters, castors, and and production team just not have the right idea?
ReplyDeleteSarah,
DeleteI can't fully answer that question in a post because I haven't seen any version of Mansfield Park nor finished reading it. I've seen some small clips of MP 1983 and 2007, so I'll try to answer your question as best as I can in this comment. The 1983 version seemed to be close to the book (or what I've read of it), but since it was made in the 80s, the quality wasn't all that great (it came off as more of a play, the costumes weren't anything special, the lighting was dark, etc.). I think the recent versions failed because they, from what I hear, can't get Fanny right: she comes off as too modern. The 2007 clips I've seen of Fanny doesn't convince me very much because: a. I can't see Fanny wearing the low cut dresses that she wears, and b. She isn't the quiet, timid Fanny that I know. So while the modern adaptations looked prettier than the 1983 version, if they can't get the heroine right, then the story is lost.
This question is a very good question. I'm sorry I can't go into more detail in a post, but maybe one day I'll revisit this question in a post. Thanks for asking your question! :-)
Mantlepieces must be very comforting for ambitious suitors..... because it seems that in most period dramas I watch, many, many times the man will go to the mantlepiece (at least at some point) and rest his hand there, fiddle with the clock, tinker with a piece of porcelain. Have you noticed this? I can think of three instances off the top of my head: North and South, Sense and Sensibility 1995, Pride and Prejudice 1995... and I know there are others I just can't pinpoint them right now. It would be very interesting to see a post on this with pictures from different period dramas of the man and the mantlepiece. :) I know this isn't actually a question, but more of an observation. If this doesn't really fit into a "question" format, don't feel obligated to post about it. Just thought it was sort of uncanny. :)
ReplyDelete~ Miss Elizabeth
Hmmm, this is a very interesting point. I'll try to put this into a post (maybe not a reader question post, but a separate post). Thanks for the idea! I'll definitely be giving you credit on this one!
Deletewoops! I forgot to say that in most period dramas many times the man will go to the mantlepiece during PROPOSALS specifically. Sorry for the confusion! :)
ReplyDeleteOoh! I have a question- I'm not sure if you've addressed this in a post before, but I was wondering what your thoughts are on sequels/adaptations of Jane Austen's work. Do you like/dislike them? Are there any particularly good ones?
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
Thanks for your question! By adaptations, do you mean adaptations of the sequels?
DeleteI mean anything that's a spinoff of Jane Austen's work. Adaptations of the sequels would come under that category, I think, but movie versions of her books (like P&P95, for example) wouldn't.
DeleteHope that helped! :)
Hello, I've just stumble across your blog through a Pinterest link, and I wanted to recommend a couple of movies you might with to review. If you have already reviewed these, then could you direct me to the pages?
ReplyDeleteThe first is "The Secret Garden" from 1993. I found it to be a visually rich and wonderful movie with quite lovely costumes, though most of the story focuses on children and servants. The only parts I didn't like were when the children tried to use "Magic" and when Mary took a bath.
The second Movie is "The Prisoner of Zenda" from 1937. The book was published in 1894, and to the best of my memory, the movie is set around that time. It's been some time since I saw it, but I think the only suggestive parts were whenever Rupert talked to Antoinette de Mauban.
One last thing, I keep seeing references to sleeveless regency dresses. Can you direct me to the original article about that?
Hi Anfinwen,
DeleteI did a post about sleveless Regency dresses awhile ago. Is it this post you're looking for? http://elegance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/2012/08/reader-question-9-pride-and-prejudice.html
Yes! Thanks so much.
DeleteAfter looking at your reviews of Jane Eyre I realized you had not reviewed the only one I've seen, the 1970 version. I don't know if you have watched it or not, but I found it decent. You might consider reviewing it.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog recently, and I must say I've gotten much enjoyment out of it, especially out of the reviews! From what I've read, you have much the same tastes and morals as I do, so your reviews are very helpful. Lately I've been reading your reviews of movies I've already seen, just to see what you think. However, there's one missing that I wish you would review: Belle (2013). I own this movie and have watched it several times, and every time I love it more! It's a period drama from the very interesting perspective of a young black woman of fortune. It's also a good prequel to Amazing Grace, though that is not it's intended use. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it, and I would be extremely curious to hear your thoughts on it!
ReplyDeleteSo I don't like posting my full name on public forums, and I don't have a blog name to pose under, but after reading your little paragraph at the bottom, I thought I could at least put down my first name: it's Hannah. :)
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