My introduction to Les Miserables

Or: Why you should read the book (or watch the musical) before seeing the movie.

I gotta admit, in the past I always kept my distance when I heard of Les Miserables - I mean the title sort of indicated it would be a depressing tale.

But when I saw a trailer for the movie, I decided I simply had to see it. And that is how I came to see the movie with no prior knowledge of the story, except for the trailer and a brief teaser summary.

Anyways...here are some scenes that confused me/got quite a reaction out of me:

When 1815 appears written on the screen: "Wait a minute, I thought this movie would be about the French Revolution." Yeah..misunderstanding no 1.

The bishops entrance:."Why is he singing half the lines?"

During Valjean's Soliloquy: "He is talking... no wait he is singing again, why does he keep singing?
Obviously, I had no idea of the entire concept of Les Miserables. (I think I accepted it halfway through "At the End of the Day")

When Javert appears again: "Oh no, he has found you, run Valjean run!! Or not.....he isn't very good at recognising faces."

When Fantine dies: "What? she DIES??? How can she die? She is on the poster...and we are only 20 minutes into the film."

During Stars: "He is very close to that edge...he is not gonna jump is he?"

At the reprise of Look Down: "This. Is. So. Epic... Best movie ever."  

When Eponine dies: "What? She dies too?? What happened (in the commotion I hadn't noticed she was shot until she started singing) This was not neccesary (Urge to rewrite her story with a happy ending rises)

At the end of the last battle: "Now would be a good time to surrender...War is terrible. So many deaths. This movie is depressing."

During Javert's suicide: (Flashback to "Stars") He is very close to that edge...is he gonna jump? He is gonna jump...why do every single person in this movie have to die?

During the Epilogue: Off course..he is gonna die as well. This is so sad. Ok... he's dead, now fade to black......wait, what is happening...wow this depressing ending suddenly turned into an inspirational feel-good ending.

While leaving the cinema: Now I have seen it. I am depressed, I don't think I'll ever watch it again. Can't wait to read the book though, and learn more about the characters.

Obviously that last decision didn't last. After reading the book (and watching the 25th anniversary concert uncountable times) I had an overwhelming urge to watch the movie again because I had a feeling I had missed a lot of what was going on.

So I counted down to the DVD release, bought it on the day it came out and it is now the movie I have seen the most times in the shortest interval (except maybe for Frozen).

And that my friends, was my introduction to Les Mis.
  

Emma (2009) - A Review

How does one even begin such a monumental task as listing all the things I love about this adaption?
Well...better start at one end.

A thing I always feel is very important when a book is adapted is that the film remain faithful to the content and tone of the book. This is definitely a thing this adaption does. It manages to show all the plot points and most of the conversation from the book (and the dialogue is very true to the one in the book). There is time to show it all without rushing it at all, but at the same time without the viewers getting bored.

Another very important thing is the characters. The casting and the portrayal is essential, and I think they have done a marvelous job at that.
Firstly, the casting is brilliant.
Secondly, the actors are brilliant in their portrayals.

I admit the first time I watched it I had to get used to Romola Garai's portrayal of Emma, but now I simply love it. At first she acts very energetic and at times seems immature, but I think it greatly underlines how much she matures during the film. She also brings a playfulness to the part that is very enjoyable.

                              

I think Johnny Lee Millers portrayal of Mr Knightley is just perfection. He is my favourite Knightley ever and really brings all the characters lovely sides forward. I especially love his dynamic with Emma and their little banters. Let's just say this film brought my love for this character to a new level.

 

As for all the supporting characters I generally enjoy watching them. I love the sweetness of Jane Fairfax and how she is just the sort of person everybody would love.

I really enjoy the role of Mr Woodhouse - especially when they add all the motivation he could have to act the way he does - it makes him a more real character. Where in the book he is more shown as an old man focused on his health and trying to make others follow his advice, here he is shown as a man who knows the pain of loss and therefore tries to protect himself and his loved ones from anything causing illness and death.

Harriet, I think, is made very true to the book. How she at first blindly follow Emma's every opinion but is humble about he own status until she grows to being quite conceited and shocking Emma with her behaviour. Still, she remains a sweet girl and I just think the actress really brings forward everything that Harriet is.

Did I mention I also love the portrayal of Frank Churchill? The way he is shown as a cheerful young man, with quite some mood swings, who everybody loves and nobody really counts as a villain (which he is not at all compared to some of Austen's other villains).

 

                                

One character I immensely enjoy in this particular film is Miss Bates. While she is still shown as cheerful and a little ridiculous, in this version we get to see behind her facade and realise she is quite aware of her sad situation, but still tryes to keep her spirits up both for herself and her mother. I think that was a very touching moment and it made me understand and like her much better.

Then, of course, there is The Eltons. I love them (and by that I mean I hate them. But that is what I was supposed to, so the actors have greatly fulfilled their job).

Now, that was the acting.

Another thing I that truly sets this version apart from everything else is the storytelling. The little prologue where all the treads is collected and shown, regarding Emma, Jane and Frank is simply brilliant. It quickly shows a connection only hinted at in the book and which I had never thought about before watching this. 

In general the screenwriters have been marvellous at seeing little hints and connections in the book and bringing them forward and making them an important part of the story (for instance how Emma has never left Highbury).

  

Now, on to another important subject.

What is the most important thing in a period drama except for the story and the acting?

You guessed correct...the costumes.

The costumes are so gorgeous! Emma Woodhouse's wardrobe in this film is one of my favourite in all period dramas. Every time I re-watch it I am reminded of even more dresses to add to my list of favourites. 

                            

There's just one more thing I need to gush over and that is the music. The music is so lovely and brilliantly underlines the moods and emotions in the different scenes. And the dance music at the ball is just such catchy tunes. My all over favourite must be The Last Dance. 

But I like to just listen to a playlist with all the music on repeat. It is very soothing.  

                                      

Now I think, there should be no one out there doubting why this is my favourite version of Emma.
It is just brilliant all over, and is one of the few period dramas I can just watch over and over again.

Discovering Emma Week - Tag

Heidi at Along the Brandywine is having an Emma themed blog party this week, and who am I to resist anything Austen related. 

                                       

She has already published a lot of exciting posts about the book and different adaptions, so if you like Emma be sure to check it out.

Here are my answers to the tag:

1. Have you ever read Emma?

Yes I have, 5 or 6 years ago. The book didn't really catch me back then but I still loved the story.

2. If so, is that how you first made her acquaintance? (If not, feel free to elaborate!) 

My first encounter with Emma was the 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow film, which I dearly loved. The story and the time period was fascinating and it was so funny. (I think that's part of the reason I didn't like the book as much when I read it - it wasn't nearly as funny as I expected)

3. Do you have a favorite film adaptation? 

The 2009 version is the best one ever!!! I could go on for hours about the perfections of this film - but I won't do it now for I am doing a review post on it later this week. 

4. Favorite dress(es) from that film?

 

These are some of my favourites, though when I looked for for the pictures I found at least 5 new favourites, but for the sake of keeping this post short(ish) I'll keep at at these two.

5. Share a line you love from either the book or movie/s—several if you like!

"There is but one married woman in the world whom I can ever allow to invite what guests she pleases to Donvell, and that one is...Mrs. Knightley, and till she is in being, I will manage such matters myself."

"I examined my own heart and there you were never, I fear, to be removed"

6. Is Emma one of your favorite heroines? Why or why not?

 I think I have a rather neutral relationship to her. I do not dislike her for it is obvious she has a good heart and the best intentions, but neither is she one of my favourite heroines.

7. What is one of Emma’s strengths (good qualities)?

I like the fact that she is really concerned for the well being of others. She does a lot for the poor in the parish and truly wants her friends to be happy. Though her approach to securing their happiness can be discussed it is obvious that she means well.

  

8. Describe in one (or two…or three) sentences, why Mr. Knightley is so wonderful.

He is all that is gentlemanly and good.
There...managed it in only one sentence.

9. Why do you think Mr. Knightley and Emma are so well suited to each other?

 First of all they know each other through and through - the good sides and the bad sides - and love each other anyway. Also they have a good and honest communication, which is quite essential in a relationship. 

10. Would you rather spend a week in Highbury with the Westons—on Abbey-Mill Farm with the Martins—or in London with the John Knightleys?

Well, that needed a little thought....
I choose Highbury with the Westons. I would get to see Highbury, live in a country mansion and they seem like very nice people (that they have a baby girl I would get to meet is just a bonus).

The Joy of Classical Music

The autumn season has come... which for me means that my piano lessons are starting again.
That in turn means, my yearly ritual of browsing through every piece of classical music I have ever known in the search of something new to play, is starting all over again.

It may not sound as something very difficult, but finding a piece of music is the least of the work. When that is done I have to search everywhere for the sheet music, and then also finding sheet music that is neither way too easy or so hard that I give up in advance just by looking at it.

So yes, it is anticipated and feared every time.
But as it happens every year I finally succeeded in finding something.
This season I will be playing the piece "Anitra's Dance" from the famous Peer Gynt suite by Edvard Grieg.   

It is not the most well known music from that composer - I think the piece "Morning Mood" is the one most people know. But I am rather fond of this one, it is so happy and lively, and it just makes you wanna start dancing (it is a dance after all).

So that will probably be the extent of my musical progression the next couple of months. (besides the occasional musical numbers I always manage to sneak in, before and after practice)

Jane Austen Week: Wrap Up and Link Up

To think this week has already come to an end!

After all the planning and writing, I gotta say it has passed pretty fast.

When I first got the idea I was a little daunted by it all - but this will definitely not be the last blog party I make. It was way too much fun!

I hope you have enjoyed this week as much as I have, and thank you to all who has commented. It was lovely hearing your thoughts and meeting fellow Austen fans. 

And a special thanks to the ones who took the time to answer the tag. I really loved reading your answers.

Below is a list of the answer posts:

Heidi at Along the Brandywine

Joanna at The Squirrel's Diary

Jessie at So Much More Than They've Got Planned


Apart from that Heidi has also posted reviews of Persuasion - one for the book and one for the 2007 adaption.


I think that got it all covered.

But it's been great to share my love of Austen with all of you, and as I have barely scratched the surface this week you can be sure to find many more posts on Austen on this blog in the future.

Answers to the Games

The answers for the "Who said it?"-game

1. “A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”

Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice

2. “The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!”

 Marianne Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility

3. “It is always incomprehensible to a man, that a woman should ever refuse an offer of  marriage!”

Emma Woodhouse in Emma

4. “If this man had not twelve thousand a year, he would be a very stupid fellow.”

Edmund Bertram in Mansfield Park

5. “Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of and gives her a sort of distinction among her companions.”

Mr. Bennet in Pride & Prejudice

 

6. “Now I must give one smirk, and then we may be rational again.”

Mr. Tilney in Northanger Abbey

7. “You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.”

Captain Wenthworth in Persuasion

8. “What are men to rocks and mountains?”

Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice

9. “I do not think I ever opened a book in my life which had not something to say upon woman's inconstancy. Songs and proverbs, all talk of woman's fickleness. But perhaps you will say, these were all written by men.”

Captain Harville in Persuasion

10. “Oh! Do not attack me with your watch. A watch is always too fast or too slow. I cannot be dictated to by a watch.”

Mary Crawford in Mansfield Park

11. “Men of sense, whatever you may choose to say, do not want silly wives.”

Mr. Knightley in Emma

12. “The person, be it gentlemen or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”

Mr. Tilney in Northanger Abbey

13. “It is not everyone, who has your passion for dead leaves.”

Ellinor Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility

That's the answers... the scores are:

Heidi........250 points

Naomi......120 points

And here are the answers to the "Guess the supporting character"-game:

1.

Jane Fairfax from Emma (2009)

2.

Mrs. Allen from Northanger Abbey (2007)

 3.

Georgiana Darcy from Pride & Prejudice (1995)

 4.

Mary Crawford from Mansfield Park (2007)

5.

Isabella Thorpe from Northanger Abbey (2007)

6.

Maria Lucas from Pride & Prejudice (1995)

7.

Lucy Steele from Sense & Sensibility (1995)

8.

Harriet Smith from Emma (2009)

9.

Elizabeth Elliot from Persuasion (2007)

10.

Mrs. Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility (1995)

And the scores are:

Naomi....160 points

Heidi......140 points

Thanks for playing Naomi and Heidi. I hope you had fun.

My answers to the Tag

As the title so fittingly says, this is my answers to the tag I posted earlier this week.


When and how did you first get acquainted with Jane Austen?

Well, I recall hearing Pride & Prejudice mentioned as some big classic, but the story didn't interest me until the 2005 movie was released and I heard a bit about the plot and suddenly wanted to see it.

Around the same time my mother bought the book, but as I wasn't that good at English back then I only managed to read the first few chapters before I gave in.
Luckily a good friend of mine had the book in translation and offered to lend me it - and, as you say, the rest is history.

I was drawn in by the story at once, and I clearly remember reading Darcy's letter for the first time and how everything I thought I knew about the book was turned upside down.

Favourite Jane Austen book?

Pride & Prejudice will always have a special place in my heart, it being my first Austen book and all, and it is my general favourite.

But...as a work of litterature I think Mansfield Park is the best.

And Northanger Abbey is no doubt the funniest one.

Favourite heroine?

Ellinor Dashwood  is a heroine I could really identify with when I was younger, and there are many similarities between her and my disposition.

But I have also always admired Fanny Price for her quiet strength and wished to be like her.

Favourite hero?

I find it hard to single one hero out for I love them all in different ways.

However, I really love Henry Tilney with his easy going and humorous manners.
He is so funny and sweet, and really loyal towards Catherine - that is not something to be taken lightly.

What makes Jane Austen special to you?

There is not one single thing I could point out and say: that is it!
I think it is a combination of so many things.
Firstly her stories are sweet, thought through and gives a good and humorous look at society back then - I really love her subtle way of making jokes.

But what I love most about her, is the great characters she creates and how they really come to life on the pages and act like real human beings with all their flaws and virtues.

What is your favourite adaption of a Jane Austen work?

I think the P&P 1995 is true perfection and the most faithful adaption of the book ever!

I also love the 2009 version of Emma. I am still amazed by how they managed to turn a book I had no special feeling for, into this great and beautiful adaption that I could watch on repeat.