Ribbons of Light

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T17:57:00.000+11:00

Adoration of the Shepherds by Gerard van Honthorst

May God bless you and be with you this Christmas.

Elise

Hello again and goodbye again

2011-10-30T15:34:00.000+11:00

Yikes! Another two weeks have slipped by and I haven't posted anything. Well, I'm afraid you'll probably have to wait another month before I publish any new material, because I'm doing Nanowrimo again! That's right! Yes, I'm crazy. Yes, I am extremely excited about it. Yes, I am writing another Regency romance (of sorts). No, I am most likely not going to let you read it. Ever.

I'm going to be writing Pride and Prejudice. From Jane Bennet's perspective. :-) I CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED!! Every literary bone in my body has been tingling with anticipation for days. That sounded weird. . . but that's how I feel!

Fellow Nano-ers, please do add me as a writing buddy.

What else is there to add. . . hmm. . . I'll put a widget on my sidebar so you can keep track of my progress (if you're interested. . .). I still miss all of you. If only I had an extra couple of hours in every day in which to blog and do internet stuff. It's not that I'm super busy, but I can't read books and blog and watch movies all at once during my spare time. . . unfortunately.

Oh, one more thing. If you'd like to do a little something to help me through Nanowrimo. . . I'm looking for some good music to listen to while I write my novel. Have any suggestions? I like classical music, classical crossover (e.g. Hayley Westenra, Katherine Jenkins), Celtic music, instrumental music, world music, film scores. I think a lot of my readers have similar tastes to my own, so shoot me some of your favourites!

Christy (1994)

2011-10-06T09:35:00.000+11:00

~Christy (1994)~

Family-oriented drama that ran on CBS for two seasons, from 1994-1995. Inspired by the classic biographical novel by Catherine Marshall, which was in turn based on the life of Marshall's mother - the real-life "Christy", Leonora.

19-year-old Christy Huddleston feels God is calling her to the mission field. She leaves her comfortable home in Asheville, North Carolina, to work at a mission school deep in the Appalachian mountains. She dreams of doing great things for God, but soon struggles to cope as her sheltered upbringing leaves her utterly unprepared for the poverty and squalor with which she is quickly confronted.

Both the book and the series meant a great deal to me as a younger teen, and I am deeply attached to Cutter Gap and its residents. I sometimes found Kellie Martin slightly irritating as Christy - I liked Christy's character much better in the book. But whilst the book is far better, I can't deny that the series was also something special. There was wonderful chemistry between all the cast, and the show had a great vibe to it. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good family drama in the mould of Little House on the Prairie or Lark Rise to Candleford, but especially for teenage girls! Fellow Christy fans, FYI, I ship Christy/Neil.

Parents, there are some mature issues dealt with in a few episodes - i.e. the PG rating is warranted. I should also warn potential viewers that the show was canceled after its second series, and so ends on a cliffhanger. If you want to find out what happens afterwards (sort of. . . ), read the book. Stars Kellie Martin, Tyne Daly, Randall Batinkoff, Tess Harper, and Stewart Finlay-McLennan. ****

Princess Caraboo: pictures and overview

2011-10-04T17:00:00.000+11:00

Watched this one the other day. Here's its entry in my labour-of-love period drama database, which I have finally started working on again, so check back every so often to see new links/pictures/reviews.

~Princess Caraboo (1994)~

A sweet, somewhat overlooked film; loosely based on a true story. In Regency England, a small vagrant is found in a country field. She speaks no English and is dressed in strange, Oriental clothes. The girl calls herself "Caraboo", and claims to be the daughter of a king. For Princess Caraboo (Phoebe Cates), it is the beginning of an incredible adventure, in which she charms a journalist, a professor, the aristocracy, and even the Prince Regent himself. Phoebe Cates is wonderful as the plucky, almost Heyer-esque heroine, while Jim Broadbent and (Cates' real life husband) Kevin Kline are hilarious. Also keep an eye out for cameos from Stephen Mackintosh and Anna Chancellor. The stereotyped, bigoted depiction of the English aristocracy marred the film slightly for me. Princess Caraboo is marketed as a family film, but it does contain a couple of slightly "icky" moments, so be warned. Directed by Michael Austin. Stars Phoebe Cates, Wendy Hughes, Stephen Rea, John Lithgow, Jim Broadbent, and Kevin Kline. *** 12+

Anna Karenina 2012 cast

2011-09-30T15:49:00.001+10:00

I am way behind the times. . . I've just had a glance at the Anna Karenina 2012 IMDb page (filming started this month, apparently). This movie has everyone in it! Seriously!

Keira Knightley as Anna Karenina. Not convinced about Keira as Anna at all. Anna is supposed to be beautiful, warm, maternal, very curvaceous, and quintessentially feminine. Keira. . . isn't. Well, she's beautiful, but as for the rest. . . I'm sorry, but this is a crucial part of who Anna is and what attracts Vronsky to her: her warmth, and motherliness, as well as her beauty and sophistication. Vronsky had a cold, unfeeling mother. To him, Anna represents the comfort, the security, and the kindness of the mother and family life that he was deprived of as a child. If Keira were to go up four dress sizes, then we'd be talking, but as it is, I just can't visualise Keira - who still looks like a skinny little slip of a girl - in this part!!

Jude Law as Karenin. Is it just me, or have all three of the most recent Karenins (James Fox, Stephen Dillane, and now Jude Law) been far more attractive than the role calls for? I can understand the reasoning behind this from a director's point of view: that is, not wanting to perpetuate the stereotype of Karenin as Anna's old, ugly, unsympathetic husband. But still - Jude Law? Still, at least he's not playing Vronsky (which I had assumed to be the case when I first heard that he was attached to this film). Jude Law as Karenin, on the hand, is an interesting and unprecedented casting decision, that's for sure!

Aaron Johnson as Vronsky. Yessss! *Fist pumps*. Tall, dark, handsome (probably a bit too pretty, to be honest) and confident, yet young and vulnerable.

Kelly MacDonald as Dolly - perfect.

Matthew MacFadyen as Oblonsky - awesome!!!! I can't wait to see Matthew playing another Felix Carbury-esque character. As you can see, he has already started growing a beard for the part. ~~He looks scary, to be honest~~.

Olivia Williams as Vronsky's mum - W00t!! Sorry, I've just been typing my honest response to each casting decision. No false dignity here.

Ruth Wilson as Princess Betsy - perfect.

Domhnall Gleeson as Levin. Initial response - wh-wh-wh-WHAT? A ginger Levin?! Interesing. On second thoughts - this could be an inspired casting decision. Levin's character is partly based on Tolstoy himself, and Domhnall actually looks remarkably like a young Tolstoy (red hair notwithstanding). Also, if this lures in the Harry Potter fans, I'm all for it.

Alicia Vikander as Kitty. Hmmm. . .

And Michelle Dockery and Emily Watson are in the cast list too, though their roles have not yet been confirmed.

All in all, my excitement about this film has multiplied approximately 4 x. I remain unsure about Keira as Anna, but the rest of the cast appears to be more or less perfect, featuring a dynamic mix of established and up-and-coming actors. I'm looking forward to seeing what Joe Wright does with this adaptation. Fingers crossed the screenplay manages to do a tolerable job of cramming Tolstoy's tome into two hours or so of screen time. (!)

Your thoughts?

Post No. 500

2011-09-15T17:39:00.001+10:00

I miss blogging.

I miss bloggers!!!

The new-look blogger is fabulous.

I need a bit of mental stimulation. I can feel my brains turning to muuuussssh inside of me. Well, not quite, but the discipline of forcing my randoms thoughts onto the page (err - post) is good for me.

I miss you all!!! Wait, I mentioned that already.

Apparently, I have written 499 posts on this blog. This post will bring that number up to a nice, even 500.
All excellent reasons why I should start blogging on here again!! You've all been very patient! Thank you to everyone who hasn't unfollowed me.

Now, where to start?? Maybe I could revive one of those series I started (you know, those series that I PROMISED I would complete and not let die). Maybe I could finish that review of Tangled. Maybe I could write a review of one of the many books I've read this year. (But not Anna Karenina. That would be beyond my powers of reviewing. I don't want to do another "Villette" review.)

What would you like my next post to be about?

And can I just give you all a big hug? *HUGS*.

Horrible Histories - Series 3!

2011-06-13T11:38:00.000+10:00

I am becoming dangerously obsessed with the incredibly addictive, Monty-Pythonesque Horrible Histories. Here are a ~~couple of~~ several songs from the third series, which is currently airing in the UK.

Onegin movie review

2011-06-06T20:13:00.007+10:00

A Japanese poster for the film. Isn't it gorgeous?!

Alexandre Puskin. Known to Russians as the father of Russian literature. His greatest masterpiece: Eugene Onegin. A novel in verse, it was first published in serial form from 1825-1832.

Fast-forward a century or two to 1992. Actor Ralph Fiennes happened to read Onegin, and it left a deep impression on him. He made a casual remark to his sister about the cinematic potential of the book. . .

And so began a family project that culminated in the release of Onegin seven years later, in 1999 - directed by Martha Fiennes, starring Ralph Fiennes, and scored by Magnus Fiennes (with solo piano pieces performed by Maya Fiennes). The film received a mixed critical reception, and is today one of those lesser-known period pieces that deserves wider appreciation among fans of the genre.

Evgeny Onegin (pronounced roughly Ev-GEN-yee An-YAY-gen) is a priviledged young man living a life of decadence and debauchery in 1820s St Petersburg society. Think of him as a cross between John Willoughby and Eugene Wrayburn, with a dash of Heathcliff thrown in. Or something like that. He is a rake, a dandy, and a cynic.

Ralph Fiennes as Onegin, Lena Headly as Olga, Liv Tyler as Tatyana

When the news reaches Onegin that his uncle is gravely ill, he sets out on the long journey to his uncle's provincial estate - not out of solicitude for his uncle, but because he hopes to inherit a considerable fortune from him. He arrives at his destination to find his uncle already dead. Onegin is now the owner of a vast Russian estate, with hundreds of serfs under his dominion. He has no intention of managing his estate personally - that would be too much like hard work - and so makes plans to return to his former life in Petersburg as soon as he can find a suitable steward to oversee the property.

During his temporary stay in the country, Evgeny has the opportunity to meet some of the neighbours - including a young poet called Lensky, and two young sisters: silly and flirtatious Olga Larina, with whom Lensky is in love; and quiet but passionate Tatyana Larina. Tatyana quickly falls desperately in love with Onegin, but her love is not requited.

I won't say any more, since as you know it is my policy to try not to reveal any spoilers in my reviews. . . Suffice to say, all does not end happily. (Well, duh! This is a Russian classic, after all!) However, poetic justice is done, and the ending is moving and satisfying, if not happy.

Onegin is the most Byronic of Byronic heroes. As is typical of this sort of "hero", he is really a rather selfish and despicable character; yet not entirely devoid of humanity, and the viewer is compelled to feel some measure of sympathy for him in the end.

Tatyana, on the other hand, is a wonderful heroine. Though she makes one or two fatal mistakes, she is a virtuous character and sticks to her moral convictions, even when to do so would mean great pain and unhappiness for herself. Her strength of character places her alongside the heroines of Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen.

Liv Tyler gives the strongest performance I have seen from her, and she is preternaturally beautiful as always - though the rather severe 1820s fashions are unflattering. The only outfit she wore that I genuinely liked was the angelic white dress in that unforgettable final scene. (Well, it's not quite the final scene, but if you've seen the movie, you'll know which one I mean.) Her hair was styled in a much softer and more feminine manner in that scene, too. (Not that any of this really matters, of course; but I can't help being female. My apologies to readers who have little or no interest in something so trivial as clothes.) Oh, and the ice-skating outfit was also rather nice.

Ralph Fiennes was also excellent, playing both the spoilt, apathetic socialite and the tortured, devoted lover to perfection. Ralph's hair and costumes were just as amazing as Liv's. He looked like Beau Brummell come to life. This is a side of Regency fashion that we don't see much of in Austen adaptations, because all of Jane Austen's heroes dress sensibly and impeccably. (Naturally!) But it is fun to see a genuinely foppish, extravagant character - like the young Onegin - all bedecked in late-Regency garb.

Toby Stephens was good, too, playing an earnest, idealistic young man, not dissimilar to his character in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Onegin is definitely a must-see for Toby Stephens fans. Needless to say, it's an absolute MUST-see for Ralph Fiennes fans.

Also in the cast were Harriet Walter, Jason Watkins, Alun Armstrong (he seems to pop up in everything), Lena Headly, and Martin Donovan.

Yes, there's a duel. . .

Now, the unpleasant part of any Christian movie review. Objectionable content. Isn't "objecionable" such an ugly, squirmy word? And "inappropriate" is nearly as bad. Anyway. Onegin is suitable for mature audiences due to mature themes. Onegin is a rather immoral character, after all. However, the R-rating in America is unmerited and inexplicable. A PG-13 would have been much closer to the mark. There was only one scene that I fast-forwarded - a somewhat intimate scene between husband and wife which wasn't graphic or inappropriate (ugh! That ugly word again!) but I FF'd it nonetheless. There was also one somewhat gory scene during which I blocked part of the screen. I just can't handly ANY blood or gore, LOL.

The production values for Onegin were universally excellent. The soundtrack is for the most part haunting and effective. The film was shot on location in England and St Peterburg, and the scenery is stunning. The cinematography is outstanding. The costumes and hair design were, as mentioned, impressive.

It isn't a perfect film. This is a dramatic story, but some of the scenes felt slightly overdone, to the point of being melodramatic. Also, the scenes I mentioned above could have been handled with a little more restraint. This didn't have to be an R- or even a PG-13-rated film - it could easily have been a PG.

However, it is a haunting, thought-provoking story, with memorable performances from the two leads. As Charity Bishop mentioned in her review, it's rare to come across a movie that actually upholds marriage and commitment, rather than excusing unfaithfulness and immorality in the name of some vague notion of "true love".

Onegin (the film, not the character) is: hypnotic, sad, beautiful, mesmerising, unforgettable. A work of art.

If you can't appreciate this kind of story (most of the critics didn't), you're a jaded old cynic with no soul, worse than Onegin himself. So there.

4 out of 5 stars. Recommended for mature teens and up.

Ralph Fiennes, Liv Tyler, and Martha Fiennes.

Links:

Interview with Martha and Ralph Fiennes
Interview with Ralph Fiennes
Photo Gallery 1
Photo Gallery 2
Charity's Place review
IMDb

Having loved the movie, I can't wait to read the book, and hope to do so very soon. Can anyone recommend a good translation? (Marian??)

Discovering Onegin and reading Anna Karenina at around the same time earlier this year has inspired in me in an interest in Russian culture and history. . . My mother says we have a Russian ancestor - I must remember to ask Grandma about it sometime. . . Meanwhile, I have yet another country to add to my list of places to visit when I go on my Grand Tour of Europe someday. ;-)

I couldn't resist including a bunch of photos. My apologies if you are on a slow internet connection. . .

Images 8, 12, 14 & 16: credit to LovelyLivTyler.com

A New Direction

2011-05-31T09:40:00.003+10:00

I have published only one or two blog posts in the last month or so. And in that time, I have enjoyed doing - other things!

I've been doing a lot of reading, for one thing. There have been times during my blogging journey over the last 3 years (has it really been that long??) when I have read very little. I spent much of my spare time in blogging or other online pursuits. Over the past 6 months or so, however, I have developed a more disciplined - no, disciplined isn't the right word - but certainly a more active reading habit.

Something else has happened, too. I've discovered the joy and satisfaction that is to be found in savouring the small things in life. In the garden, in the house, in watching my siblings grow. I wake up every morning excited by the possibilities the day might bring - doing this or that in the garden, trying a new recipe, reading a new book to my little sisters.

Blogging is often a very time-consuming activity for me. It usually takes me several hours to put together one of my longer posts. The fact that I can be easily distracted and diverted when I'm gathering material online for my posts doesn't help! (Perhaps I should try writing posts with notepad and pen, so that I am less likely to be distracted by all the distractions the internet offers. It could be a more time-efficient way for me to blog.)

All this to say: I enjoy blogging - ESPECIALLY having the opportunity to "meet" so many kindred spirits from all over the world - but at the same time. . . I've got books to read and life to live!

I am not giving up blogging altogether. Hopefully I will be able to find a balance, wherein I will have time for blogging AND reading and other things. (Mummy suggested that I might aim to publish one post per week, which could be a realistic goal.) In the meantime, I can't guarantee that there will be many new posts on here. Or if there are, they might be of a different nature to what you're used to. . .

In the early days of this blog, I shared more tidbits from real life - recipes, humorous or memorable incidents from my life. . . that sort of thing. I think there will be still be the occasional book or movie review in future, but there might be more pieces from everyday life as well. I hope this is okay. People change, and blogs change! As my interests change, it's reasonable to expect that my blog will evolve with them. I never set out with the intention that this blog should be a period drama blog, or a book blog, or any genre of blog. It's always been bit of a hodge-podge of different things.

I repeat, I definitely won't be giving up blogging altogether. My reason for starting this blog was to use it as a way to develop my English skills. I might have finished [home]school, but I haven't finished learning or developing. It's good for me to write. It challenges me, and it provides an outlet for thoughts and ideas that I may want to share.

Summing up:

-I apologise for the lack of recent posts.

-I apologise for the possible lack of posts in the present/future.

-I wanted to give you a word of warning in case my blog heads in a slightly different direction in the future.

Well. God bless you all!
~Elise

Beautiful costume drama stills

2011-05-28T18:59:00.001+10:00

Collecting period drama pictures from various corners of the web has become something of a hobby for me. The reason for this being that the pictures are just. So. Gorgeous! One could (in fact, one often does) spend hours drooling over the beautiful costumes, houses, landscapes, and people.

Many costume drama pictures are small works of art in themselves. As I am sure most of you are well aware, whenever I do a post on a period film, I use it as an excuse to share as many images as I can possibly cram into one post. This time I have no such excuse. This is simply a messy, mish-mash costume drama picspam, featuring a few of my favourites. The following are symphonies in light, colour, and texture! Elise, stop waxing poetical and get on with the pictures. . .

And just as a disclaimer, I do not whole-heartedly endorse every film in mentioned in this post. A couple of these films contain fast-forward-able scenes.

I love Drew Barrymore's red velvet dress. She really is a timeless beauty. Also, her character in this film is one of the few (that I know of) in period drama to have hair that is nearly as long as mine. :P Yay for lasses with long tresses! (Ever After 1998)

Bleakly beautiful. (Persuasion 2007)

Because it's so delightfully English! This could be a scene from any one of Georgette Heyer's novels. (Emma 1996)

Well, I had to include at least one pic of my favourite literary hero. ;-) Why does he does he have to be a fictional character? Why??! (Northanger Abbey 2007)

Very Monet-esque. By the way, if anyone could tell me where I can obtain high-res non-watermarked pics from this film I would be very grateful. (The Magic of Ordinary Days 2005)

An interior shot for a change. I love the warm, rich tones in this picture. (The Illusionist 2007)

Beautiful Liv Tyler. (Onegin 1999)

ANY still from this movie could easily have featured in this post. Italy. . . Helena Bonham Carter. . . Scumptious Edwardian costumes. I love how the personality of each character is conveyed in this picture. (A Room with a View 1985)

The dress and the field of wildflowers were made for each other (quite literally, no doubt). (Marie Antoinette 2006)

I loved Cecily's Pre-Raphaelite inspired daydream sequences. :-) (The Importance of Being Earnest 2002)

Once again, any picture from this movie could have been in this post. This one is very moody and gothic, and strongly remiscent of Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World. (Tess of the D'Urbervilles 2008)

One of my favourite movies. (Enchanted April 1992)

I suppose I'd better stop now. Part 2 will quite possibly be coming very soon. By the way, I hope you don't mind a post featuring mostly pictures, rather than writing. I've been suffering from a spot of writer's block lately.

It is finished.

2011-04-22T21:32:00.002+10:00

³⁷ And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

³⁸ Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

³⁹ So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

Mark 15, NKJV

The Hobbit production blog

2011-04-15T10:47:00.000+10:00

!!!!!!!

Richard!!!! PJ!! Middle-earth!!! Richard!!!

Must. Calm. Down.

I can't believe it's actually happening at last.

Movie review: South Solitary

2011-04-10T19:30:00.001+10:00

George Wadsworth (Barry Otto) is sent to work as head lighthouse keeper at South Solitary, a bleak island off the coast of Australia. He is accompanied by his spinster niece, Meredith (Miranda Otto), who keeps house and does some secretary work for him. The island is already inhabited by Harry Stanley, together with his rather inhospitable wife and children; and Jack Fleet, an ex-soldier left emotionally and psychologically scarred by WWI. Stanley and Fleet both work shifts at the lighthouse.

Meredith is sweet and friendly, but she has apparently been starved for affection throughout her life. Uncle Wadsworth, her only family is very crusty and undemonstrative at the best of times. Unsurprisingly, this leads to Meredith looking for love in all the wrong places, and making some major mistakes in her life.

Don't be put off by the first half of the film, which is very slow, and slightly depressing. The story doesn't begin to blossom until the last 40 minutes or so, but it's worth the wait.

South Solitary was filmed on location in Australia, at Cape Nelson and Cape Otway. I've been to the Cape Otway lighthouse, so I found it fascinating to see this beautiful place captured here on film.

There was some profanity in the dialogue, and one scene that I fast-forwarded through, as well as a couple of other scenes that were a bit uncomfortable to watch.

The verdict: a quietly beautiful film that will reward the patient viewer. South Solitary could have benefited from being half an hour shorter, but it is still more than worth sitting through. The film ends on a beautiful, uplifting note. Oh, and Tolkien fans will get a kick out of seeing Lord of the Rings alumni Miranda Otto (Eowyn) and Marton Csokas (Celeborn) reunited here.

I shouldn't close this review without mentioning the soundtrack, and of course the scenery, both of which are stunning. *** ff 12+ YT

Trailer | IMDb | RT

Crazy love

2011-03-24T15:56:00.001+11:00

Wanderer above the Sea of Fog - by Caspar David Friedrich

"Was it by reason that I attained to the knowledge that I must love my neighbour and not throttle him? They told me so when I was a child, and I gladly believed it, because they told me what was already in my soul. But who discovered it? Not reason! Reason has discovered the struggle for existence and the law that I must throttle all those who hinder the satisfaction of my desires. That is the deduction reason makes. But the law of loving could not be discovered by reason, because it is unreasonable."

***

The climax of Levin's search for meaning and purpose. Anna Karenina - Book 8, Chapter 12.

In defence of fiction

2011-03-23T10:34:00.000+11:00

A Good Book by Wybrand Hendriks

"It is untrue that fiction is nonutilitarian. The uses of fiction are synonymous with the uses of literature. They include refreshment, clarification of life, self-awareness, expansion of our range of experiences, and enlargement of our sense of understanding and discovery, perception, intensification, expression, beauty , and understanding. Like literature generally, fiction is a form of discovery, perception, intensification, expression, beauty, and understanding. If it is all these things, the question of whether it is a legitimate use of time should not even arise."

-Leland Ryken (Realms of Gold: The Classics in Christian Perspective)

***

What more is there to say, except "Amen to that!"

Top 10 Period Drama Villains: #3

2011-03-11T17:24:00.000+11:00

3. Henry Crawford (Alessandro Nivola) - Mansfield Park

Just to warn you in case you haven't read or watched Mansfield Park - there will probably be some spoilers in this post.

Jane Austen created some of the most truly good, honourable, gentlemanly heroes in literature, but she generally didn't write too many charming, conflicted villains - she was too sensible and too realistic for that. Her scoundrels are almost always - well, just plain scoundrels! No romantic illusions here! Mr. Elliot, Mr. Wickham, Frank Churchill, John Thorpe. . . There are two great exceptions, however - John Willoughby and Henry Crawford. Henry Crawford has always been my favourite Jane Austen villain/anti-hero.

But why? Probably because he seemed so close to truly reforming/repenting. Or maybe that was just my romantic fancy, as a 14-year-old girl reading the book for the first time. I loved Henry and Fanny as a couple. They make a much more intriguing combination than Edmund and Fanny, who are arguably the most boring couple in the Austen canon. I desperately wanted Henry to get his act together and mend his ways, so that he could be truly worthy of Fanny. Of course, in the end, he stumbles and throws away every chance of future happiness with Fanny. Stupid, stupid Henry.

Could he have been satisfied with the conquest of one amiable woman’s affections, could he have found sufficient exultation in overcoming the reluctance, in working himself into the esteem and tenderness of Fanny Price, there would have been every probability of success and felicity for him. His affection had already done something. Her influence over him had already given him some influence over her. Would he have deserved more, there can be no doubt that more would have been obtained. . . Would he have persevered, and uprightly, Fanny must have been his reward, and a reward very voluntarily bestowed. . .

-Mansfield Park, Chap. XXXXVIII

Joseph Beattie as Henry Crawford in Mansfield Park 2007

In terms of on-screen Henrys - I thought Alessandro Nivola's performance (MP 1999) was the most memorable. Joseph Beattie in the 2007 adaptation was also okay. The Henry in the 1983 adaptation, however, came across as a snivelling, rodent-like idiot, with the none of the necessary charm or charisma.

So:

Your thoughts on Henry Crawford, and Mansfield Park? Did you want Henry and Fanny to end up together, or were you on "Team Edmund"?

Which is your favourite screen adaptation of Mansfield Park? Your favourite Henry Crawford?

Do you have a favourite Austen villain?

Also, whilst preparing this post, I came across this comparison of Henry Crawford's and Fizwilliam Darcy's characters at Pemberley.com. Interesting. Darcy isn't perfect, either, but his strength of character shows up all the better when compared against Crawford's lack of resolve and self-control. Also, come to think of it, Mansfield Park could almost be seen as a subverted form of P&P. . . but that's a whole other post altogether.

Top 10 Period Drama Villains: #2

2011-03-10T14:59:00.006+11:00

2. Sir Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage) - Robin Hood

I'll be honest, Sir Guy/Richard Armitage was the only reason why I ever watched the BBC's Robin Hood. The show itself was quite silly, and I found emo-kid Robin a bit irritating. What made it worthwhile for me, however, was the Robin/Marian/Guy love triangle. Especially Guy. (Then the show's writers killed off you-know-who, and all of the romantic suspense was lost - plus they gave Richard that awful hair. I didn't even bother to watch the third series.) But the first two series were alright. Sir Guy was alright. :-)

Sir Guy of Gisborne (as portrayed in this series) is more or less the archetypal romantic/sympathetic baddie: lots of inner conflict, torn between good and evil, in love with the saintly heroine, hoping that she can somehow "redeem" him, etc. etc.

Which brings us to something interesting: girls apparently long to "save" the baddie and "transform" him. (Just look at Twilight. Just look at Erik, or almost any of the other villains who will eventually feature in this series.) In the real world, however, to attempt such a course of action would almost certainly be a recipe for disaster. As a Christian, I believe that only God can truly redeem us and transform us! And in the end, I think most of my favourite love stories are those in which the hero and heroine, both flawed and imperfect, do their best to help each other, and bring out the best in each other - Jane Austen's books are some of the best examples of this.

LOL! Love this picture. These two played off against each other so well. Keith Allen was hilarious as The Sherriff ("La-di-da-di-da!").

However, having said all of that. . . I think there is a reason why stories in which the heroine helps "rescue" the hero (or vice versa) resonate so deeply with us - they remind us of Christ's redemptive love for us.

I'm probably sounding a bit contradictory here. All I'm trying to say is that. . . I love a good story in which the hero saves the damsel in distress, or the heroine helps bring the hero to his redemption - I think most people do. However, girls, just bear in mind that it is ~~almost always~~ always a bad idea to marry or get involved with a murderer/vampire/tyrant/jerk; and try to keep a balanced perspective. ;-)

(Notice that I've packed as many pictures of Richard as possible into this post? :P)

So - have you seen the Robin Hood TV series? Did you enjoy it? Any thoughts on Sir Guy's character?

Top 10 Period Drama Villains: #1

2011-03-09T20:05:00.004+11:00

~A series of posts in celebration of those tortured anti-heroes and villainous. . . err, villains, whom we love in spite of ourselves!~

~~~~~

I had originally thought to publish this list as one big post, but then I realised that it would be far too long, and would take me days to complete, so I'm writing it as a series of shorter posts instead. I know I have a bad habit of starting series and not finishing them - I promise I'll finish this one! Also, I'm starting at the wrong end of the series - counting down, instead of up. Oh well - I hope you enjoy it anyway!

1. The Phantom/Erik (Gerard Butler) - The Phantom of the Opera.

Yes, I am going through a second wave of Phantom-obsession. Why do I like this story (and this movie) so much? It's completely overblown and over-the-top. . . and I love every glorious, melodramatic minute of it. It's pretty much the only tragic love story that I actually like.

But about Erik. What is it that makes him such a tragic, sympathetic figure?

*POTO is a "Beauty and the Beast" tale, but The Phantom's and The Beast's stories differ in some significant ways. For instance, the Beast took on his beastly form as a punishment for his selfishness and incapability to see inner beauty in others; whereas the Phantom is punished for the deformity that he was born with ("Why, you ask, was I bound and chained in this cold and dismal place? Not for any mortal sin but the wickedness of my abhorrent face!").

*His hopeless love for Christine.

*Erik's musical genius also makes him a more compelling character, adding a certain "tortured artist" appeal, I suppose.

A word about Gerard Butler as the Phantom - yes, I know he was too young and too good-looking to play Erik (Gerry, a "repulsive carcass"?!). The Phantom is supposed to be physically repulsive - that's kind of the whole point, after all. But other than that, I think Gerard was really very good as Erik, especially considering he only had a half a face to act with, and an awful lot of lip-syncing to do. He conveyed Erik's character in all of its complexities - his simple, almost child-like nature in some scenes, as well as his more violent side. (Lets be honest, who wouldn't totally marry the Phantom if it wasn't for his unfortunate homicidal tendencies! :P).

And this is a little off-topic, but I think I may have found the perfect Phantom - vocally, at least. I like Gerard Butler's voice, but he did struggle at times. As for Michael Crawford. . . I know some people *cough*Alexandra*cough* will kill me (or at least, un-follow me) for saying this, but I don't like his voice that much! Not as the Phantom, anyway! His tenor is too high and whiny - not dark or mysterious enough. Anyway, the perfect Phantom is, in my opinion, Mikael Samuelsson from the Swedish production of POTO. He's got the rough, masculine edge of Gerard's voice, but his voice is MUCH more. . . well, more! Have a listen below (you might want to pause my blog music), or just search for "Phantom of the Opera Swedish cast" on Youtube. I know he's singing in Swedish, but I'm sure all you Phans know the libretto so well that it won't bother you in the least.

Meanwhile, I want to know:

-Who is your favourite Phantom? (In any movie or musical adaptation)?

-Do you feel that Christine made the right choice in the end?

-Who are some of your favourite costume drama villains?

A Damsel's Daybook XIX

2011-02-28T16:56:00.000+11:00

~Hosted by Autumn @ Storygirl~

Outside my window....... The edge of a thunderstorm.

I am thinking about......... How I need to get back into blogging!

From the kitchen.......... Grace is starting to get dinner ready.

I am creating......... Err, a blog post!

I am reading......... Just finished "I Will Repay", the second in the Scarlet Pimpernel series. Read my review here.

I am hearing....... Siblings watching "Over the Hedge". Silly movie. :P

I am hoping......... That I would be able to grow a little and contribute a little over the coming week.

I am planning.......... To finish Anna Karenina. . . eventually. . .

I am wearing............ Denim skirt, black top.

Around the house.......... My brother's new laptop has just arrived! They're in the process of unpacking it as I type.

My wish of the week......... That Australia will win the World Cup (that's the CRICKET World Cup! :-)

Literary Heroine Blog Party

2011-02-24T07:50:00.000+11:00

Hmm, I've had this post all ready to publish for days. I've just been waiting to get the pictures organised - but I can't do that because my computer is out of order at the moment! So you can just have the post without the pictures, LOL.

How delightful - a Literary Heroine Blog Party! Please join in, if you feel so inclined.

~ The Questions ~

Compiled by Miss Kellie and Miss Natasha

What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? A true heroine should be someone who I can relate to and admire. A true heroine should be strong, yet feminine.

Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. Oops, I've just realised that I used those two words in my first answer, above! Oh well. . . Okay, four heroines who I admire and relate to:

~Fanny Price from Mansfield Park. I first read this when I was about 14 or 15. I think I was even more painfully shy then than I am now. I don't have Fanny's moral strength and steadfastness, but I sure could relate to her quiet nature and sometimes crippling shyness!

~Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey. Perhaps there isn't much to admire about Catherine, aside from the fact that she is a genuinely sweet, good-natured girl, but she's probably the Austen heroine to whom I can most relate, aside from Fanny. I found it so lovely and refreshing to read a Jane Austen novel with a heroine who was. . . well, just an ordinary teenage girl, who I could identify with! Young, a bit silly, very gullible and naive, a great bookworm, part of a big and happy family, totally in love with Mr. Tilney. . . Yep, Catherine and I have a lot in common!

~Emily Starr from the "Emily" books. Emily has always been the L.M. Montgomery heroine to whom I could most relate. More on this when I get to the letter "E" in my fave books series. Much as I adore Anne, we're almost complete opposites, in terms of temperament, LOL.

Oh, and I just remembered my "Top 15 Heroines" post that I did a while ago - I'll refer you to that post for more of my favourite heroines!

Five of your favorite historical novels? Historical as in historical fiction or historical as in books that were written a long time ago? Oh well, I'll assume it's the latter. I've picked these at random; these are five OF my favourites, not my five favourites.

Rose in Bloom - Louisa May Alcott
North and South - Elizabeth Gaskell
A Girl of the Limberlost - Gene Stratton-Porter
Our Mutual Friend - Charles Dickens
The Enchanted April - Elizabeth Von Arnim

Out of those five books who is your favorite character and why? Hmm, I'm going to say John Thornton from North and South. Because he's one of the sweetest, kindest, manliest heroes. . . ever! He's even nicer in the book than he is in the miniseries.

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? The British Isles. I'd visit as many castles, stately homes and historical sites as possible. :D

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? Ummm. . . I like reading about ALL different historical periods and cultures! Oh well, I'll say the Regency Era for now.

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? (!!!) Well, NOT singing. I couldn't do comedy. Maybe recitation. Or perhaps I'd play something on guitar.

If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? Lady Percy Blakeny!! LOL, that was just the first thing that popped into my head. I recently read The Scarlet Pimpernel for the first time, and am going through a second phase of SP fandom. . .

What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? I can live without it, but. . . I do like it. :-) Dark, but not too dark (i.e. not the 85% cocoa variety). I like most chocolate things too (cake, brownies, etc.), but generally not chocolate ice cream.

Favorite author(s)?
Jane Austen
Charles Dickens
Jane Austen
Charles Dickens
Jane Austen

Okay, okay, let's try that again. . .

Jane Austen | Charles Dickens | C.S. Lewis | J.R.R. Tolkien | L.M. Montgomery | Elizabeth Gaskell | Charlotte Bronte | And many more. . .

As a small, imaginative, red-haired damsel might query; would you rather be divinely beautiful, dazzlingly clever, or angelically good? Why? I'd say "angelically good", except that the phrase somehow smacks of hypocrisy and goody-two-shoes-ism. And I'd pick it for partly selfish reasons, I'm afraid. I think being truly "good" would be more likely to help me find happiness and contentment than being beautiful or clever.

In which century were most of the books you read written? 19th century. . .

In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… It's a toss-up between Henry Tilney and Sir Percy Blakeney.

Describe your ideal dwelling place. Hm, hard! Umm. . . wherever my family is!

Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? Yes, sometimes.

In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... Oooh, another hard one! I can't pick just one, but here are a few: Rigaud, Carver Doone, Chauvelin, Heathcliff. . .

Three favorite Non-fiction books? The BIBLE, So Much More, Castles of Friuli.

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? Reading, of course!

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. Oh, I don't know. . . something broad-brimmed and utterly romantic. :-)

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 1. Our big road trip last year. 2. My 18th birthday (not so much the day itself, just. . . getting older).

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently. God's and Moses' admonitions and encouraging words to Joshua in the book of Joshua, and towards the end of Deuteronomy.

And lastly, as I am a rather businesslike hostess, may I ask you your views regarding those adorable little items - namely pin back and mirror back buttons? 1). Where would you choose to display a button badge to best showcase your unique style? 2). What image and/or sentiment would most make you smile were it inscribed on your very own compact mirror? 1). I'd proudly wear it on my shirtfront, to declare to all the world my passionate love of books! LOL. . . Seriously, I don't really know. But I do think they're adorable. I especially like the "Bibliophile" badge. 2). I don't know! I do love the design on the compact mirror in the giveaway, though.

Becoming Jane: a review

2011-02-16T13:34:00.000+11:00

Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen

I have finally gotten round to watching Becoming Jane! (Thanks, Bec!) Surely I must be one of the last Janeites on earth to have seen this!

As I'm sure most of you will know, Becoming Jane is loosely (emphasis on the word loosely) based upon the life of Jane Austen, more particularly her supposed romance with Tom Lefroy. I had of course heard a lot about this movie, and how it had enraged so many Janeites. . . It was for this reason that I have been a little hesitant to watch it, afraid that I would dislike it, and its depiction of Jane. But, today, feeling in a relatively open-minded, non-judgmental mood (in fact, feeling just plain sick and miserable with a cold, and in want of some pleasant diversion), I finally got out my headphones and my sister's laptop and sat down to watch. [I wrote most of this review a couple of weeks ago, and am now quite recovered from my cold. :-) ~Elise]

I loved it! Well, I didn't love it, but I liked it very much indeed.

Julie Walters as Mrs. Austen

I know a bit about Jane Austen's life - I've seen a couple of documentaries, and read a little bit here and there - but I haven't read any full-length biographies or done any serious research (yet). I think this was probably a good thing in this instance - while I knew that this was not necessarily a very accurate depiction of Jane's early life, I was able to (mostly) just enjoy the movie for what it was, without nitpicking over inaccurate or unconfirmed details. I knew just enough, however, to relish seeing Jane and her family brought to life on the screen - particularly Jane's parents, her brother Henry, and sister Cassandra. . . Though they didn't show as much of Cassandra here as I thought they might - perhaps there'll be more emphasis put on Jane's and Cassandra's relationship in Miss Austen Regrets (next on my to-watch list). And last but not least, a brief cameo from Mrs. Radcliffe (Helen McCrory) herself!

James McAvoy as Tom Lefroy

Acting-wise, all the costume drama veterans present were excellent, as usual. Anne Hathaway was also surprisingly good. James McAvoy was VERY good, and there was great chemistry between him and Ms Hathaway.

The cinematography was gorgeous. . . I was pleasantly surprised, the film was much more artistically done (and less Hollywood-ised) than I had expected. I liked the costumes, too - more subdued than those in Pride & Prejudice 2005, and yet just original and unconventional enough to be interesting - besides being very pretty. (I daresay they aren't historically accurate or consistent, but I'm no historical clothing expert, so that didn't bother me too much!) Becoming Jane is now possibly in my top five Regency films for costumes - and that's saying a lot, considering how many I've seen!

The score - often a deal-breaker with me, I love a good movie soundtrack - was lovely. Not too flowery, just subtly complementing the film. Composer Adrian Johnston is also the man behind the deliciously dark score of my fave Dickens adaptation - Our Mutual Friend!

Cassandra Austen (left) - brilliantly played by Anna Maxwell Martin

Interestingly enough, Becoming Jane smacks more of Bronte-ism than Jane-ism. The script is not as witty as one might expect of a movie about that wittiest and most ironic of all authors, Jane Austen. Most of the wit here comes directly from Jane Austen's novels, with various familiar lines interspersed throughout the film - some feeling rather out place. In some respects, I think the semi-biographical Mansfield Park 1999 does a better job of capturing Jane and her sense of humour - though that film was certainly not without its flaws, either.

Becoming Jane is. . . imaginative, impressionistic, sad, poignant, beautiful. Recommended if you feel you can just enjoy it as a bittersweet period romance, rather than a Jane Austen biopic.

Recommended for mature teens and up. It only received a PG rating in Australia and America, but be warned that it is quite a "mature" PG! Christian movie reviews of Becoming Jane:

Charity's Place | Christianity Today | Plugged In

Now, to watch Miss Austen Regrets!

Just a couple of random thoughts to finish - do comment and let me know whether you agree with me or not!

Laurence Fox as Mr. Wisley

-Poor Mr. Wisley! Was he really all that bad? I thought he might have been alright beneath the cold, "boring" exterior.

-As I watched Becoming Jane, I thought there was something different in the atmosphere of the film - I mean different to the oodles of Austen adaptations shot in beautiful English pastoral settings - but I couldn't put my finger on what it was. After I finished, I found out that Becoming Jane was shot in Ireland! Maybe that's what it was! It's hard to explain, and it's possibly just my imagination, but there was just something subtly different about the countryside, that lent the film a more "fairytale-ish", less prosaic air. And yes, I know that much of Northanger Abbey 2007 was shot in Northern Ireland, but NA tended to have more of an "urban" setting, so the effect was less pronounced.

-"Old" Jane's hairstyle at the very end. . . (!!!) Seemed more 1930s than 1810s to me!

All pictures from SharonaLee.gallery.ru

My favourite books: B

2011-02-15T19:41:00.000+11:00

B. Quite an inelegant, ungainly letter, as opposed to the elegant "A".

I'd never had cause to notice this before, but not many books seem to begin with the letter "B".

***

B acon Sandwiches and Salvation: An A to Z of the Christian Life. Another classic from Adrian Plass. Gently pokes fun at the quirks and foibles of us "Crazy Christians", with our often unintelligible Christianese. Never distasteful or inappropriately irreverent, however - Adrian's books always have tremendous heart beneath the wry wit and wonderful British humour.

Black as Night. Second of Regina Doman's "Fairytales retold" series. Read my review on Goodreads.

The Blue Castle. One of my all-time favourites. Read my review here. Hate that awful cover!!

A Damsel's Daybook XVIII

2011-02-14T16:51:00.000+11:00

~Hosted by Autumn @ Storygirl~

Outside my window....... A cool (for summer, anyway), rainy day.

I am thinking about......... Lots of things. . .

From the kitchen.......... I'm going to make a cake for my sister. We had a rather discouraging clothes shopping outing this afternoon. It's so tough trying to find clothes when you're that age (11-14). . . I remember. :-(

I am creating......... Nothing at the moment, I'm afraid. I'd like to do some more crochet or knitting sometime. If only good quality yarn wasn't so darned expensive!

I am reading......... The Scarlet Pimpernel, Anna Karenina, The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass aged 37 3/4. Also started reading my first Father Brown mystery yesterday, but I'm trying to restrain myself, and wait until I've finished SP and AK.

I am hearing....... Siblings playing!

I am hoping......... That I can cheer my sister up!

I am planning.......... To buy a new guitar. . . soon. . .

I am wearing............ Denim skirt, black top.

Around the house.......... We're having our upstairs toilet replaced tomorrow. We won't be able to use it for 24 hours afterwards, to let the cement set. Thank goodness we have a toilet in the laundry downstairs!!

My wish of the week......... That the new Jane Eyre will be good. . . In case you're wondering why I haven't been posting any of the newly-released clips - I haven't watched any of them. I don't want to spoil anything, beyond watching the trailer! Only a couple of months left now. . .

My favourite books from A to Z

2011-02-12T12:45:00.005+11:00

I've borrowed this idea from Emily @ The Wanderings of a Dreamer. It just looked like too much fun. :-)
In true Sesame Street fashion - the letter of today of the day is. . .

A.

Such an elegant letter, I've always thought. Right. Just get started already, Elise. (Oh, and thank goodness for Goodreads! Otherwise I'd never be able to remember all the books I've read and enjoyed that begin with the letter "A".)

***

Agnes Grey. A lesser-known masterpiece from the "forgotten" Bronte sister, Anne. See my review here.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I didn't get round to reading the full, unabridged version of Lewis Carroll's classic until relatively recently - but when I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do love a bit of nonsense - Edward Lear, The Phantom Tollbooth. . . Alice. Though I actually prefer the sequel, Through the Looking Glass, the first Alice book is wonderful in its own way, too. I love every crazy character and situation. The dialogue is divine - witty, satirical, full of puns. And the illustrations by Tenniel are amazing - Alice in Wonderland wouldn't be what it is without them.

Anne of Green Gables.

Anne of Avonlea.

Anne of the Island.

Anne of Windy Willows/Poplars.

Anne's House of Dreams.

Anne of Ingleside. - I can think of few books that have meant as much to me as the Anne books during my growing-up years. They really have become a part of who I am, in a way! Anne, Diana, Priscilla, Phillipa, and so many others have been true "kindred spirits" to me! And Avonlea feels like home. And Gil is such a sweetheart. :-)

Around the World in Eighty Days. I read and re-read this when I was about 12 or so. I'm actually not sure why I liked it so much (and I've a feeling I wouldn't enjoy it quite so much if I were to read it again now) - but like it I did! I suppose I must have liked the characters - especially Phineas Fogg - and the sense of adventure, and the descriptions of various places across the earth.

Asterix book s. Many of our family members (myself included) like to take a book with us when we go to the loo. . . for this reason, our nickname for "toilet" is "the library". Ahem. Anyway, Asterix comics (along with old National Geographics!) are prime toilet-reading material in our house. I'm not a great comic-reader in general, but I LOVE Asterix comics. The stories by Rene Goscinny are always witty and well-constructed, chock-full of puns and classical references. And I love all the quirky and affectionate details in the illustrations by Albert Uderzo. Both author and artist were very fond of the characters in these books, and it shows. Oh, and for the record - my favourite Asterix title of them all is Asterix the Gladiator.

My Mummy has a blog!!!

2011-02-07T16:26:00.000+11:00

And what a beautiful blog it promises to be. Please check it out here:

~Pieces of Contentment~

Recently, Mum's been sharing some of our holiday photos from our big road trip last year (yep, those photos that I promised to share and never got round to posting. . . *blushes*).

Anway - I am so glad my mother has joined the blogosphere. :-)

A Damsel's Daybook XVII

2011-02-07T12:44:00.000+11:00

Time for a long overdue return to blogging! Sorry I've been away for so long.

~Hosted by Autumn @ Storygirl~

Outside my window....... A pleasant, if overcast day. Such a nice change from the 35C heat we've had for the past week.

I am thinking about......... Anna Karenina. I started it yesterday.

From the kitchen.......... I'm making chocolate slice and ginger crunch slice.

I am creating......... Not much right now. I need to get back into sewing.

I am reading......... Anna K., also re-reading P&P (yes, again!!).

I am hearing....... Relatively quiet right now!

I am hoping......... To have a quiet, productive week.

I am planning.......... To finish Anna Karenina within one month.

I am wearing............ Nothing interesting, LOL.

Around the house.......... General tidying up this morning. 1 neat and organised mother + 8 messy children = some interesting situations sometimes. :P But mum managed to get us (and the house) into quite a clean and organised state over the course of the morning. What an amazing, patient mother I have! :-)

My wish of the week......... That the crazy weather we've had across this country over the last few weeks would settle down, so that people can begin to rebuild their lives. No more flooding or bushfires or cyclones, please!! Having said that, I am very grateful to God for keeping the people of Queensland safe during Cyclone Yasi. Only one death reported - truly a miracle!!

A Pair of Blue Eyes review

2011-01-22T20:07:00.000+11:00

Here's my brief Goodreads review. Much as I enjoyed this (boy, it was good to read a classic again! I think I must have been beginning to suffer 19th-century-lit withdrawal symptoms, whatever those might be), I am now going to have to read some frothy, happy romance to counterbalance this anything-but frothy and happy romance.

*****

A Pair of Blue Eyes by Thomas Hardy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My first Hardy novel. . . my first venture into Wessex. I don't think it will be my last.

I've just this minute finished reading it, so excuse my rambling, fragmented "review".

-Beautifully written, and quite a fast, easy read for a 19th century novel, though there were a couple of slower points. However, in each instance the narrative quickly regained pace.

-Relatively brief yet very evocative descriptions of nature.

-VERY well-drawn characters, that truly come to life in the reader's imagination.

-Surely few authors can rival Hardy in instilling a sense of impending doom in the pages of their books!

I was torn as to whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. 4 stars for the writing and characters; 3 stars for the story. One aspect of the story in particular could hardly avoid being extremely frustrating for the modern reader, and everything inevitably ends in tragedy.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this. I second the petition for Andrew Davies and the BBC to make this into a TV miniseries!!

View all my reviews

On writing romances

2011-01-18T11:12:00.001+11:00

Woman Writing a Letter, by Gerard ter Borch

‘You should write a novel. The regular resource of people who don’t go enough into the world to live a novel is to write one.'

‘I have done it,' said Elfride, looking dubiously at Mrs. Swancourt, as if in doubt whether she would meet with ridicule there.

‘That’s right. Now, then, what is it about, dear?'

‘About—well, it is a romance of the Middle Ages.'

‘Knowing nothing of the present age, which everybody knows about, for safety you chose an age known neither to you nor other people. That’s it, eh? No, no; I don’t mean it, dear.'

~Thomas Hardy, A Pair of Blue Eyes

~~~~~

I laughed when I read that. It is a very accurate summary of my own novel-writing adventures, I am ashamed to say. And Mrs. Swancourt! Who would have thought to find such an Austenian/Heyer-esque character in a Thomas Hardy book! Then again, she might turn out to be a "baddie" - I've only just met her character.

A Pair of Blue Eyes is my first Hardy novel, and I'm quite enjoying it - so far. I might have to take back my words on Thomas Hardy.

New Year's resolutions. . .

2010-12-31T07:52:00.001+11:00

1. I WILL keep a journal. I WILL write in it every day.

2. I WILL be organised. I WILL keep a diary.

3. (Actually I should have put this at No.1) I WILL make time for Bible reading/prayer/quiet time everyday.

4. I WILL keep my bedroom tidy. I WILL be neat and organised.

5. I will not buy any more books until I have read all the books I've bought/mooched and not yet read.

6. I will post on my Gallery at least once every day. I will post on this blog at least twice a week.

7. I will practise my music for at least one hour every day.

I'm trying to think of another 3 to make it 10. Never mind - 7 resolutions are more than enough for me to try (and fail) to keep. . .

100,000 hits!!

2010-12-31T07:41:00.000+11:00

Wow. . . Thank you, everyone.

Hey, you! Yes, you!

2010-12-30T15:33:00.000+11:00

Feeling starved of beauty in an ugly, postmodernist world?

Sick of being force-fed images of stick-thin celebrities by the media?

Tired of a fashion industry that upholds hideous emaciation as something we women should aspire to? (Not to mention trying to pass off bizarre and repulsive creations as "clothes" and "art".)

Fed up with ugly, abstract, modernist art? Ever wondered if the emperor is indeed naked?

Introducing. . .

My Other Blog. For your daily dose of timeless beauty.

Nerissa, by JW Godward

~Elise's Gallery~

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T16:56:00.007+11:00

One of the more apocalyptic Nativities I've seen! But a very powerful one. Detail from Concert of Angels and Nativity by Grunewald.

It's just occurred to me that I'd better write my "Happy Christmas" post now! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve here, and we're going to be busy all day!

May every one of you have a HAPPY and BLESSED Christmas, surrounded by family.

And remember the reason why we celebrate this holiday.

This is probably goodbye until next year! Until then -

"God bless us, every one!"

~Elise

Quick update

2010-12-21T14:54:00.003+11:00

I was going to post this on the facebook fan page, but it was growing rather too long to post as a status update! I thought I might as well write a blog post instead.

I'm getting close to the end of Little Dorrit. It's *really* starting to get good. Of course, it's been good all the way through. Dickens novels always are. They're just so - long. Once I finish LD, I'm going to have a break from heavy, 1000 page tomes and gorge myself on light fluffy books until I can't stand any more silly (albeit sweet and innocent) Christian romance novels and have to reach for another classic.

And we've rented the new (well, relatively new) version of A Christmas Carol, so I'll finally get to see it tonight!! It's turning into quite a Dickens-filled day - no complaints from me on that score. ;-)

What else. . . hmm. . . After months of wet, warm, humid weather, the last couple of days have been un-humid. Erm, dry. It feels weird. I feel all dried out, and find myself missing the humidity, much as a normally complain about it.

Christmas is 4 days away. FOUR DAYS! And I haven't even added a Christmas-themed background or playlist to my blog.

I'd better stop rambling and get off because my 15-year-old brother is desperate for this computer.

Blessings,

Elise

Love Aussie Christmas. . .

A Damsel's Daybook XVI

2010-12-13T15:10:00.004+11:00

~Hosted by Autumn @ Storygirl~

Outside my window....... A hot, steamy summer day.

I am thinking about......... Miss Wade. :-/ Trying to dissect and understand her character. Also about a couple of movies I recently watched (thanks, Rebecca!).

From the kitchen.......... Nothing right now. . .

I am creating......... Again, nothing at the moment!

I am reading......... Little Dorrit.

I am hearing....... How to Train Your Dragon soundtrack. :-D As currently featured on my playlist.

I am hoping......... That Australia's cricket team can pull their act together for the third test. . .

I am planning.......... To read and read and read over the summer holidays!

I am wearing............ Denim skirt, blue t-shirt. . .

Around the house.......... We recently set up the Christmas tree. . . we also had new blinds put in our main living area.

My wish of the week......... That I could continue to build stronger friendships with all of my siblings.

Dawn Treader is out in America!

2010-12-11T08:11:00.003+11:00

Once you've seen it, please come here and discuss! Rant or rave, according to your inclination. Tell me what you thought about every little detail of the film!

I scored at the op-shop today!

2010-12-10T12:07:00.004+11:00

Or thrift store, or whatever you call them in America, LOL! An armful of classics for $3! Now, to show off the spoils:

From top to bottom: Gone With The Wind, What Katy Did at School, Far From the Madding Crowd, The Eustace Diamonds, and an almost-complete set of the Bronte sisters' novels - only Villette and Wuthering Heights are missing.

The Bronte set are published by the Folio Society. The FOLIO SOCIETY!! And featuring beautiful woodcut illustrations.

Bound in silk *contented bibliophile's sigh*. . .

I am a happy girl. :-D

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader review

2010-12-09T14:02:00.012+11:00

Oh boy. All those months and years of waiting over at last. I woke up yesterday morning. . . after a minute or two of semi-consciousness I suddenly remembered with a thrill - "We're going to see the Dawn Treader today!!!"

This was the first time I'd been to the movies in a couple of years - we haven't had a working cinema in town for a looong time - and it was also the first time I'd seen a movie in 3D, all of which added of course to my excitement.

I'm assuming 90% of my readers are familiar with the plot (and if you're not, go and read the book), so I won't bother with a synopsis.

I put on my 3D glasses (for the very first time). I found them very uncomfortable - they kept rubbing against one of my ears. I sat in between my 9-year-old sister (the youngest of my siblings to be allowed to come) and my dad. The lights went out. . . a trailer for Megamind. . . then the film BEGAN. The five-year wait was over at last! (VODT is one my favourite books in the Narnia Chronicles, so I'd been looking forward to this since LWW came out back in 2005.)

I so enjoyed the first few minutes. One thing that struck me right away was an undercurrent of poignancy and sadness that seemed to pervade the film. I suppose it was nostalgia, combined with the knowledge hovering in the back of my mind that this may well be the last Narnia film to make it to the screen. I've grown to know and love these characters through the earlier movies and the books, and if this is indeed to be the last film in the last film in the franchise, then this is farewell to all of these beloved characters and this magical world - on the big screen, at least. Hence the tinge of bittersweet-ness for me.

The second thing that struck me as I watched the first few minutes - Will Poulter as Eustace Clarence Scrubb = PERFECT. What a terrific little actor he is! Hm, I say "little"; in reality he is only about a year younger than me! Anyway, I knew he would be very very good. In all honesty, he outshone Georgie and Skandar in all his scenes with them. What more can I say - the role of Eustace is most certainly in safe hands if Fox does decide to go ahead and make The Silver Chair and The Last Battle.

Ben Barnes as Prince - I mean, King - Caspian! Wow! I was a bit disappointed with him, both in terms of acting ability and attractiveness in Prince Caspian. Dropping the fake tan, fake hair extensions and fake Spanish accent and growing some facial hair seems to to have done wonders - both in terms of acting ability and attractiveness. :P Ben wasn't given a whole lot to work with - I mean, the main focus of the film seemed to be on Eustace and perhaps Lucy, and only to a lesser extent on Caspian. But there were a couple of wonderful, really moving scenes involving Ben Barnes as Prince - I mean, King - Caspian. (Goodness, I'm beginning to sound like Flora Finching - "Dear Arthur - Doyce and Clennam much more proper".)

I think we were all wondering what impact the changing of the reins from Andrew Adamson to Michael Apted (and from Disney to Fox) would have. Well - VODT certainly has a very different feel to it than the other two movies. Much as I enjoyed them both, LWW and PC felt a little like Lord of the Rings-wannabes. They were big, showy, mega-budget fantasy films (PC was one of the most expensive movies ever made). They both - particularly PC, perhaps - seemed to scream "Look at me, I'm a Big-Budget Fantasy Epic!" VODT - with a much lower budget, and a new team behind it - is more modest in this regard. It's less concerned about being a Big Fantasy Film, and more concerned about just getting on with telling the story. It's definitely more character-driven.

Some of us were worried about whether the special effects in VODT would suffer from the drastically reduced budget. We shouldn't have worried. Yes, there's less of a show of effects than there was in PC, but there weren't any jarringly bad effects, either, and the sea serpent and the Dark Island were truly scary and impressive.

Then there was the big question hanging heavily on the minds of all Narnia fans - how faithful will it be to the book? I deliberately stayed away from many of the articles, interviews, and video clips (except the trailer) in the lead up to VODT. With the first two Narnia movies, I devoured every news snippet and juicy tidbit I could find related to each movie. . . but of course this partly spoiled the actual movie-going experience for me when it came time to actually see the film. So, this time I restrained myself, and as a result I was rather hazy on what changes or additions from the book had been made before I saw the movie. I knew there had been some changes made, and I'd read something about a "green mist" in a couple of the reviews I'd read, but other than that, I had no clear idea of what I headed for.

Well - I won't spoil things too much for anyone who hasn't seen the film - but there were some MAJOR CHANGES! I had thought all along that they would have to change and condense the plot a little, otherwise the movie would seem too episodic - they visit one island, do such and such, then it's off to another island, then another. . . but I wasn't prepared for the somewhat radical changes made here! Then again, perhaps they're no more drastic than the changes made for PC. I don't know. Maybe it's because I'm so strongly attached to the VODT book - more so than I am with either LWW or PC. It captured my imagination more than almost any other book in the series, and I've probably re-read more than any of the others.

More than the plot changes, I think what threw me off was the film's visualisation of the book. Like I said, I have read and re-read VODT more times than I can remember, and I had a very clear picture in my head of what each place, each island, each landscape - err, perhaps seascape would be a more apt term - would look like. Well, the way they've imagined each place for the film is, in most cases, completely different to how I had imagined it! Of course I realise that everyone is going to have their own vision of the book, but. . . in many cases they apparently didn't even take much inspiration from Pauline Baynes' beautiful illustrations for the books. Where are the masks in the hall of Coriakin's House? Ramandu's island looks reminiscent of how Aslan's country is described in the book. . . I won't go on nitpicking. It's all still beautiful and impressive to look at, just - generally different to how it's described or illustrated in the book.

I touched upon plot changes above. They've invented a major plot device - bigger and more far-reaching than I had thought it would be. Once again, I can understand why they did this. It adds more suspense and cohesion, and turns VODT from a rollicking, colourful adventure to a classic battle of good vs. evil, building to a big climax at the end. They haven't given up the sense of wonder and adventure altogether, but it is now only one element of the story.

The whole green mist/dark island thing could have seemed a bit silly and contrived, but the fact that the most important battles are internal rather than physical make things much more intriguing. It is still a journey of temptation and personal growth and discovery for each of the characters, just as it is in the book.

Well, I might try to wrap this post up now. I don't want to give away too many plot details, but after you've seen it (or if you've seen it already), please come here and discuss! Plus I want to get this post published tonight, so this will have to do for now.

Verdict: yes, this is in some ways different from the book. But it's still Narnia. It's still the Dawn Treader. The magic is still there. And this an EXCELLENT family film for ages 8-10+ or so. It really has grown on me over the 30 hours or so since I watched it. I came out of the cinema feeling feeling a twinge of disappointment over the changes from the book (or should I say the deviations from how I thought they should have made the movie ;-) mixed with pure enjoyment and that hint of sadness that I mentioned - I didn't cry during the movie, but I was not too far from it.

One more thing - like I said at the top, I saw this in 3D. I almost wish I hadn't. The 3D effects were cool, but not exceptional - you could tell that the film wasn't shot with the intention of being shown in 3D, and wasn't converted to 3D until later in the production process. I don't think the compromise in colour was worth the 3D experience.

~All pictures from Ben Barnes Online

RICHARD ARMITAGE IS IN THE HOBBIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-08T17:39:00.002+11:00

Sorry. Longer post to come on this later. I don't know how I missed this most interesting piece of information. I haven't even finished reading the article - I just started squealing and hyperventilating and immediately logged in to blogger so I could share this with all of you. . .

*LINK*

A Damsel's Daybook XV

2010-12-06T16:12:00.004+11:00

~Hosted by Autumn @ Storygirl~

Outside my window....... Sunshine, for the first time in about a week. We've just had one of the wettest Springs on record.

I am thinking about......... Lots of things.

From the kitchen.......... I made a double batch of Anzac biscuits today. On my mum's suggestions, I made them with freshly ground flour from our wheat grinder for the first time. Normally I dislike the results when I try substituting wholemeal flour for white flour, but the Anzacs turned out quite well.

I am creating ......... Planning on crocheting some snowflakes sometime soon. We'll be setting up our Christmas tree soon!

I am reading......... Getting back into Little Dorrit! I am making some progress at last - nearly 3/4 of the way through now. I also recently read this book. And this one.

I am hearing....... Siblings. A crow outside. Blue wrens. Sparrows.

I am hoping......... That I don't have to speak at the Church Ladies Breakfast in a few weeks time. I can think of few things I dread and dislike more than public speaking.

I am planning.......... To get organised and intentional and active! Inspired by this article.

I am wearing............ Denim skirt, blue cotton tunic top thingummy. Can you tell I'm not into fashion that much? I always have a hard time describing what I'm wearing.

Around the house.......... Lots of bustle and activity. We have guests staying with us at the moment - they have 6 young children! That makes 14 children in the house altogether.

My wish of the week......... That Voyage of the Dawn Treader will be as good as I'm hoping it will be. . .

Aussie readers - AOGG on TV Saturday night

2010-12-03T17:26:00.001+11:00

Anne of Green Gables will be on TV tomorrow night (Saturday 4th) at 7:30 on Channel 7.

Disney Princess Month

2010-12-02T13:03:00.007+11:00

Disney's incredibly beautiful masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty

I have been remiss in not posting this sooner! As many of you know, I love cooking, but my rather shocking memory can be a great hindrance in the kitchen. ;-) Burnt biscuits, wrong measurements of ingredients, leaving ingredients out - I can't tell you how many scrapes I've gotten into in my baking escapades. Well - my memory (or lack thereof) can also be a jolly nuisance when it comes to blogging, too.

Ahem, so yes, I meant to post about this a long time ago, but hey, better late than never!

In celebration of the release of Disney's latest "Princess" offering, Tangled, the team @ Worthy of Note recently hosted a "Disney Princess Month", featuring reviews of 13 Disney classics.

They are also considering having a "Shakespeare" month (partly in honour of the upcoming film version of "The Tempest"). This will be similar, I presume, to the Disney Princess month, only featuring reviews of Shakespeare film adaptations instead. Sounds like fun! I actually haven't seen that many Shakespeare movies yet. Part of what puts me off is the fact that the Bard incorporated a good deal of bawdiness in his plays, and naturally, modern filmmakers tend to play up that element of his works as much as possible! But there are a few Shakespeare adaptations that I would really like to see sometime, including:

As You Like It - partly because it has a couple of my favourite actors in it (Romola Garai and Alfred Molina), and partly because the poster just looks so darn gorgeous; Twefth Night - because Helena Bonham Carter is amazing; and Much Ado About Nothing - though I gather there are couple of scenes in this one that will probably warrant fast-forwarding through.

So - if you have a weakness for Disney Princess films (like yours truly), head right over here.

And about Shakespeare - any Shakespeare-based films that you love - or loathe?

Costume Chronicles

2010-12-02T08:00:00.004+11:00

Just wanted to let you all know that the new issue of Costume Chronicles webzine is now available to download! I've been looking forward to this - the current November/December issue and next year's Jan./Feb. webzine are dedicated almost exclusively to Jane Austen and Austen adaptations. :-)

The wait is over!!!

2010-12-01T19:29:00.002+11:00

I can't believe it's finally here!!

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader opens in cinemas across Australia TOMORROW!

Check out IMDb for worldwide release dates. Oh, and I don't mean to gloat, but for once, just for ONCE, we get to see it first here in Australia before you do in America! :-D

Blog makeover!

2010-11-21T15:33:00.002+11:00

Check out the new look! I'm still fine-tuning it, but let me know what you think. I'm open to suggestions. Everything's much less cluttered and more streamlined - far less image-heavy, too, so it shouldn't take as long to load. The only thing I miss is Waterhouse's "The Tempest"! (formally my blog header), but I don't know how to incorporate it into the new layout. . . I mean I know how, but I think it would clash with the background and so forth.

Whew! I haven't had this big a makeover since this blog began! It does feel good to de-clutter.

Thoughts?

Blow-by-blow dissection of Jane Eyre trailer

2010-11-10T15:37:00.009+11:00

The long wait is finally over! The long wait for the trailer, that is. We still have to wait another 4 months or so for the film itself.

But in the meantime, the trailer offers plenty for us Bronteites and Period Drama Maniacs to pick over, examine, turn upside down, criticise, mull over, discuss, praise and protest.

Warning: some spoilers may be disclosed in the following post.

0:00 The first thing that presents itself upon viewing the trailer is the fact that the film has been rated PG-13 for "Some thematic elements including a nude image and brief violent content". Disappointing news for the more conservative among us, or for anyone who had been wanting to take younger sisters to see this.

0:07 Graves being dug, coffins being lowered into the ground; the typhoid epidemic at Lowood. Dark, sombre, suitably Gothic tone immediately established. . .

0:09 Jane running through a hallway at Gateshead, with a book in her arms. What would she be running from? John Reed? The young actress cast as the Young Jane looks remarkably like Mia Wasikowska. (A nice change - in many of the earlier adaptations, Young and "Old" Jane didn't bear much resemblance to each other at all - Georgie Henley and Ruth Wilson, Sian Pattenden and Zelah Clarke, etc.) Voiceover from Mr. Brocklehurst begins.

0:10 Is that our first glimpse of Thornfield Hall? Very dark and Gothic. Funnily enough, Thornfield (as a building) and the surrounding landscape are actually supposed to be very green and pleasant, but of course this is never portrayed in the films adaptations, because "Dark and Gothic" is supposed to be much more interesting and romantic.

0:11 Poor Helen Burns - identifiable by her red hair - being beaten.

0:12 Presumably Bertha holding a match and lighting the fire in Rochester's Room.

0:12 The "fire scene".

0:13 Jane running again.

0:14 Mr. Brocklehurst, looking very slimy and unpleasant. Nice bunch of flowers, though.

0:16 John Reed, looking appropriately sneaky and slimy - but what on earth is he doing with that sword in his hand!! As I recall, a book was his weapon of choice. . .

0:17 Jane in her beloved retreat - behind the curtains, in the window seat.

0:18 Jane, taken into the Red Room. Which of the two women is Bessie, I wonder? I wouldn't be surprised if they all but do away with Bessie's character altogether, partly because they don't have time to develop her character, partly because they want to make Jane's childhood seem as bleak as possible, with no kindness or affection whatsoever. Hm, I wonder if they'll do the same with Miss Temple's character?

0:19 Jane answering Mr. Brocklehurst.

0:21 Mr. Brocklehurst and the flowers again.

0:23 Jane in the Red Room.

0:24 This is random, but the red wallpaper kind of matches my blog's background.

0:25 So it's a sort of explosion of smoke that scares Jane in this version! Rather less creepy than that light moving across the wall in the dark, I should have thought, though perhaps more cinematically plausible and impressive.

0:27 Poor Jane, having passed out. She looks tiny on the massive carpet in the great big room.

0:28 Jane speaking to Mrs. Reed. So far, most of the dialogue seems to have been taken straight from the book. Always a good sign.

0:29 I'm really liking this Young Jane. In many of the adaptations, Jane as a child comes across as being almost a bit bratty, because they only show the scenes where Jane is, for the first time, speaking her mind and rebelling against Mrs. Reed. Hopefully this Jane will do a good job in portraying Jane's normal meek, subdued state, as well as her passionate outbursts.

0:30 What we've all been waiting to see! That seemingly incomprehensible piece of casting - tiny, fragile, beautiful Sally Hawkins as the large, robust, cruel Mrs. Reed!

0:31 First glimpse of Lowood - since the very opening scene, of course.

0:32 Mr. Brocklehurst giving "that" speech to the girls and teachers at Lowood. What a striking picture, of the light shining in on Jane standing on her stool, while all the other girls file past. Lowood doesn't seem as OTT gloomy and gothic as it did in the JE 2006, thank goodness.

0:36 The grown-up Jane running away from Thornfield and Rochester, though weirdly it is implied in the trailer that she is running away from Lowood, to Thornfield.

0:39 Jane as she is always pictured, always imagined - quakerish and bonneted. Interesting to note how the costume department once again included just a scrap of red in Jane's outfit, to imply that beneath the restrained exterior, there is a passionate nature lurking within. Remember that red neck-tie thingy that Jane wore a lot in JE 2006?

0:41 What on earth?? So Mr. Rochester sort of sneaks up on her and frightens the heck out of her, rather than galloping past until the sight of Jane spooks the horse? Probably it won't really be like that in the movie, but that's how they make it seem in the trailer. :P Oh, and where's Pilot? They can't leave Pilot out!! They'd better not!! Gorgeous atmosphere though - mist, dead leaves, bare trees - very wintry and bleakly beautiful.

0:42 The familiar "Necessity compels me to make you useful" scene.

0:43 Thornfield Hall. I think those two figures at the far right of screen are Jane and Rochester, running in together to escape the storm, just after the proposal scene. You can just hear a roll of thunder. Voiceover by Judi Dench/Mrs. Fairfax begins.

0:49 First look at Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax.

0:50 I'm guessing this scene is after J and R have known each other some time, since R doesn't appear to be limping. Our first proper look ar Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester. He doesn't look quite Rochesterian to me. Perhaps because he isn't dark enough. Oh well, maybe he'll grow on me. . .

0:55 Nope, sorry, he doesn't look like Rochester. Something just isn't right!

0:58 I hope they left out a big chunk of dialogue for the trailer, because if this is how the dialogue goes in the movie. . .

1:00 We have passed the 1 minute mark! :-D I think this is Jane arriving at Lowood.

1:03 First glimpse of Bertha.

1:04 Jane speaking to Rochester of seeing Bertha tear her wedding veil.

1:09 What does he say here? I can't make it out. It sounds like “You've transfixed me quite”, which is bad English.

1:10 Is it just me, or would Jane never wear a dress even this low-cut?

1:13 After the fire. It seems they've pushed this scene forward several hours – it appears to be dawn, rather than the middle of the night.

1:17 Rochester exercising after he hurts his ankle, I suppose. Beautiful tree!

1:18 Yes! Yesss!! *fist pumps* Blanche Ingram is a brunette, as she is supposed to be, rather than a blonde, as we had feared! :-D Imogen Poots looks nicely snooty and stuck-up. Gorgeous dress.

1:22 Another striking dress. Now what is going on here, in this scene? Another set-up of Rochester's, to make Jane feel jealous?

1:24 What do ya'll think about having a red-headed Jane? To my knowledge, Mia Wasikowska is the first ginger Jane in the history of Janes. Has there ever been a blonde Jane, does anyone know?

1:26 Jane after she has run away from Thornfield. But then, what is the building? Another possible expanation could be that this is a dream sequence. Remember that dream Jane has just before she sees Bertha tear her veil in two?

1:27 Now this is intriguing. It appears that in this film even the staircase leading to Bertha's room is concealed. Just to add to the sense of mystery. Whose bedroom is this supposed to be? Rochester's?

1:32 Proposal scene, proposal scene! :-D What do you think of Mia's delivery of that famous line?

1:36 Jane running away.

1:37 Rochester discovering that she is gone. Now, this is different to how it is in the book!

1:40 Beautiful photography once again.

1:41 Bertha lighting the fire – again?

1:42 It's that concealed staircase again!

1:44 First glimpse of Jamie Bell as St John Rivers! He's nowhere near good-looking enough, IMO. No offense to Mr. Bell.

1:44 Proposal scene again! That seat running around the tree-trunk looks like a halo with the light shining on it. It looks quite odd, actually – must be made of very thin board.

1:45 Jane destitute after running away. Knocking on the Rivers' door, perhaps?

1:46 There've been a couple of shots of Rochester riding on horseback – just to show how strong and manly and stuff he is, I suppose.

1:47 Jane running away. You can see the anguish on her face. Oh and once again, just that hint of red – this time, her bag.

1:48 A fly – on a Bible – I think.

1:48 St John again.

1:48 Eww! I mean, awww. . . J and R just after running in from the storm at 0:43.

1:49 No idea what this is. Who's the little boy? Unless it's the grave scene from 0:07.

1:49 Jane springing on John. Go Jane!!

1:50 Jane running. . . again. . . not precisely certain where she's running to/from, or if it is indeed even Jane. The clothes seem to be too pretty and frivolous. . . hang on, perhaps it's after the “wedding”, and they're running from the church back to Thornfield? No, that doesn't seem right, either. . . I give up. . .

1:51 Can this be – the library scene? Or is it just after she arrives at the Rivers'?

1:51 Bertha slapping Rochester!

1:53 Who was that leaping off the fence? St John? Well, it has be either St John or Rochester, since they're pretty much the only men in the book.

1:53 Fire scene again!

1:56 Naughty, naughty screenwriter! Making up dialogue that wasn't in the book! This must be after Mr. Rochester has been blinded.

The verdict: I think this will eventually rank at about the mid-point on my list of Jane Eyre adaptations. Better than the 1997 JE, possibly also better than the the 1996 one. Not as good as the 1983 one. Maybe on par with JE 2006, though that version will always have an advantage over this one because of its length – twice as long, twice as much time to develop the story and characters.

From what I've seen, I'm really liking both the young Jane and the grown-up Jane in this version. Mia Wasikowska has a wonderful, child-like quality about her. It'll also be nice to have a Jane who is roughly the right age – Jane Eyre is supposed to be 18, Mia has just turned 21.

On the hand, I'm less than convinced by Michael Fassbender's Rochester. We'll see. . .

The cinematography looks absolutely stunning. This will be the most visually impressive JE to date. I wonder who's composing the score? *Goes off to check IMDb*

Alright, I couldn't find out who the composer is, but I did discover a couple of other interesting tidbits from IMDB – Harry Lloyd fans, Harry plays Richard Mason! And Tamzin Merchant (Georgiana in P&P05) plays Mary Rivers. Also, have a look at the list of filming locations. Looks like it was almost all shot on location in Derbyshire (including Chatsworth, aka Pemberley). I'm guessing Chatsworth was used mostly for the interior shots of Gateshead.

I also found out what that bothersome “nude image” is – according to the IMDB forums, we very briefly see – don't laugh – Mr. Rochester's rear.

~Thanks to Charleybrown for screencaps of the trailer!

!!!!!!JANE EYRE TRAILER IS FINALLY HERE!!!!!!

2010-11-10T10:36:00.004+11:00

Detailed analysis to come!

View in HD here.

A Damsel's Daybook XIV

2010-11-10T09:42:00.003+11:00

Hosted by Autumn @ Storygirl

A day or two late this time, but I thought I'd do it anyway - to help get me back into blogging mode, I guess. :-)

Outside my window....... A warm, humid day, after yesterday's rain.

I am thinking about.........Books; and how wonderful it is to have good friends.

From the kitchen..........Nothing right now.

I am creating .........I recently knitted a couple of dishcloths.

I am reading.........See my Goodreads page. :D

I am hearing.......The Washing Machine. Noisy ol' thing. Funny thing is, it isn't old at all, it's almost brand new - but contrary to the normal order of things, it's a good deal noisier than our old one was.

I am hoping.........That the guitar lesson I'm going to give someone this afternoon will go well.

I am planning..........To start blogging regularly again.

I am wearing............Blue top, denim skirt. . .

Around the house.........There is a desperate hunt going on for a missing library book. Mummy has put up a $1 reward for the person who finds it.

My wish of the week .........That I might visit Ireland one day. And Scotland. And England. Okay, that's three wishes. . . guess I've used up three weeks' worth of wishes in one go.

I have finally joined Goodreads. . .

2010-10-30T20:34:00.000+11:00

Here's my profile:

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4464405

If you're on Goodreads, please add me as a friend!

Stay At Home Daughters Fellowship

2010-10-30T19:44:00.008+11:00

I am very excited to share this with you all! Not long after I wrote this post, Meggie (Avonlea Dreamer) created this blog:
*drumroll*

~Stay At Home Daughters Fellowship~
sahdf.blogspot.com

Please click here to read Meggie explain her vision for the blog.
I think this will be a wonderful way for SAHDs to fellowship and encourage each other. If you are: a girl of 15-30 who is living at home, learning and preparing to be a helpmeet and mother, let me encourage you to follow/comment/post/get involved. Generally, I strongly dislike the expression "get involved". It's always what people (especially at church) say when they want you to join in with something that is difficult, uncomfortable and inconvenient. Well, rest assured "getting involved" with Meggie's blog won't be any of those things! :-)

Elise is re-entering the blogosphere!

2010-10-30T19:35:00.002+11:00

And boy, is it good to be back! It's been good to have this little break, but I've missed blogs and blogging just the same.

I want to say thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. I read and appreciated every one of your comments. Thank you all so much for taking to the time to share your thoughts, encouragement, and personal testimonies. I was very blessed by all of your comments.

And now a question for you all: what would you like me to post about over these few weeks? Book reviews? Movies/period drama? Art? Music? Any suggestions? (And no, I haven't read that great big book yet, so I can't write the next "Top 15" posts just yet!)

The burden of trying to please Man

2010-10-11T11:34:00.006+11:00

Mariana by Marie Spartali Stillman

"So what are you going to 'do'?"

A familiar question to stay-at-home daughters in or approaching their late teens, frequently put to them by well-meaning friends and acquaintances.

I'm not good at talking, even at the best of times, and when posed by the above question, I almost invariably end up a red-faced, stuttering mess! The truth is, I know exactly what I want to "do" - have a home and a family of my own! But you can't just say that. The simple desire to be a wife and mother isn't acceptable - you also have to have some sort of a career, even if said "career" is just a farce, a pretext.

***

Family friend: "So you've finished school?"

Me: "Um, er, sort of. I'm still doing a bit of studying, and always reading, so I guess I'm still learning, you know, even if I have essentially finished school," *nervous laugh*.

FF: "Okay, so are you going to uni?"

Me: "Um, ah, well, not planning to at this stage. . . but there are lots of options available these days - for doing courses and uni degrees at home, by correspondence - especially with the internet, you know. . ."

FF: "Mm-hm, yeah that's true. So - have you decided what you're going to do yet?"

Me: "Um, ah, well. . ." *stutters and stammers, eventually subsiding to red-faced silence*.

A couple of hours later:

Me: Despairingly wonders what this person must think of me. Only losers stay at home with their parents after they've completed school, without going to university, or going to work, or going somewhere and doing something, right?

***

How do I convey to that person that I am busy, I am happy? I am learning and - I hope - contributing? I may be at home almost all the time, but I am not just sitting around at home doing nothing! I am (I pray) learning and maturing a little more everyday; and I am a contributing member of this mini-community of sorts, called a family?

But I can't seem to help it, I always find myself trying to fight back the insecurity and the doubts that gnaw at me because I am endeavouring to follow a different path than the world's way. Nearly every time someone asks "the question", I find myself battling all those doubts, all over again.

*Sighs*. . . Anyway, the whole point of this post is that last night, as I lay in bed, I was thinking about all this, and feeling terribly weighed down by it all. Then it hit me: Elise, you're worrying so much about what other people think of you! About what the world thinks of you! Stop worrying about something so stupid! God loves you and accepts you just as you are, so you don't need to worry about all this. You don't need to try to "prove" that you are mature or intelligent or an adult by going to university or pursuing a career. As long as your heart and your motives are pure in God's sight, you have nothing to worry about!

And it was amazing - I felt the weight lift right off me! I felt so free and happy.

Now if I can just keep that in mind (God loves and accepts you, who cares what the world thinks?) over the coming months and years - if I can only bear that in mind next time someone asks me "the question"!

I know quite a few of my readers are stay-at-home daughters - any hints or suggestions as to how to deal with those inevitable questions?

BTW, I am SO GRATEFUL for the internet as a means to "meet" and be friends with other young women who are in the same boat as I am - being a SAH daughter can seem a lonely path at times, it's so counter-cultural!

The Phantom of the Opera's lavish Baroque-ness + loads of pictures

2010-10-10T18:39:00.011+11:00

First off, let me say that I feel totally unqualified to write any POTO-related post! I haven't read the book, haven't seen the stage production. . . Fairly new to the phandom of the Phantom, I am just a girl who happened - quite by accident - upon a movie called "The Phantom of the Opera", and found myself being swept away!

Oh, and this will be a relatively brief post, unfortunately, because I don't have much time left to write it! I've been meaning to write a POTO-themed post all week, to join in with Alexandra's Phantom of the Opera week. Tonight came, and I panicked a bit, realising this was my last chance to write this post!! Fortunately America is a day behind Australia, otherwise I would already be too late!

[This post is rather image-heavy - I hope it doesn't take an awfully long time to load. . .]

~The Stunning Baroque Splendour of POTO~

I'm going through bit of a Baroque stage at the moment, especially after watching this excellent series. A couple of observations on The Baroque: it is more of a living entity than an art movement. And: the Baroque can be a bit silly at times, but at its best, it is extremely powerful - it grabs your attention, then sucks you into its vortex of drama (often melodrama), emotion, romance, and beauty. It isn't subtle, and it doesn't appeal to everyone, but if you ask me, there is an almost unequaled scale of power, passion, and human longing and emotion in the truly great Baroque works of art. Yes it's messy and over-the-top, but I love it for that!

The Phantom of the Opera well and truly embraces that Baroque spirit, in the story, the music, the set design, costumes. . . you name it! And it is glorious to behold! Every element of this production - the colours, the textures, the music - everything melds together to create a most amazing experience. The word delirious comes to mind - a sort of dazzling, dizzying assault on the senses.

~PICSPAM!!~

New Dawn Treader trailer

2010-10-09T11:10:00.004+11:00

My fellow Narniacs, have a look at the new international trailer for The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (if you haven't already!). It's much better than the original trailer, IMO.

I like! It's clear they have taken some liberties with the book, but overall, I think this looks pretty awesome. . . especially the sea serpent! :-D

Top Costume Drama Heroes: Part II

2010-10-01T21:05:00.010+10:00

Right! Since writing this post ages ago (was it really only last year?), I have seen various new (for me) period films, and discovered many wonderful new heroes. Plus, there are several heroes who didn't make it into my original Top 10, but who deserve to be recognised!

So, without further ado. . .

Top Costume Drama Heroes ~ Part the Second

(And I think there may even have to be a "Part the Third" sometime, too ;-)

The Scarlet Pimpernel aka Lord Percy (Anthony Andrews - The Scarlet Pimpernel 1982) is sitting pretty with Henry Tilney at the top of my list of all-time favourite heroes! Lord Percy is awesome beyond awesomeness; his awesomeness defies description. (Yes that sentence is cringeworthy - forgive me, I'm an SP fangirl.) The ultimate superhero - the original "superhero" in fact - and the ultimate romantic hero. And guys, I still haven't gotten round to reading the books or watching the 1999 series, but I'm convinced Anthony Andrews (of SP 1982) will forever be the Scarlet Pimpernel, as far as I'm concerned.

Arthur Clennam (Matthew Macfadyen - Little Dorrit 2008) is a different kind of Dickensian hero. Many of Dickens' best-known heroes (think David Copperfield, Pip) tend to be young, earnest, and idealistic. Arthur is considerably older - approaching 40 - and has experienced great sadness and rejection. He has had almost no joy or light in his life. But in spite of all this, he remains tenderhearted and compassionate, rather than growing embittered with life and with others. A gem of a hero.

Westley aka The Man in Black aka The Dread Pirate Roberts (Cary Elwes - The Princess Bride). Westley rivals Errol Flynn's Robin Hood and Anthony Andrews' Lord Percy for pure swashbuckling awesomeness. Westley epitomises courage and heroism. 'Nuff said.

Eugene Wrayburn (Paul McGann - Our Mutual Friend 1998). Eugene, Eugene! Not really a hero - more of an anti-hero. A troubled soul who comes good in the end. For the first 20-odd years of his life, Eugene is aimless, lazy, purposeless - until love jolts him out of his apathy. I'd always had a great deal of sympathy for Eugene, but I had never thought of him as being a truly - well, deserving hero. *SPOILER WARNING* I mean, his intentions towards Lizzie were undecided and potentially less than honourable. If he hadn't been bashed almost to death by Headstone, his relationship with Lizzie would probably have ended in shame and heartbreak. Well, I put all this to my blogging friend Lizzy, and her response was an interesting one! (See the comments section in linked post.) In the end - Eugene didn't deserve Lizzie's love, and he did not deserve to live happily ever after with her - but he did. He was undeserving, but he was redeemed by unconditional, selfless love. Sound familiar? :-)

John Harmon's (Stephen Mackintosh - Our Mutual Friend 1998) and Bella Wilfer's romance is perhaps a little more conventional and predictable than Eugene and Lizzie's, but it is none the less beautiful. John Harmon is a wonderful hero - strong, patient, good-hearted, yet also with a vulnerable side that endears him to the reader/viewer. Stephen Mackintosh gave an excellent perfomance as John in OMF 1998.

Faramir! (David Wenham - The Two Towers/The Return of the King) I disclosed in my earlier post that I've always had a soft spot for Boromir - essentially the "tragic hero" of The Lord of the Rings (the fact that he was played in the films by the amazing Sean Bean doesn't hurt, either ;-). But Faramir certainly doesn't suffer by comparison with Boromir - in fact, Faramir is arguably the more truly heroic of the two characters. Boromir is a great warrior and leader - strong, courageous, charismatic. Faramir is at heart a man of peace, not of war - though he still has courage and valour in bucketloads! And ultimately, he showed more true strength of character than his brother. Faramir's and Eowyn's romance is possibly one of my favourite love stories in literature.

Mr. Knightley (Mark Strong - Emma 1996). Mr. Knightley (it is impossible to call him anything else; "George" doesn't sound right, and one daren't call him "Knightley" for fear of being thought an upstart, vulgar being) has legions of female admirers - indeed, he is probably Fitzwilliam Darcy's closest rival in the Most Universally Adored Jane Austen Hero stakes, and deservedly so. He is the nicest, kindest, most honourable. . . in fact, he's almost Mary Poppins-ian - er, practically perfect in every way. (Actually, I'm curious - can anyone think of any fault in Mr. Knightley's character?! If you can, please leave a comment!) I loved both both Jeremy's Northam's and Mark Strong's Mr. Knightleys. Jonny Lee Miller. . . hmm. . . yeah. . . maybe he'll grow on me. I still haven't re-watched Emma '09, so we'll see.

John Ridd (Richard Coyle - Lorna Doone 2000). Gentle giant, and hero of R.D. Blackmore's epic Lorna Doone. Contrary to its title, Lorna Doone is really John Ridd's story - it's almost a coming-of-age tale, really. Richard Coyle's John differs considerably from the book's John - he is physically smaller (in the book he's a giant of a man, and a champion wrestler), and mentally quicker. However, he still captures the basic essence of John Ridd's character - a genuinely good, decent, big-hearted man.

Gabriel Oak (Nathaniel Parker - Far From the Madding Crowd 1998). Gabriel must surely win the prize for being the most patient, long-suffering hero in literature! He is infinitely kind and good; the only stupid thing he does in the entire story is fall in love with Bathsheba. Why, why, why?! Oh well. . . if Bathsheba Everdean is one of the silliest, most frustrating "heroines" in English literature, Gabriel has got to be one of the nicest, most amazing heroes. He also has the decided advantage of being in one of the very few Thomas Hardy novels that actually has a happy ending! So he gets the girl in the end - without either of them dying or committing murder or suicide or anything like that. I found Far From the Madding Crowd 1998 a frustrating story at times (if there's one famous 19th author I don't like, it's Thomas Hardy), but Gabriel makes it all worthwhile. And Nathaniel Parker. . . wow! :-D

James Percy (Thomas Gibson - The Inheritance) Once again, the film and the book incarnations of this character are somewhat different. Thomas Gibson's James Percy in the 1997 TV movie is a dashing, handsome, lively young (well, young-ish) man. James Percy in the book (actually, he's referred to as Lord Percy - Louisa May Alcott's book, written when she was seventeen, is set in England at some indefinite period in the 18th or early 19th century) is "old" (35 or so), quiet, and plain. If anything, I think I prefer the book's version - he's such a lovely, Colonel Brandon-ish sort of character.

~o0o~

Whew! And that rounds out the sequel to my Top 10 Heroes post! This has been a fun post to write. . . I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!

Please share your thoughts on any or all of these characters in the comments section! Or tell me who some of your favourite costume drama heroes are, and why.

A Damsel's Daybook XII

2010-09-21T19:13:00.002+10:00

~A Damsel's Daybook - hosted by Autumn~

Outside my window.......... a warm, humid spring day. Too warm. I miss winter!! I wanna move to Tasmania! Or England! Or somewhere!

I am thinking about......... a friend.

From the kitchen.......... breakfast dishes waiting to be stowed away in the dishwasher.

I am creating ......... nothing at the moment. I need to find something to do with my hands - I don't feel like crocheting or knitting just now.

I am reading......... Sprig Muslin by Georgette Heyer; and North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

I am hearing....... Siblings, Rainbow Lorikeets, blue wrens.

I am hoping......... that the grand final replay ends in a result!

I am planning.......... to enjoy these school holidays - doing stuff with siblings and learning to sew (hopefully)!

I am wearing............ greeny-blue top and black tiered skirt.

Around the house.......... not much at the moment.

My wish of the week ......... that the two people in family who are having birthdays soon would both have very special days.

Horrible Histories

2010-09-15T14:12:00.004+10:00

Some of you may have read one or two or twenty of Terry Deary's Horrible Histories books as a kid. Maybe you still love to read them (you're not alone! ;-). But did you know that the BBC have produced a Horrible Histories TV series? It's a sketch show - each episode is comprised of a series of skits with the odd song or two. The show is brilliantly conceived and often insanely funny. In theory, it's a kids show - in reality, older viewers will probably get more out of this! Particularly if you're bit of a history nut like me. . . :-)

The only thing in this show that I don't love so much: the frequent bathroom jokes. . . And the deliberately silly, over-the-top blood and gore won't be to everyone's taste. But, potty humour aside. . . there are some seriously funny songs and sketches in this show. I couldn't resist sharing a few!

Check out these two YT channels for more: here and here.

Oh wait - just one more: this one is stupid but so funny. . . I've got a stomach-ache from laughing. . .

A dilemma!

2010-09-09T20:37:00.002+10:00

Dear readers, the next installment due in my Literary Adaptations series is an adaptation of a very - very - long classic. I have never read it, but I feel like I ought to read it before I write my review of this movie adaptation. But then, it would take me a long time to read the book, so it would be a while before I'd be able to write the review. Which would put my Literary Adaptations series on hiatus for a while (again).

Hellllp!! What should I do! I could just go ahead and write the darned blog post, but the perfectionist in me is rearing its provoking head, telling me I need to read the book first so that I can write I balanced, informed review of this adaptation! Aargh!!!

This is late in coming. . .

2010-09-09T20:29:00.002+10:00

. . . but the final Caption Contest winner was Grace! Congrats! :-)

Top 15 Literary Adaptations: #12

2010-08-26T09:40:00.016+10:00

~No. 12 - Jane Eyre 2006~

Ruth Wilson as the titular heroine

Critics and journalists rant about the number of times Pride and Prejudice has been adapted for the screen, but there have been only two big screen adaptations ever made, and a scant handful of television adaptations - only two of which are available to buy today. Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, however, must surely be one of the most frequently adapted classics in the canon of English literature. It has been one of the most popular English novels since it was first published in 1847, and out of all the Bronte oeuvre, it is probably one of the easiest works to adapt for film - certainly compared with Emily Bronte's notoriously difficult Wuthering Heights. Most Bronte fans will agree that we're yet to see an even moderately successful adaptation of the virtually unfilmable Wuthering Heights. That doesn't stop film-makers from trying, though. . .

But getting back to Jane Eyre: according to IMDb, there have been 21 film and television adaptations - make that 22, with the Mia Wasikowska-Michael Fassbender version due to come out in March next year. But as of now, the BBC's 2006 miniseries is the most recent attempt to bring Charlotte Bronte's classic to the screen.

[I am not even going to bother including a plot summary in this review. Everyone knows the basic plot of Jane Eyre, and if you don't. . . go and read the book!!]

This adaptation of Jane Eyre had a peculiarly polarising effect on the Bronte-ite community. Some lauded it as the new definitive adaptation of the book. Others called it a travesty. I can't plant myself firmly in either camp - I have very mixed feelings about JE06, and can never quite decide whether to love or hate it. At present I feel more inclined to dislike it, but I may waver over the course of this review.

Pam Ferris as Grace Poole

One of the chief disappointments of JE06 (yes, I know it sounds dorky, and sorry if the constant references to "JE06" get on your nerves, but it's quicker to type than, say, "this adaptation of Jane Eyre") was the script by Sandy Welch (beloved of period drama fans for her work on North & South, Our Mutual Friend, and Emma). Ms. Welch's screenplay for Our Mutual Friend 1998 was good. Very good. I think she did a phenomenal job adapting Dickens' sprawling, complex masterpiece. And though she took some liberties with Elizabeth Gaskell's text, her screenplay for North and South was also good. On the other hand, as far as I'm concerned, the less said about the script for Emma 2009, the better. . . ya'll know my thoughts on that adaptation! (LOL, why am I talking like a Texan. . . must be all of you wonderful American friends I've made friends with via the internet ;-)

Charlotte Bronte had an extraordinary imagination, and a keen appreciation of nature. She may be famous for her novels, but Charlotte had the soul of a poet. She was one of those rare authors - like L.M. Montgomery, perhaps - who wrote prose as though it were poetry.

All this to say: mess around with Charlotte Bronte's beautiful words at your peril! Don't try to improve upon what is already close to perfection! I don't know why it is, and I know it's inconsistent of me, but I can forgive minor alterations to, say, Dickens' or Gaskell's dialogue in a screen adaptation, but attempt a complete reworking of Austen's or Bronte's dialogue, substituting numerous modern words and phrases, and - well - I will generally feel inclined to throw an apoplectic fit or something.

Toby Stephens as Edward Fairfax Rochester

In short, I was mightily disappointed with the screenplay for JE06 - most of the lines were contemporised to within an inch of their lives. But further than that, I was just disappointed with the direction of much of the series, and with the way many of the scenes were handled. Some of the time it almost seemed like they were making this adaptation based on what the public perception of "Jane Eyre" is, not on the book itself. Of course they didn't really, but that's how it felt sometimes. . . They almost missed the point of Jane Eyre. They lost the power and the poetry in the midst of the passion and melodrama.

Perhaps I'm being too harsh. This adaptation does have its strong points. I will now attempt to cease bemoaning JE06's shortcomings for a time, and extol its virtues instead.

*Ruth Wilson as Jane Eyre. One vital element of this story that many JE adaptations fail to emphasise (or else make a joke of by casting relatively "old" actresses) is Jane's youth. She was only a teenager, for crying out loud! Jane's character is an extraordinary blend of youth and vulnerability with an indomitable moral strength and steadfastness. Ruth Wilson captures this more successfully than most other actresses in the role have done, giving a picture of a young girl, alone in the world, who shows tremendous courage, and wisdom beyond her years.

*Toby Stephens, though not my favourite Rochester, is also good. He may not truly look the part (a redhead with a cheeky grin as the dark, brooding Mr. Rochester?), but he does an adequate job portraying the complexities of Rochester's character. (Hehe, I can hear the Toby Stephens fans starting to fume at me now. . . "Only adequate?!")

He and Ruth Wilson had great chemistry together, too. (TS fans: "Only 'great chemistry'?! You say it so casually. . . try unbelievable, out-of-this-world, earth-shattering chemistry!!"). I can sympathise. . . I'm bit of a Rochester fangirl, too - a different Rochester, though. I think most of you know who I'm talking about. . . ;-)

One thing that may bother some viewers, however, is the extent to which the dialogue between Jane and Rochester has been contemporised. I'm not just talking about the words, but the way in which the actors deliver the lines. Some would argue that this is not necessarily a bad thing - better to make the interaction between the two leads contemporary and relatable, than risk stiffness and insincerity in an attempt for period accuracy. But purists will find it hard to watch Jane and Rochester talking and interacting like a modern couple, rather than characters from the early 19th century.

Georgie Henley as the young Jane Eyre

*From a purely aesthetic perspective, this series is a treat. (Even though most of the scenes were not at all as I had imagined them to be from the book ,*grumbles to herself*.) This is a BBC big-budget costume drama and it's gorgeous to look at, right from the opening scene of young Jane walking across the sand dunes in her imagination, dressed in exotic costume. The score by Robert Lane is by turns haunting and sweepingly romantic.

*Georgie Henley is awesome.

Enough extolling virtues for now, here are some small niggles that bothered me:

Christina Cole as Blanche Ingram

*Yet another blond Blanche Ingram? Puhleese. . . and if they didn't make Imogen Poots' hair dark for Jane Eyre 2011, and we have another blond Blanche next year, I'm going to - I'm going to - I don't what I'm going to do, actually. Throw another apoplectic fit, perhaps.

*Ruth Wilson is too tall!! Jane Eyre is supposed to be small!!

*Rochester has ginger tendencies! (As mentioned above.)

*What in the world is up with the Rivers sisters being portrayed as silly, giggly girls instead of the mature, intelligent young women they are in the book?

*St John isn't good-looking enough. Needs to get the Greek god thing happening a bit better.

*Why did they have to get rid of the library scene, and instead have Jane and Edward kissing - on a bed?! If you haven't seen this series, don't worry, it doesn't get any "worse" than kissing, but still - the real Jane would never in a million years have allowed this! In the book, after she finds out he's married, she doesn't let him touch her!

Andrew Buchan as St. John Rivers

*JE06 does a good job bringing Jane and Rochester's romance to the screen, but it doesn't succeed so well in conveying Jane's development as a character whilst she's away from Rochester. Jane Eyre is first and foremost Jane's story - it's not just about the romance. Miss Temple - Jane's friend and mentor through her childhood and teen years - makes only a brief cameo appearance. And from memory - it has been a little while since I last watched this series - I felt that they could have given a completer, more accurate picture of St John Rivers, even in the limited screen time given to him. He's an important character - amongst other things, he is Mr. Rochester's foil. Edward Rochester is far, very far from being a perfect hero (indeed, there is a significant army of anti-Rochesterian readers out there), yet flawed though he may be, his warmth, generosity, and humanity contrast sharply with St John's coldness and self-righteousness.

Summing up, it is the thought of what could have been that mars JE06 for me. The team behind this production had the budget, they had the creative vision (even if it didn't always totally align with my vision of the book), but in the end they came up with a flawed, somewhat hit-and-miss adaptation. It has its moments, but overall I was left feeling disappointed. On second thoughts, if I was so very disappointed, why on earth am I including it in my list of favourite literary adaptations? *Stifles frustrated groan*. I don't rightly know myself. . . Well, it is a powerful and entertaining Gothic drama in and of itself. And like I said near the beginning of this post, my feelings on this series tend to fluctuate a great deal. Sometimes I decide that I really do love it, other times (as now), I throw my hands up in despair and grumble that it is one of the most over-rated period dramas of recent years!

Is it just me, or does this look like the exact same spot used for that scene in P&P05? (Scroll down to the very bottom of my blog.)

Bottom line is: watch it. Whether you end up loving it or hating it, (or else exist in a perpetually undecided state, like me), it is worth watching. Provided, of course, that you have read the book! If you haven't, please read the book first! Odds are, you aren't one of my younger siblings, so I can't force you to read the book first (unfortunately), but I still really really think it would be a good idea for you to read the book first.

And before I close this review, I should mention that there are a couple of scenes in this series that I fast-forward through. In any case, whether you fast-forward scenes or not, this series is really only appropriate for older viewers - teens and up. For a complete overview of any objectionable content, please read the Charity's Place review!

Edit: I've been struggling to verbalise this all through my review, but I'll try now. . .

All bookworms will testify to this - there are some books you read (especially when you're young) that leave a really deep impression on you. Sometimes you can't even figure out exactly what it is that makes you love x book so much. But somehow, it connected with something deep within you, and from that moment, that book will always be with you. Those are the books that you love and treasure always - those are the books that somehow become a part of you, and that mold and influence the person you become.

If a movie adaptation manages to capture a glimpse of that spark, that magic something that left such a deep impression on you when you read the book, then you know it's a good adaptation! It will probably be enjoyed by many (though not necessarily all) readers of the book, and it will hopefully induce many uninitiated moviegoers/TV viewers to check out the book.

This is ultimately the measure by which I judge film and TV versions of my favourite books - not by how faithful it is in letter to the book, or how long it is, or whether it was made on a large or a miniscule budget. . .

And this is why I like the 1980 and 2005 versions of Pride and Prejudice better than the highly acclaimed 1995 series. It's also the reason why I don't love the 2006 version of Jane Eyre. But don't let that put you off watching it - it's a very well-made series, and is the second-best adaptation of Jane Eyre ever made, in my humble opinion.

*Sighs*. . . What is it about us Janeites and Bronteites. . . we demand perfection in movie adaptations of our beloved P&Ps and JEs, and when those movie adaptations don't measure up to our impossible expectations, we spend countless hours criticising their faults on blogs, forums, etc. We're a cantankerous old bunch. . . I wonder how the rest of the world puts up with us? Dickens fans, for instance, are nowhere near as unreasonable as we are!

Must finish now.

Please share your thoughts on Jane Eyre 2006! Are you a fan, or a detractor - or are you caught in a state of perpetual indecision, like me? A Toby-Stephens-as-Rochester fangirl, or no? Any elements of this miniseries that you particularly loved - or hated?

~Most of the pictures in this post are from Fragilidad.

Caption contest, and An Announcement.

2010-08-25T20:55:00.002+10:00

Only a few caption entries this week. I think I picked a photo that didn't lend itself well to this kind of thing. . . too many faces, too much stuff going on, I guess.

And I am going to give this contest a break for a while. . . Janette, you were 100% right. ;-) This series is getting tired. It was fun for a little while, but the novelty has now worn off. . . And besides, it makes me feel guilty when there's only "caption contest" stuff, and no substantial posts. Even if I don't get the time to publish "epic", high quality posts regularly, that doesn't mean that I'm going to clutter up this space with relatively inconsequential offerings. All or nothing. Quality, not quantity, and all that.

And I am working on the next post in my literary adaptations series. . . it'll be up later this week, I promise. :-) In fact, it's all written out, I just need to type it up and get some photos together. . . tomorrow afternoon.

~~~~~

1. Miss Browning: "Now, I think we should form a 'Red Hat Society' here in Hollingford."

2. Miss Browning (whispered to Hyacinth): "You really must get Molly some more fashionable clothing. She's the only one without a cloak or an elaborately ribboned hat - I'm afraid she rather sticks out like a sore thumb."

3. Molly (to herself): "Humph. Maybe I should invite Hyacinth's brother-in-law Onslow over for tea with the Miss Brownings. That would take my 'dear mama' down a peg or two!"

4. Miss Browning: "Did I mention that I am purchasing a cow from a local farmer, I always thought it was a very elegant sort of animal." Molly Gibson (low voice) "Very elegant." Miss Phoebe: "You didn't tell me that you were purchasing a cow."

Friday Caption Contest (a day late - sorry!)

2010-08-21T10:47:00.003+10:00

Elvira Evans: "Will you please inform Miss Shirley, Mr. Harris, that I am not speaking to her?"

Congratulations to Elisabeth for winning this week's contest!

Now, the new picture - an over-abundance of bonnets:

Molly Gibson, Cynthia Fitzpatrick, Hyacinth Gibson, Miss Browning, and Miss Phoebe - Wives and Daughters

Three new clips from the Dawn Treader!

2010-08-20T10:42:00.004+10:00

We finally get a proper look at Will Poulter as Eustace! He is perfect.

So far so good. . . however, the dragon island is different to how it is in the book. Here it looks dry and desert-like, rather than dark, misty, and foreboding, full of dark forests and fjords. (Well, maybe not technically fjords, but that's the kind of country it is in the book. . .)

The Sea of Lilies is beautiful. :-)

Clip #1 - The Adventure begins

Clip #2 - Greedy Eustace

Clip #3 - The Sea of Lilies (Thanks Melanie!)

Little Dorrit quotes

2010-08-19T19:50:00.002+10:00

I thought I'd share a few wonderful quotes (well, I like them!) that I've found as I've been reading Little Dorrit. . .

~~~~~

[Flintwinch speaking to Mrs. Clennam] "The peculiarity of my temper is, ma'am, that I won't be swallowed up alive." (Chap. XV)

~~~~~

It is not easy to walk alone in the country without musing on something. (Chap. XVI)

~~~~~

Mr Henry Gowan, inheriting from his father, the Commissioner, that very questionable help in life, a very small independence, had been difficult to settle; the rather, as public appointments chanced to be scarce, and his genius, during his earlier manhood, was of that exclusively agricultural character which applies itself to the cultivation of wild oats. (Chap. XVII)

Who says Dickens isn't funny? He had a wicked sense of humour.

~~~~~

[At Pet Meagles' and Henry Gowan's wedding] Then Lord Decimus, who was a wonder on his own Parliamentary pedestal, turned out to be the windiest creature here: proposing happiness to the bride and bridegroom in a series of platitudes that would have made the hair of any sincere disciple and believer stand on end; and trotting, with the complacency of an idiotic elephant, among howling labyrinths of sentences which he seemed to take for high roads, and never so much as wanted to get out of. (Chap. XXXIV)

I love Dickens! The complacency of an idiotic elephant. . . kind of like myself just after I get out of bed in the morning. :P

~All pictures from Sharona Lee

Caption Contest: voting now open

2010-08-17T11:14:00.003+10:00

L-r: Elvira Evans, Morgan Harris and Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables - The Sequel

There were some very funny entries this week. :-D

1. Anne Shirley: "Well if you will not dance with us we will most certainly turn up our noses at you..."

2. Morgan Harris: "Ladies, must you drag me into this?"

3. Elvira Evans: "Will you please inform Miss Shirley, Mr. Harris, that I am not speaking to her?"

4. Elvira: "Harris, don't tell me that girl over there is THE Miss Shirley who wrote that outrageous piece of fiction with romance and baking soda in it!?!?"

5. Morgan: "I know, I'm still trying to decide which I want to dance with."

6. Morgan: "Hm. The temperature of the room between these two cold ladies is positively arctic!"

7. Morgan: "Where's Katherine Brooke when you need her?!"

8. Anne: "And, Mr. Harris, if you would so kindly tell Miss Evans that my name is spelled with an *e*, I would be most indebted to you!"

9. Morgan: "Please tell me I am not in the middle of these two!"

10. Morgan: "The best thing to do is to ignore them, So I stay out of trouble!!"

11. Morgan: "Come now ladies, we can't ALL be like Mr. Darcy and take a bath in the nearest lake!"

~~~~~

Vote in the poll on my sidebar>>>

Remember, you can vote for as many captions as you like!

Friday Caption Contest

2010-08-13T21:02:00.003+10:00

Congrats to my sister Naomi, for winning this week's caption contest!

Albert: "Well if you want my advice on marriage, marry someone very handsome, possibly a man with a slight moustache, someone who dresses very well, oh - blue coats definitely, someone who wears blue, and someone who's very smart indeed. Come to think of it that sounds just like me. Just a suggestion."

~~~~~

The new picture. . .

Unknown Woman (can't remember her character's name! Help!?!) Morgan Harris (Frank Converse) and Anne Shirley (Megan Follows), Anne of Green Gables - The Sequel

Caption contest: voting now open

2010-08-10T07:51:00.004+10:00

This week's entries:

1. "I just don't understand why you allow the dog to court you, and not me?"

2. "Would you like me to take the ball so you can hold my hand? ...Well, it was just a suggestion."

3. "If you don't want holes in your flower bed, maybe you should put your dog on a leash."

4. Albert: "Well I was thinking, if we brought in coffee everyone would think it more modern." Victoria: "Nope, tea or nothing."

5. "My dog likes top hats just as much as balls..."

6. Victoria: *sighing* "What is it it Albert?"
Albert: "Well we could make this play..." *mumbles* "Called the play of Prince Albert and co."
Victoria: *gasps* "And who am I!?"

7. Albert: "You might not know that I'm the tallest in my family..."

8. Victoria says knowingly/semi quiet: "I wouldn't hold my hand out like that if I were you."
Albert still rambling on: "I also am good at...What? Why?"
Victoria: "Me precious pup is staring at it and is ready to pounce."

9. Albert: "I have to keep my head perfectly tilted or my hat will fall off!"

10. Albert: "Throw that ball, so your darling dog would go away. I mean that in a respectable way of course. I'm sure she must be longing to chase after it!"

11. Albert: "I say, old girl, perhaps you could throw that ball for the dear dog and then you could concentrate on what I'm trying to explain..."
Victoria: *to herself* "I'm the old girl and the dog is the dear . . . . I should have known."

12. Victoria: *to herself* "If I throw this ball on his hat, maybe he'll stop talking . . . ."

13. Albert: "You know, the problem with carrying a ball around is that you might drop it into a pond. And then you might meet a frog...who asks you to kiss him...who's actually a handsome prince..."
Victoria: "And what's wrong with that?"

14. Albert: "If you do decide to throw that ball, you might want to take care not to throw towards the petunias. They are, somewhat, delicate little things."

15. Victoria whispers: "I'd like to shove this ball right down his throat!"

16. Albert: "Well if you want my advice on marriage, marry someone very handsome, possibly a man with a slight moustache, someone who dresses very well, oh - blue coats definitely, someone who wears blue, and someone who's very smart indeed. Come to think of it that sounds just like me. Just a suggestion."

~~~~~

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Now, vote, vote, vote! Poll is on the sidebar. >>>

Friday Caption Contest

2010-08-06T19:50:00.002+10:00

"I don't know about you, but I'm finding this place very spooky. I don't suppose you could hold my hand?"

Congratulations to my darling little sister, Grace, for winning last week's contest! (Sorry if I embarrassed you there, Grace. . . I love you! :-)

This week's picture, thanks to Ana's suggestion (thanks, Ana!). BTW, if at anytime any of you have an idea for a picture that you think would work well for this weekly contest, please let me know. I'm open to suggestions!

Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) and Princess (Queen-to-be) Victoria (Emily Blunt), The Young Victoria

The fine art of transforming siblings into bookworms. . .

2010-08-06T08:33:00.009+10:00

I am so proud of my little sister! Grace - 12 years old - recently finished reading Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South. She had never read anything this heavy or challenging before, but she made it, with no problems! (The fact that I had said she could watch N&S for the first time after - and only after - she'd read the book, probably egged her on a bit, too. ;-).

Inspired by her achievement, she is now reading Jane Eyre! And yes, I said that she had to read the book before she could watch the series. ;-) I stopped short of making Naomi read Bleak House before she watched it - I still haven't read Bleak House myself, so it would perhaps have slightly hypocritical of me. . .

Congratulations, Grace! (Read her review of N&S here.)

Other news: my 15-year-old brother is *finally* reading The Lord of the Rings! (And loving it, needless to say!) I've been trying to get him to read LOTR for years! I can't wait to watch the movies again - with my brother, for the first time! - when he finishes.

And. . . I'm making a Janeite of my two-year-old sister. No harm starting early, eh? "Mr. Darcy" - her name for P&P 1995 (you gotta admit, "Pride and Prejudice" is bit of a mouthful, especially for a two-year-old) is already one of her favourite movies. She squeals out "Oooh, look, it's Missar Darcy!" whenever he comes onscreen, and whenever there's dancing, she gets up and jumps and dances around the room!

And I shouldn't close without mentioning what was perhaps the single greatest triumph of my literary life - getting my teenage brother to read Pride and Prejudice. (He liked it, too!) I'm telling you, it warmed the cockles of my book-loving heart.

PS - of course the title for this post was tongue-in-cheek. The love of books - as with all kinds of love - cannot be forced, though it can be nurtured and encouraged.

Wow!

2010-08-06T08:30:00.001+10:00

We have reached 150 followers! Thank you so much, guys! :-)

A Damsel's Daybook XI

2010-08-02T21:02:00.003+10:00

~A Damsel's Daybook~

Outside my window. . . it is dark and chilly, but still a beautiful night. The breeze is rustling the palm tree leaves in our neighbours' backyard.

I am thinking about. . . corsets, of all things!

From the kitchen. . . everything is clean and orderly. . . I think. If anything is out of place, it's my fault, because it was my night for dinner cleanup tonight!

I am reading. . . I am thoroughly engrossed in Little Dorrit! It is almost threatening to topple Our Mutual Friend as my No 1. all-time favourite Dickens novel. ;-) I am also re-reading bits of So Much More.

I am hearing. . . some of my siblings watching Man vs. Wild on TV. Bear Grylls is in Turkey tonight. :-)

I am hoping. . . to some day be charming, intelligent, well-informed, capable, wise, beautiful, charming, intelligent. . . LOL. . .

I am planning. . . to read a little less Dickens and Austen and a little more serious - non-fiction - stuff. Biographies, theology, history. . .

I am wearing. . . clothes!

Around the house. . . all is blissfully quiet.

My wish of the week. . . see "I am hoping", above.

Caption Contest: voting now open

2010-08-02T20:15:00.004+10:00

1. Mr. Collins: "I don't know about you, but I'm finding this place very spooky. I don't suppose you could hold my hand?"

2. "No, you don't think. . . Impossible. . . I never would have guessed."

3. Mr. Collins: "Stare at the camera, not me! You're freaking me out with that stare of yours."

4. Mr. Collins: "Please don't tell me you're staring at a spider that's crawling up my shoulder!"

5. Lizzy: "Uh. . . Mr. Collins, your eyebrow is crooked."

6. Lizzy: "What are you saying?!?!?"
Mr. Collins: "You should have warned me about this!"

7. Lizzy: "Hold still. I see something very tiny on your head there."
Frozen Mr. Collins: "If it's not much trouble, perhaps you could remove it?"

8. Mr. Collins: "I know, I know, I know, I know. . . "
Lizzy: "What are you staring at?"

9. Lizzy: "WHAT did you just say?!?"

10. Lizzy: "What did. . . "
Mr. Collins: "Look straight ahead, dear cousin! This is a top secret mission for Lady Catherine! No one is supposed to know that we even know each other!"

11. Lizzy: "Mr. Collins, the rum is gone."

12. "Do not look now, Miss Elizabeth, but Lady Catherine de Bourgh is looking in this direction."

13. "No, look, seriously, I swear they're looking right at us!"

14. "Don't look now my dear cousin, but I believe someone is taking a picture of us."

15. Mr. Collins: "Who is that old lady over there?!"
Lizzy: "That's my mother!"

16. Lizzy: "Don't be nervous, Mr. Collins. It's only a ball."

Mr. Collins: "A ball. A wicked wasteful use of time. . . May I have the next dance?"

17. Lizzy: "Do you dance, Mr. Collins?"

Mr. Collins: "Not if I can help it."

18. Mr. Collins: "I want to warn you in advance, dear cousin. If people start staring and laughing at us while we dance, bear in mind that they are not laughing at you - I haven't danced for some time and I might be a bit out of practice."

19. Mr. Collins: "My dear cousin Elizabeth, you don't suppose you could move more to your left? That lady over there is staring at me with a very disturbing expression. It's quite unsettling!"

20. Mr. Collins: "Lizzy! Sit up straight, don't stare, and for goodness' sake don't trip! It's Lady Catherine!"

~~~~~

Vote in the poll on my sidebar>>>

Remember, you can vote for as many different entries as you wish.

I write like. . .

2010-08-02T13:03:00.001+10:00

I write like
Agatha Christie

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Cool! :-D Thanks, Autumn, for the link.

Friday Caption Contest

2010-07-30T15:48:00.003+10:00

And the winner is. . . Elisabeth! Congratulations!

"Strictly in confidence of course, my dear!"

Please feel free to put one of these buttons on your blog if you wish:

~~~~~

And now, time for this weeks picture:

Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), Pride & Prejudice 2005

Remember, you can enter as many different captions as you like.

Australian readers: Return to Cranford on TV!

2010-07-30T12:34:00.003+10:00

The first installment of Return to Cranford will be on this Sunday (1st August) at 8:30pm on ABC1.

~Charity's Place review

A bloat of hippopotami!

2010-07-29T20:47:00.005+10:00

17th century engraving of a hippopotamus

Some of my favourite collective names for birds and animals (as in, "a pack of dogs"), taken from my beloved Oxford English Dictionary. I shall put an asterisk besides those names that particularly made me snort with laughter - yes, I know snorting with laughter is terribly unladylike and so not something Jane would do, but sometimes I just can't help myself!

a shrewdness of apes
a bellowing of bullfinches*
a sloth of bears
an army of caterpillars*
a chattering of choughs
a bask of crocodiles
a murder of crows
a busyness of ferrets
a charm of finches
a skulk of foxes
a gaggle of geese* (this one is more familiar than some of the others, but isn't it so appropriate?)
a siege of herons (huh?)
a bloat of hippopotami*
an exultation of larks
a tiding of magpies
a labour of moles
a parliament of owls (anyone remember that chapter in C.S. Lewis's The Silver Chair?)
a congregation of plovers
an unkindness of ravens
a crash of rhinoceros*
a rookery of rooks (duh)
a dopping of sheldrake* (what exactly are sheldrake, anyway?)
a pandemonium of parrots* (trust me, the name is fitting!! There are lots of parrots where I live.)
a fluther or smack of jellyfish
a dout or destruction of wild cats
a fall of woodcock
a descent of woodpeckers
a zeal of zebras

Now, am I the only one who is henceforth going to be on the lookout for any opportunity to use one of these terms in real life?

Friday Caption Contest: voting now open

2010-07-26T19:31:00.002+10:00

1. "Leave one for me!"

2. Mrs Bennet: "Who of all people told you that?? It certainly wasn't my Mr Bennet!"

3. Mrs. Bennet: "And you see Jane gets all her looks from me." "Is that true?" Mrs. Bennet: "Yes," "Gracious the poor girl." Mrs. Bennet: "Why?" "She'll have trouble with nerves before you know it."

4. "I'll tell you what she's doing. She's rejecting Mr. Collins just to vex me. Everyone always takes such pains to vex me. But then I never complain!"

5. "Strictly in confidence, of course, my dear..."

6. "What are you all staring at?!"

7. Mrs. Bennet: "And would you believe what she did then!"

8. "Don't look now, but I have the strangest feeling I'm being watched..."

9. "And then, of course, there's Mr. Darcy. Some people say he's very handsome indeed, but no! He's not nearly as handsome as Mr. Bingley, who's so in love with my dear Jane... Oh, Jane! I knew she could not be so beautiful for nothing!"

10. Mrs. Bennet: "...the little dwarfs and fairies hopping in and out of the flowers in the garden...oh what a sight to be seen!"

11. "At that moment, I thought, 'It would be a miracle if Andres Iniesta could break through the Netherlands' defense . . .'"

12. Mrs. Bennet: "Nobody thinks about how much food they eat nowadays. As you can see I have a VERY modest amount."

13. "And then he had told us that he had met Mr. Bingley that very morning! He does such things just to provoke my nerves, but what a fine joke!"

~~~~~

Poll is on the sidebar>>>

Remember, you can vote for as many different entries as you like!

Victorian novels

2010-07-25T14:29:00.003+10:00

Kate Beckinsale as Flora Poste in the 1995 adaptation of Cold Comfort Farm

Flora pounced on some books which lay on the broad window-sill . . . She put these treasures away in a drawer, promising herself a gloat when she should have time. She liked Victorian novels. They were the only kind of novel you could read while you were eating an apple.

~Cold Comfort Farm, by Stella Gibbons - Chap. 5

~~~~~

I could not agree more. Flora is a kindred spirit.

BTW, I am thoroughly enjoying reading Cold Comfort Farm - it's just as good as the movie, for any of you who have seen it.

"Sink meh!"

2010-07-24T17:59:00.003+10:00

Anthony Andrews as the eponymous hero of The Scarlet Pimpernel

I think I have a new favourite movie - not to mention a new favourite hero. I'll have to go back and revise my Top 10 Heroes post sometime, eh? Not sure if Sir Percy knocks Henry Tilney off the No. 1 spot, but he's definitely right up there.

Several of you were amazed that I had never seen The Phantom of the Opera until the other day. . . shockingly, I hadn't seen The Scarlet Pimpernel either, until now! I myself am amazed. . . how on earth has it taken me this long to discover this gem? I've heard that the books were good, and have been meaning to read them since forever. I also knew that there were a couple of movie adaptations, but I had no idea that this particular one (the 1982 version) was THIS GOOD!!

Right, I'll try to write a review of sorts. I find it's easiest to write reviews of movies that I somewhat dislike, since there are always lots of things for me to criticise (bad Jane Austen adaptations are a prime target) - or even just movies that I like, but don't love. Writing a post about a film that I LOVE is always a challenge, because I constantly have to rein myself in, in a lame attempt to not sound completely like a giddy fangirl. (OMG I LOVE THIS MOVIE!! etc.) As you may have gathered, I love this film (bad). And I love the hero (much, much worse!). This does not bode well for my review, but I'll try to write it anyway. . .

~~~~~

The setting is Paris, in the late 18th century. The Reign of Terror is at its height, with countless "enemies of the Republic" losing their heads to the guillotine everyday. One man has been smuggling out victims earmarked for the guillotine - and doing so from practically right under the executioners' noses, saving lives and defying the Republic. He is known only as The Scarlet Pimpernel - his true identity is not known, though it is thought that he is English.

Ahem - his true identity is not known to the French authorities, but it is known to us, the audience. Sir Percy Blakeney, baronet, foppish, filthy rich, and generally regarded as something of an idiot by most of his acquaintance. Little do they know that behind the silly, dandified exterior, lies a scheming, highly intelligent mind, and the courageous saviour of many lives - in short, the Scarlet Pimpernel.

It's essentially the forerunner of the modern superhero story - superman, batman, et al. . .

Jane Seymour as Marguerite St Just

While in Paris, Sir Percy meets and falls for Marguerite St Just - one of the most celebrated actresses and beauties in France - and she in turn falls totally and unequivocally for him (ha, who wouldn't!). They get married. Marguerite still knows nothing of his second identity as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Marguerite had previously been romantically entangled with Citizen Chauvelin - an agent of Robespierre. Chauvelin is very much in love - and needless to say, when he learns of Marguerite's engagement to Sir Percy, he is not happy - even though he does not yet know that Sir Percy is the Scarlet Pimpernel. When he does find out, he is. . . erm, even less happy. Marguerite finds herself caught between the two men - suspected by one, blackmailed and manipulated by the other.

Anyway, it's all extremely interesting and exciting.

It's a hugely enjoyable movie, but beyond any doubt, the best thing about it has to be Anthony Andrews, who is brilliant as Sir Percy/The Scarlet Pimpernel. He absolutely nailed the part, playing both the foppish fool and the dashing hero to perfection.

The rest of the cast were good too, though they were all totally eclipsed by Andrews whenever he was on screen. Jane Seymour was very beautiful as Marguerite - but am I alone in feeling that Marguerite didn't quite deserve Sir Percy? I dunno. . . she was awfully nice, but surely such a hero deserves a truly exceptional heroine. . . Maybe it was just Jane Seymour's performance. I'd better read the books to get a fuller picture of all the characters.

Sir Ian McKellen as Chauvelin

Ian McKellen was excellent as Chauvelin, and I had a lot of fun spotting familiar faces from the old Austen and Bronte adaptations done by the BBC in the early '80s - including Tracey Childs (Marianne in S&S 1981, Georgiana Reed in Jane Eyre 1983), and Christopher Villiers (Tom Bertram in MP 1983). Also, Julian Fellowes - the acclaimed screenwriter of The Young Victoria, Vanity Fair and many others - is hilarious here as the Prince Regent.

The production values are outstanding! A 1980s TV movie. . . it didn't sound promising, and I wasn't expecting much, but I was very pleasantly surprised - the costumes, sets, cinematography and score are all absolutely gorgeous. The filming locations are also lovely to look at - many of the exteriors were shot on location at various stately homes around Britain.

Problematic content: there's not a whole lot, but I'd still only recommend this film for ages 12+ or so. The guillotine scenes are not graphic, but they'd still be a bit much for small children. There is also some language, and one instance of a man and woman living together out of wedlock. See also the Charity's Place review.

I haven't seen the 1999 version of The Scarlet Pimpernel yet. To be honest, I don't really want to - I liked this adaptation so much. What do you people say - is the 1999 series worth bothering with? I will try to read the books sometime (another heap of books to add to my mile-high mental stack of "books I need to read").

"These are a few of my favourite words!"

2010-07-24T12:34:00.003+10:00

"When the dog bites! When the bees sting! When I'm feeling sad. . . I simply remember my favourite words, and then I don't feel. . . so bad!!"

I'll stop singing now, shall I?

A few wonderfully expressive words that I just love:

Revolting
Repulsive
Abhorrent
Insufferable
Insupportable
Extraordinary
Remarkable
Truly
Astonishing
Shocking
Disgusting
Intolerable
Incontrovertible
Ineffable
Gorgeous
Delicious
Scrumptious
Obnoxious

And of course,

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Which puts me in mind of two more lovely words,

Atrocious
Precocious

And in case you're wondering, I don't know what inspired me to do this post. I just felt like doing it.

I shall probably add more words to the list as I think of them.

What are some of your favourite words?

Friday Caption Contest

2010-07-23T16:13:00.001+10:00

Mrs. Bennet the centre of attention (Pride and Prejudice 1995).

Comment away! Remember, you can enter as many captions as you like.

I am a Phan!

2010-07-19T16:16:00.006+10:00

Emmy Rossum as Christine Daae, with Gerard Butler as The Phantom

I don't know how I managed to remain all but oblivious to the phenomenon that is The Phantom of the Opera for so long but. . . having watched the 2004 film for the first time yesterday, I am now semi-obsessed! Okay, totally obsessed. . .

This is not going to be a review (my thoughts on the film are currently too scattered - not to mention biassed - for that), but rather an invitation for discussion and for a sharing of opinions! For a full plot summary and review, see Charity's Place.

Masquerade!

Wow! What an experience it is! (And how I would have loved to have seen it on the big screen, rather than my laptop screen. . .) The grandeur, the colour, the energy - and most of all, of course, the music. You know there has to be something special about a film when you can't get it out of your mind for one minute, during the hours and days after you first watch it. I can only think of a few other movies that have had quite the same effect on me. . . Pride and Prejudice 2005, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Lorna Doone. . .

It's dark, it's romantic, and it contains plenty of food for thought, with themes of redemption, compassion, cruelty and forgiveness, obsessive love and selfless love.

A few thoughts, to get the discussion going:

*Gerard Butler as The Phantom (Erik). . . wow! ;-) And I don't care about his vocal powers, or perceived lack thereof. His acting was amazing, and his voice, while not classically trained or technically flawless, was powerful and emotive.

Left to right: Ciaran Hinds, Simon Callow, and Minnie Driver

*I was surprised to see so many wonderful British actors in this production! Ciaran Hinds in a musical, who would have thunk it. :-) As well as Miranda Richardson, Simon Callow, and others. In fact, I think nearly all of the cast were British (or Irish, in the case of Hinds), with only a couple of exceptions.

*[Warning - spoilers!] I was disappointed at first by the ending. . . I wanted so badly for there to be a happy ending for the Phantom. But after more thought, I suppose the story was resolved in the only possible way after all. And the Phantom, though he doesn't get Christine, does find redemption through his mad obsession giving way, in the final minutes, to selfless love. *End of spoilers*

Patrick Wilson as Raoul, with Emmy Rossum as Christine

*Emmy Rossum - can't believe she was only 16-17 when she played Christine!

*Have you seen the stage production, or read the book? Would you recommend the book? And if so, which translation?

*Your thoughts on the movie?

Friday Caption Contest - except it isn't Friday. . .

2010-07-19T09:40:00.002+10:00

*Sigh* - Sorry this is a couple of days late! I accidentally set the poll to finish a while after it was supposed to finish. . .

Congratulations to Marian, for winning this week's caption contest! :-) Feel free to use one of these buttons on your blog, if you want to: here, here, and here.

Mrs Palmer, whispering: "Alas, I'm afraid Mr Palmer is addicted to the World Cup! He's been glued to the TV for weeks..."

~~~~~

And now I'm going to give the contest a break - but only for a few days - I'll post a new picture on Friday.

Born to be a heroine

2010-07-16T17:48:00.005+10:00

No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be an heroine. Her situation in life, the character of her father and mother, her own person and disposition, were all equally against her. Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very respectable man, though his name was Richard — and he had never been handsome. He had a considerable independence besides two good livings — and he was not in the least addicted to locking up his daughters. Her mother was a woman of useful plain sense, with a good temper, and, what is more remarkable, with a good constitution. She had three sons before Catherine was born; and instead of dying in bringing the latter into the world, as anybody might expect, she still lived on — lived to have six children more — to see them growing up around her, and to enjoy excellent health herself. A family of ten children will be always called a fine family, where there are heads and arms and legs enough for the number; but the Morlands had little other right to the word, for they were in general very plain, and Catherine, for many years of her life, as plain as any. She had a thin awkward figure, a sallow skin without colour, dark lank hair, and strong features — so much for her person; and not less unpropitious for heroism seemed her mind. She was fond of all boy’s plays, and greatly preferred cricket not merely to dolls, but to the more heroic enjoyments of infancy, nursing a dormouse, feeding a canary–bird, or watering a rose–bush.

~~~~~

The opening passage from what is arguably Jane Austen's funniest novel - Northanger Abbey.

It's that time of week again. . .

2010-07-14T16:36:00.004+10:00

Poll is on the sidebar! >>>

Remember, you can vote for as many entries as you like.

1. Mr Palmer: "You have problems. . . [pause] . . .a serious one!"

2. "I could swear the papers are faking...who ever heard of a two-headed Chihuahua?"

3. "You said WHAT?"

4. "Well, Charlotte, I can't tell you what's in the news if you won't stop talking long enough to let me read it!"

5. Mrs Palmer, whispering: "Alas, I'm afraid Mr Palmer is addicted to the World Cup! He's been glued to the TV for weeks..."

6. "Ugghhh!!! When will she ever stop talking?? This is the eighth time I've tried to read this paragraph without getting interrupted!"

7. "Can anything you could conceivably have to say be of more import than what I read in this paper, my dear?"

8. "Excuse me but does the music have to be THAT loud?!? You know I'm trying to read!!"

9. "What is it? Can't you see I'm immersed in affairs of the utmost importance."

10. "My dear wife just because its the latest fashion does not mean that it suits YOU!"

11. 'Excuse me? Charlotte did what? I can read it on the 7th page!?' - Mr Palmer.

12. "I would suggest that you leave me to my reading in peace. What you don't know, is that I know Kung Fu!"

~~~~~

Once again, wonderful contributions from everyone. :-)

Follow me on facebook!

2010-07-10T18:02:00.003+10:00

That's right, I've created a facebook page for Ribbons of Light!

Please "like" if you're on facebook, and "suggest" to any of your FB friends who might be interested.

Friday Caption Contest

2010-07-09T20:18:00.006+10:00

I am very pleased to announce that this week's winner is. . . Guitargirl, for her hilarious reference to a certain incident involving Kanye West and Taylor Swift.

Congratulations, Guitargirl! And a big thank you to everyone who entered. Thanks, guys!

"Yo Harriet. I'm really happy for you and I gonna let you finish, but Emma is one of the best painters of all time."

~~~~~

I am trying to reduce my usage of LOLs and smilies (they contribute to global warming!!), but now would seem an appropriate time to insert one or two well-deserved LOLs. . .

LOL!!! LOL LOL LOL :-D

~~~~~

Ahem. And now, time for this week's picture.

Hugh Laurie as poor Mr. Palmer, in Sense and Sensibility 1995.

Just wanted to let you know. . .

2010-07-09T10:04:00.004+10:00

. . . that little by little, I've been uploading my costume drama picture collection to Picasa. It's still a work in progress, but there are now several hundred gorgeous pictures for you to browse through at your leisure. :-) For best viewing, click the "Full Screen" option, then hit F11 on your keyboard.

~My Picasa Web Albums~

Poll not working?

2010-07-07T08:02:00.002+10:00

One or two people have said that the poll has been playing up, and they have had difficulty trying to vote. I don't know what could be wrong - if you have trouble voting, please leave a comment.

Voting now open!

2010-07-06T21:05:00.004+10:00

*Sighs*. . . I feel guilty. For the last week or so, I have posted precious little that isn't related to this caption contest-thingy. Then again, perhaps I should be grateful that I came up with the idea for this thing in the first place, because if I hadn't, there probably would have been even less new posts here lately. Oh well. . .

But I really must say thank you to you all - the response to this caption contest has been wonderful, much bigger and more enthusiastic than I expected. :-)

This week's entries:

1. Mr. Elton: "You've made my nose too big!"

2. "It's lovely, really! Really. Er...what is it?"

3. "Um, and it's supposed to be what exactly?"

4. "Yo Harriet. I'm really happy for you and I gonna let you finish, but Emma is one of the best painters of all time."

5. Mr Elton: "Ew,What is THAT!" Harriet: "Oh, I'm just painting what I feel!"

6. Mr. Elton.: "You can never get his nose right!!!"

7. "And I suspect that to the left is ah, let me guess? A tree? Ah I see it now. You may Miss Smith improve by taking Miss Woodhouse's excellent tutorledge. Now let us go see what beauty Miss Woodhouse has captured on her easel!"

8. Mr. Elton: "That bush looks funny, the cows look funny. Why not paint a picture of me? After all I'm so much more paintalistic and I'm good for posing!" Harriet smith whispers: "Yeah right! He's like soooooooo not!"

9. Mr Elton: "You've got that wrong...and that...and that!" Harriet: "Would you like to take the paint brush?" Mutters "know-it-all"

10. "I'm afraid you colored outside the lines there..."

11. "You should have put a bigger nose on him!"

12. Mr Elton: "What is that"? Harriet: "A self portrait of course!" Mr Elton "Oh yes yes...See with that hair, I thought it was a poodle"!

13. "Oh dear! Uh... Are you SURE that's the color you want to use?!"

14. Harriet: "Oh dear, a blank canvas is so daunting!" Mr. E: "Just start - here!"

15. Mr Elton: "A portrait of Miss Woodhouse and...Mr Knightley?!!" Harriet: "I know; isn't he handsome?"

~~~~~

See the poll on my sidebar to vote. Remember, you can vote for more than one caption!

Friday Caption Contest

2010-07-02T21:19:00.005+10:00

And last week's winner is. . .

Elinor Dashwood, of Hooks and Needles! Congratulations!

Feel free to put this button on your blog, if you wish. :-)

And now, time for this week's picture. . .

Mr. Elton (Blake Ritson) and Harriet Smith (Louise Dylan) from Emma 2009

Once again, please leave a comment to enter your caption!

~~~~~

And dear readers, I'm sorry I haven't posted much this week. I have a couple of ideas for posts. . . but I know that once I start writing on one of these topics, I'll find it hard to stop, and will end up spending hours punching away on my laptop - and I don't have the time or energy for that right now, LOL! Sometime this week, I promise. . .

Caption contest: time to vote!

2010-06-28T18:24:00.005+10:00

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed!! I said I'd pick the six entries I liked the best, but I've ended up including them all - they were all too good. ;-)

~~~~~

1. Mad Cow Disease - The Beginning.

2. "Yeah, I dress my human. She seems to need it."

3. Cow: it's not my fault she has no life companions. . .

4. Cow Fashion show, Winner gets to pose for the next "Chik-fil-a" Calendar.

5. "This cow is like a daughter to me!"

6. Mrs. Forrester: "What's the matter, Bessie dearest?" Bessie (to herself): "Those buttercups - they look soo delicious! Oh! If only I could talk human!!"

7. Mrs. Forrester: "At least I don't look like my cow!"

8. Mrs. Forrester: "...And we've been happily married ever since!"

9. "She's a little too big for the baby carriage, so I have to walk her around on a rope."

~~~~~

Vote ahead! See the right-hand side of screen to vote for your favourites. You may choose more than one entry. Voting closes on 2nd July 4:00 am, AEST (whatever time that may be in whatever part of the world you're in!).

LITTLE DORRIT ON TV IN AUS!!!!

2010-06-26T07:44:00.005+10:00

Finally!!! (Do excuse my extravagant use of exclamation marks. . . Miss Matty would be shocked! ;-)

The BBC's Little Dorrit will be ON TV in Australia THIS SUNDAY NIGHT (June 27th) - ABC1 at 8:35pm - and for the following three Sunday nights. Don't miss it! It's my second-favourite Dickens adaptation of all time - in other words, it is very, very, good! I wouldn't recommend it for young viewers, however - teens and up would be the appropriate audience. For a Christian review of Little Dorrit, head on over to Charity's Place.

Edit: Little Dorrit got rave reviews from Fairfax Media's "The Guide", lauded as one of the "shows of the year", and "a masterpiece"! I'll second that! ;-)

Friday caption contest!

2010-06-25T07:58:00.003+10:00

A lot of other bloggers have been having caption contests lately. I thought it would be fun to have one here at Ribbons of Light.

Each week (hopefully every Friday), I'll post a picture. Then it will be your turn to think up the funniest, wittiest caption you can. Entries will be open for all of Friday and Saturday (Australian time, LOL! Probably Thursday evening - early Saturday morning in America). After entries close, I'll pick the six captions that make me laugh the most. :-) Then I'll create a poll for those six, and you can vote for whichever caption you thought was the best. Winner is announced the next Friday, at which point there will also be a new picture to post captions for! Make sense? I hope I wasn't too confusing. . .

Now, lets get started! This week's picture. . .

Mrs. Forrester (Julia McKenzie) and her "Bessie Dearest" :-)

"I declare. . ."

2010-06-24T19:03:00.005+10:00

"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library."

~Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice, Chapter XI of Volume I

Regency World Awards

2010-06-23T21:14:00.004+10:00

I guess I'm a bit out of the loop right now, when it comes to all things Austen, because I hadn't released that voting was now open for the Jane Austen's Regency World Awards! There's still time if you haven't voted yet (I hadn't until five minutes ago!) - voting closes on June 30th.

Click HERE to vote.

Gandalf goes to the World Cup

2010-06-23T10:12:00.007+10:00

In light of the current controversy over the vuvuzelas being used by soccer/football fans over in South Africa, I thought this was just too funny. . . I simply had to share it with you all! :-)

Edit: and I just found this video, too. . .

Aussie readers - costume drama DVD sale @ Target

2010-06-17T21:01:00.004+10:00

Quick, race to your nearest Target store!

The sale runs from 17th June - 7th July. Click here to browse the catalogue.

Some of the titles that may be of interest:

The Jane Austen Collection DVD set
Lark Rise to Candleford
Tess of the D'Urbervilles 2008
Pride and Prejudice 1995 remastered edition
Miss Austen Regrets
Jane Eyre 2006
Middlemarch 1994
Cranford
Wives and Daughters
North and South
Love in a Cold Climate
Clarissa 1990 [incidentally, the most depressing miniseries I've ever watched!]
The Barchester Chronicles
Persuasion 2007
Lorna Doone 2000

+Numerous others

I'll try to resist the urge to splurge. :P

Voyage of the Dawn Treader Trailer!!!!

2010-06-17T17:39:00.005+10:00

Yay!! It's finally here! :-D Forgive my fangirly semi-hysteria. . .

(Once again, you might want to pause my blog music before watching. . .)

First thoughts:

*THIS LOOKS SO COOL!! I can't wait to see the movie!! Hehe. . .

*There have definitely been a few plot tweaks.

*The Dawn Treader itself looks stunning, and I love how they've visualised the landscapes (especially near the end of the trailer, the sea of lilies and the wall of water) and interiors from the book.

*We don't really see much of Caspian or Eustace - guess they're saving that for a surprise.

*LOL at the bit (at 1:42) where Eustace says "This place just gets weirder and weirder!" :-D Eustace is one of my favourite Narnia characters - I hope they retain a lot of his best lines from the book!

*The dufflepuds look pretty awesome, too.

*Lucy (Georgie Henley) is so grown up!!

*In the few hours since this was released, I have watched it about 10 times. . . and the more I see it, the more I like it! :-)

*Man, how I am going to survive until December 10th????!!!!

~~~~~

Your thoughts???

Update on Disney's Rapunzel movie. . .

2010-06-14T21:09:00.002+10:00

I don't know if any of you remember, but I posted about this waaaayyy back in December 2008! Well, just to give you a quick update. . .

The title has changed from "Rapunzel Unbraided" to "Tangled". Here's the plot outline:

The long-haired Princess Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but when she falls in love with a bandit who was passing by she must venture into the outside world for the first time to find him

And the trailer has been released! To be honest, I'm very disappointed with it, and I don't think I'm going to like this film nearly as much as I thought I would. It looks like it will be a silly, mildly funny and entertaining flick at best. Oh well. . .

Here's the trailer: (you might want to pause my blog music first. . .)

And you can view several new film stills at IMDb.