THE ADAPTATION OF AUSTEN'S NOVELS
Jane Austen’s novels have been adapted for film, radio and television- six times in the case of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, as well as inspiring other works such as BRIDGET JONES’ DIARY. Here are some of the most interesting.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, BBC,1995
Superb adaptation by Andrew Davies, directed by Simon Langton. The advantage of the television miniseries format is that over its five hours of running time it can include virtually the whole of the book.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, 1995
Emma Thompson wrote the script and Ang Lee directed this magnificent film of the least happy of the novels. Thompson and Kate Winslet are outstanding as the sisters who represent the qualities of the title, temperamental opposites but bound by a deep affection.
EMMA, 1996
Attractive adaptation directed by Douglas Mc Grath with Gwyneth Paltrow as the infuriating but lovable heroine. The talkative Miss Bates and her ancient mother are played by real life mother and daughter Sophie Thompson (sister of Emma) and Phyllida Law.
PERSUASION, 1995
Beautifully crafted version of Austen’s least accessible novel directed by Roger Michell with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds in the leading roles. Delightfully understated, impeccable sense of period, fine supporting cast.
CLUELESS,1995
Amy Heckerling’s film is set in a Beverly Hills high school and is about a girl who knows everything and sets out to arrange everyone’s lives. Inspired by Emma, though the setting and dialogue could not be farther away.
BRIDE AND PREJUDICE,2004
Jane Austen goes to Bollywood. Lalita Bakshi meets William Darcy and they come together to a background of musical numbers. The dialogue has been updated too: “Mother thinks that any single man with big bucks is shopping for a wife”.
(Adapted from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, A TALE OF FIVE SISTERS)
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, BBC,1995
Superb adaptation by Andrew Davies, directed by Simon Langton. The advantage of the television miniseries format is that over its five hours of running time it can include virtually the whole of the book.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, 1995
Emma Thompson wrote the script and Ang Lee directed this magnificent film of the least happy of the novels. Thompson and Kate Winslet are outstanding as the sisters who represent the qualities of the title, temperamental opposites but bound by a deep affection.
EMMA, 1996
Attractive adaptation directed by Douglas Mc Grath with Gwyneth Paltrow as the infuriating but lovable heroine. The talkative Miss Bates and her ancient mother are played by real life mother and daughter Sophie Thompson (sister of Emma) and Phyllida Law.
PERSUASION, 1995
Beautifully crafted version of Austen’s least accessible novel directed by Roger Michell with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds in the leading roles. Delightfully understated, impeccable sense of period, fine supporting cast.
CLUELESS,1995
Amy Heckerling’s film is set in a Beverly Hills high school and is about a girl who knows everything and sets out to arrange everyone’s lives. Inspired by Emma, though the setting and dialogue could not be farther away.
BRIDE AND PREJUDICE,2004
Jane Austen goes to Bollywood. Lalita Bakshi meets William Darcy and they come together to a background of musical numbers. The dialogue has been updated too: “Mother thinks that any single man with big bucks is shopping for a wife”.
(Adapted from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, A TALE OF FIVE SISTERS)