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Just viewed it again -- not a favorite version of MP

posted 8 years ago by ida96
2 replies | jump to latest

There were some moments of fine performance and thoughtful acting, but there were overwhelming elements that were gross, clunky, ugly and unappealing. The central pair, Fanny and Edmund, were so awful in their priggish certainties and bridling at every bit of what their delicate sensibilities found objectionable (sometimes to the bewilderment of the modern audience) that I could not find any sympathy with them. Ms Le Touzel was as galumphing, clumsy and unattractive as could possibly be. I grant her some excellent moments, and I could see why she was cast as Fanny, but her physical movements and arm gestures were mannered and became annoying during this very long screenplay. Perhaps Jane Austen would have liked her, but I could not.

[–] whoanelly (1592) 4 years ago

Heh, to each their own. I have never found any of those things off-putting. I hardly notice.

[–] whoanelly (1592) 4 years ago

You’re referring to the objections about the play, Lover’s Vows. If the modern audience is bewildered it is because they clearly do not understand what is taking place. In addition to going against what they all know to be their father’s expectations of the behavior of his children, there are other, more serious concerns.

The impropriety of young ladies and gentlemen acting in scenes together that are very inappropriate in that era is no small thing. Modern viewers who cannot grasp the implications may well roll their eyes, but unfortunately they are missing the plot. Not only does it “look bad” but it also puts the lady’s reputation at risk. The concern is very real that a man would take advantage of the situation (and a lady allow him) to take liberties with the female cast members — which is exactly what happened.

These events planted the seeds of the eventual ruination of Maria Bertram Rushworth. After her elopement with Crawford, bringing about the irrevocable loss of her reputation, she had to spend the rest of her life shut away in the country, by herself except for the company of Aunt Norris. Punishment indeed.