Monday, January 21, 2008

Northanger Abbey

Sunday night premiered Jane Austen's first novel (which was ironically published last), Northanger Abbey. OK ladies, what is the verdict? As for myself, I couldn't have been more pleased. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that I liked it better *gasp* than Persuasion. I realize it wasn't as serious or deep as Persuasion, but it had such a fun, frolicking feel to it, I couldn't help but fall in love with the story and characters. Felicity Jones was excellent as Catherine Morland, the spritely young lass who is a hopeless romantic, and an imaginative dreamer. Like all of Austen's girls, she is grounded in morals, values and even a touch of naivete; which all combine to make her quite simply: charming. I loved the flashbacks into her gothic romance novels, where she is being dragged around dark castles with her hair flying back, and men are trying to ravish her. I also liked the sweet and Jude Law-ish looking Mr. Tilney, who seemed to compliment our dear Catherine in every way. In a lot of respects, this film reminded me of Emma. It had the same light-hearted, fanciful feel to it (despite the foreboding look of Northanger Abbey itself). I also enjoyed the musical score that accompanied this film. I thought the best scene was after they were out for a horseback ride in the rain, and Mr. Tilney tenderly wipes the dirt smudge off Catherine's face. *sigh* So sweet. Cupcake Chowder gives this Jane Austen romp 4 stars!

What did
you think?

4 comments:

Rich said...

I very much enjoyed this one too, and for all the same reasons you listed, but liked Persuasion a touch better overall.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely loved this one! Mr. Tilney's manner totally reminds me of Jude Law in The Holiday, which made his character all the more charming! And Catherine was funny and sweet. I liked the light-hearted nature of this film. I went to Barnes and Noble and bought Persuasion(which I read last week), Northanger Abbey (which I'm reading now) and Sense and Sensibility (which I'll read next). Jason told me I'm on a Jane Austen kick. It's all PBS's fault! I'm so glad you made me aware of these movies they're showing! I must admit that even though Captain Wentworth is quite handsome, I prefer Northanger Abbey to Persuasion because the heroine isn't so depressed.

Unknown said...

Again, loved it. It was different than her other books, but very good. I don't think I have quite as much imagination as Catherine. I don't know anyone who does. Add it to the list of movies to get.

Englishfam said...

I really liked this one as well. I have to say I did like Persuasion better, maybe because it followed the "Jane Austen format" a little more. I really liked that Catherine spoke her mind and didn't hold back everything that she was thinking or feeling like Anne did in Persuasion. I just thought the ending was a little abrupt and thought the whole reasoning for the mother dying was a little weird. It totally reminded me of you though with her nose always in a romance novel!! haha