Sense & Sensibility, the latest adaptation by Andrew Davies and aired by BBC in the beginning of this year, is, as you know, the object of our monthly discussion.
It’s impossible not to compare this series with Ang Lee’s movie but each one has a different approach to Jane Austen’s novel. You can read our review of the 1995 adaptation here.Davies decided to spice up things and give more sexual tension to this story. Here’s what he says about the novel and the serie:
“The novel is as much about sex and money as social conventions. This drama is more overtly sexual than most previous Austen adaptations seen on screen and gets to grips with the dark underbelly of the book.”
The opening scene is a perfect way to grab the viewers attention and wonder who the young couple is. The death of the Dashwood father, shakes up the family’s world and mother and daughters have to leave their home to another new destination and a new life.
The two Dashwood sisters are marvelously played by two young actresses: Charity Wakefield (Marianne), who kept all the freshness and impetuosity of her young years, and Hattie Monahan (Elinor) very touching with her good sense and hidden feelings.
Like those who liked Emma Thompson’s adaptation, we were a bit afraid to see the new Col. Brandon. Who could do better than Alan Rickman?! That was simply not possible, right?! Well, David Morrissey was up to the task and he gives us a very good performance. This man simply filled the screen each time he appeared. He is tall, strong, protective, wise, he likes music and a good conversation. Just a perfect Jane Austen hero! When he holds Marianne during the party when she meets Willoughby again, we can only sigh and wish for more. This version gives us more about Marianne and Brandon’s relationship. We needed to see their love growing for each other.
Edward makes us think immediately of a more handsome Hugh Grant. Same shaggy hair, the blue eyes, the hesitant and shy attitude… Nothing new here! But we cannot resist his smile when he looks at Elinor. Their story is more calm but the passion is present and how couldn’t we be happy when they finally get together.
Willoughby is immediately identified as the villain. When you see him for the first time in the Dashwood cottage, you don’t doubt he is up to something, especially after seeing Brandon’s reaction. He clearly lacks the finesse of a Greg Wise, but in the novel he is rather young. The actor even manages to create a repellent and sleazy character who can only see his own interests. Dominic Cooper doesn’t really achieve to deliver a more passionate and ambiguous Willoughby. The scene when he returns to talk to Marianne at the end seems forced and not really captivating…
While following the novel pretty close, this version lacks some of the usual Austen’s sense of humor, especially with the Palmers and the Middleton’s. The most comical character is certainly the sister of the annoying Lucy Steele. Her comments and reactions are responsible for some good laughs. Also some scenes, like the duel were added to give more dramatic sense and maybe, like a good friend of ours said, to show that Col. Brandon is the best in everything. Who are we to deny it!
One thing we must mention here is the scenery. The North Devon (Hartland) seacoast landscape is beautiful and breathtaking. You cannot help to fall in love for the region.
In the end, even with some flaws, Davies managed to create another successful adaptation and we can’t wait for his upcoming works.
The death of the Dashwood father shakes up the little family. The mother and her girls know they will have to leave their house to the older half-brother and his wife, Fanny. While they are visiting, Elinor meets Edward Ferrars (Fanny’s older brother) and a connecting is made… Sensing the disapproval of Fanny, Mrs. Dashwood decides to leave. They finally move to a cottage in Devon. A new life begins with new neighbors and new encounters, like the Col. Brandon who is immediately attracted to Marianne… During a walk in the hills, Marianne falls and a young stranger – Mr. Willoughby - helps her. They share the same interests and passions and fall in love… Some time later, the young man leaves without any explanation. Meanwhile, Elinor meets Lucy Steele who makes her a very surprising revelation…
During her stay in London at Mrs. Jennings with her sister, Elinor, Marianne intends to find Willoughby, who finally reveals his true nature. Brokenhearted, she still doesn’t believe how wrong she was about him… Rumors about her relationship with Willoughby are spread all over town ruining her reputation. In her turn, Elinor finds herself in a uncomfortable situation with Lucy and Edward. Her feelings are still the same who makes everything more painful. Finally, the young man’s secret is reveled to his family with serious repercussions. Both girls finally decide to return home, but before reaching their destination, Marianne get’s ill…
While Marianne is in bed recovering, Willoughby returns for some explanations but he is not welcomed by Elinor. In her way home, Marianne starts to give more attention to Col. Brandon and we can feel she is seeing him differently. They slowly become more close…Elinor suffers from Edward’s marriage but unexpectedly, he appears at her door…
Here’s some simple question to kick off the discussion:
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For those who read the book, do you think this version captured the essence of Jane Austen novel?
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Who is your favorite character and why?
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Which is your favorite scene and why?
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Do you identify more with Elinor or Marianne?
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Willoughby: a real villain or just a very confused young man?
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Alan Rickman or David Morrissey? Which one is your Col. Brandon?
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Were you happy with this ending?
I really enjoyed this adaptation. On the whole yes I think it captured the essence of the book. Or what I remember of it as I am feeling the urgent need to reread to check if all is as I remember.
For favorite character I’m undecided between Edward and Elinor so I’ll choose both. Both strong without being rash, sensible and kind even when things don’t go how they would like them to be. And both noble in their dealings with others.
Favorite scene is a tough one because I think of it more as a whole than as separate scenes but maybe Edward declaring himself to Elinor at the end. He was finally free to say it all and he did!
I think I identify with both Marianne and Elinor. To tell the truth I think I started out as a Marianne and have been slowly making my way towards being an Elinor
Willoughby is a real villain, so much he doesn’t even realise how harmful his behaviour was. He only cares about himself.
Alan Rickman! Although Morissey isn’t bad also.
Yes I was!
Yes, I think Davies caught the essence of the novel, even if the opening scene or the duel one were not really necessary. Nonetheless, they were great to draw some attention to the series.
Hmmm… I have two, Elinor and Col. Brandon and I cannot chose just one.
Elinor is irresistible with her smiles, sensibility and good sense. When everyone is lost she’s there, steady and ready to go on. It’s impossible not to like her and wish the best for her after so many trials. Brandon because he is protective, strong, honest and interesting. Oh, did I mentioned sexy? 
I think I’m somewhere between the two… Some days I’m more Marianne than Elinor and others, I’m a bit more Elinor.
Definitely a villain and not a very good one. I was expecting someone more dashing, more gripping and with more charisma. Instead we get a young pompous rake who thinks there’s always a good excuse for his mistakes. No need to say I preferred Greg Wise performance.
That’s hard to chose! Rickman is an incredible actor and his voice is so present on my mind each time I think of Col. Brandon. Morrissey had a very hard challenge here but he really managed to give us a different Brandon, but one who easily conquered our hearts.
I think that my favourite character is Elinor, I like the combination of her presenting as being sensible and responsible for her family, and yet we all know that she has her dreams and hopes as well. The fact that she keeps those hidden because someone has to be responsible gives her a depth that I find appealing and admirable. I also like that she seems to be the character that most of the other characters like and admire as well.
Having said all this, my most watchable character is Col. Brandon!
I insist that I be allowed several favourite scenes! To just pick one is too cruel! I swoon at the scene that you have a screen shot from – at the ball in London when Col. Brandon catches Marianne. I think the scene when Elinor is telling Edward about Col. Brandon’s offer of a living is very powerful. I think the scene when Marianne is playing the piano in Col. Brandon’s library is wonderfully romantic (I wish I could find out the name and composer of that piece).
I think that I identify with Elinor rather than Marianne.
Willougby? The cad! But I tend not to judge him as harshly as others might. Marianne made it very easy for him to act as he did. I think that Austen did well in having him always regret his actions in hindsight.
Ana T and Alex already know how I’m very partial to Morrissey as Col. Brandon. Much as I enjoy Rickman’s acting, I’ve never related to him as a romantic hero. Morrissey however is exactly as I imagine a romantic hero to be. He is definitely to swoon for! I felt he portrayed as reserved older man very well. The viewer was in no doubt of his feelings for Marianne, but his expression of them was understated and definitely done through actions rather than words. Yes, indeed, a man of action!! (as illustrated by the duel scene!)
Yes, I was happy with the ending. Throughout, I really did enjoy Elinor and Edward. I thought Edward was done very well. Oddly, I didn’t quite get in to the scene when he was finally able to declare himself to Elinor, but I enjoyed their lightheartedness at the end as it was such a contrast to their unhappiness throughout most of the story.
All up, I loved this series and I can’t wait to get the DVD and watch it properly.
I’m not sure if I can go this whole blog without mentioning Ang Lee’s version, so I will get it all out now. My biggest dissapointment was willoughby. i think that the ang lee willoughby was soooo much better. good enough for me to actually feel sorry for him, this one did not do it for me. I just wasn’t really convinced. I also noticed how the characters from the two films seemed to look so similar! They even sounded the same! and for that reason it made me keep thinking of the older version and therefore i compared it a lot!
But I do think that this film captured the feeling of sense and sensibilty and jane austen. well…except for the dueling scene…that was a little over done, and soemthing you would never see in Jane austen!
My favorite character is Marianne. She has her faults yes, but I admire her heart. I admire the fact that she went against the norms to do what she thought was right. therefore she is one of my favorite austen heroines! I know that my selection is probably not according to popular opinion though.
My favorite scene…well my favorite part is when marianne gets sick, and finally accepts Brandon, and in that scene is the love between elinor and marianne, very beautiful!
Though Marianne is my favorite, I think I am more like Elinor. Maybe that is why I admire Marianne. But it is really hard to pick just one…they are polar opposites and most everyone has a little bit of both of them.
willoughby. he was a villian in this version. I just couldn’t feel sorry for him! and that bothered me because in the ang lee version I actually did see him as confused. But I do believe when I read the book that although brandon is a wonderful guy, that I still wished that marianne and willoughby could have been together…but more about that in a minute!
David Morrissey was good, he was very good. But…he was not Alan Rickman. I just LOVE him as Brandon! Morrissey did nothing wrong, his only fault was not being Rickman!
The ending. hmmm, this part I am not sure about. It is just so bittersweet for me. I just do not think I can be happy with Marianne “learning” to love Brandon as much as she did willoughby. It just doesn’t seem right to me. Also, I’ve never been much of an Edward fan, because I read the book first. the book does not romanticize him as much. He makes a mistake as well, but Elinor still takes him. I am happy to see that they are happy, but I just wonder how happy they really will be.
But…I took this way too deep! Overall I thought this was VERY good. I laughed, I cried, I hated some characters! all in all, very enjoyable.
Dee,
One of ma favorite scenes (I forgot to mentioned them earlier) is also the one from the screen cap, when Marianne almost faints and Brandon catches her. What a man!
Also, when they met for the first time at the Middletons.
I agree with you, Marianne made things easier for Willoughby, he cannot be blame entirely for trying to seduce her, but for letting her believe he had future plans for them both. It’s true he never says so clearly but lacked honesty and concern for the young girl’s reputation.
Katie,
I agree entirely with you. This Willoughby was a real disappointment! Greg Wise, in the Emma Thompson version, was a bit more ambiguous and it was easier to believe he regretted his actions and that he really intended to marry Marianne. When Dominic Cooper shows up at the Palmers when Marianne is ill and explains himself to Elinor, I couldn’t care less.
Was it just wishful thinking or Elinor talked like Emma Thompson? I really had that impression but then, I told myself it was my imagination.
About the dueling scene, I remember to see (or read?) something about that and Davies answered that the duel scene was hinted in the book and he thought that he should included it in the series. I don’t remember reading it in the book but I could be mistaken…
Yes, yes!!! When she holds his hand…*sigh*
That scene is lovely! I also had a good laugh when Brandon brings her home in the rain and he starts undressing her and then he notices what he is doing. Elinor’s face is priceless. 
You think both couples are not really a good match? Edward does make a mistake but he is betrothed to Lucy and he cannot really say anything or propose to Elinor, unless she decides to break off the engagement, the other way around was not possible. It was a youth mistake, he knows it but he assumes his responsibilities. I think, even if she suffer with it, Elinor admired him for doing what he did.
About Brandon and Marianne, in the movie, I always had the feeling that she accepted him because he was there and he was kind. In the series we get to see them together a bit more and I can understand why Marianne starts to love him. A man who gave her his love without any regrets, was always there for her and never judged her for her actions, is to be admired. In that time, many would think she would be disgraced after that episode with Willoughby, but Brandon didn’t care. Respect and admiration transformed slowly into love. At least, this is how I see it.
I thought that Elinor sounded like Emma Thompson too! There were many characters in this version that looked and sounded a lot like the characters in Ang Lee’s edition. For example, John Dashwood looked very much the same to me. Maybe this is why Willoughby dissapointed me so much, because he was so different.
But concerning the couples, I know that in both versions I smiled and had a little tear at the end when they are all happily married. I think that the movie versions really brought out what the book didn’t do for me with the couples. When reading the book, I found myself wondering why the sisters liked their partners. But in the movie versions, and especially this one, the love they had for edward and Brandon was more apparent. What I did like about this version is that Marianne and Brandon’s relationship is shown growing a lot more than in the ang lee version.
But I will have to check up on the dueling scene. Davies really nit picked the book for all of the underlying happenings, and I think that doing that made this version very interesting, and very enjoyable.
Unlike Katie, I wasn’t that attached to the Ange Lee version, so I was more than ready to fall for this series. However, there are two things that I did prefer with the Lee version – I thought that it did the Marianne being ill bit well, and they included the long suffering husband (sorry, can’t remember the character’s name) played by Hugh Laurie. It’s those characters that pop up to delight the Austen reader, and it’s a shame that he was missed in the series, I think.
One of the things that got me about this series was the relationship between Elinor and Edward. I’m not well familiar with the book (only read it once many years ago), but I got the sense from the series of intimacy between them throughout. Not physical intimacy, naturally (!), but this sense that, for all it was unspoken, they were ‘it’ for each other – and they both knew it. It was this that made it so hard when Elinor found out about the engagement and when Edward was unable to declare himself and was honour bound to stick by Lucy. All up, I felt that this was wonderfully portrayed in the scene I’ve already mentioned, with Elinor telling Edward of Col. Brandon’s (swoon!) offer. They were standing far apart, almost at opposite ends of the room, but then the camera came in close and it seemed as if they were standing close and were focussed entirely on each other, with the words spoken almost being irrelevant.
Did anyone else get this? or am I being fanciful?!
Oh Hugh Laurie was just great in the movie. It brought a sense of the absurd to the character that is definitely lacking in this series. I also have to agree about Marianne, I didn’t disliked Charity Wakefield but Kate Winslet was very good at being frail and heartbroken.
Other than that this Elinor is just how I feel Elinor should be and Edward also, it always seemed like he was going to say something more but then he remembered himself. Because of that that scene you mention Dee is also a favorite, so many layers and hidden emotions there. Loved it too! And no, you’re not being fanciful!
Katie,
Ang Lee’s John Dashwood was even more awkward than Davies’ but I have to confess that I enjoyed much more Harriet Walter as Fanny. I couldn’t stop laughing when Lucy tells her the secret and she almost dies of rage.
Hmmm… You didn’t feel a real connection between Elinor/Edward and Marianne/Bradon in the book. I read it some time ago and now, I want to read it again to see if I have the same feeling. Somehow, I find difficult now to take some distance from both the movie and the series and remember only the book.
Each time I see that duel scene, I don’t feel like it goes with the rest of the story. Now, I really have to reread the book !
Mr. Palmer! His kind of humor was much missed in this series and it’s a shame. Beside Lucy’s sister, there’s no other absurd characters who do always the best to unintentionally amuse us.
Not being fanciful at all, Dee ! I felt the same and I’m sure most everyone did. It’s one of the most powerful scenes of the series. I liked to see that aspect of Elinor and Edward’s relationship, how they knew they were made for each other. It’s so much more obvious in the series.
Ana and Dee, you both prefer Kate Winslet as Marianne, then?
Mr. Palmer! His kind of humor was much missed in this series and it’s a shame. Beside Lucy’s sister, there’s no other absurd characters who do always the best to unintentionally amuse us.
Not being fanciful at all, Dee ! I felt the same and I’m sure most everyone did. It’s one of the most powerful scenes of the series. I liked to see that aspect of Elinor and Edward’s relationship, how they knew they were made for each other. It’s so much more obvious in the series.
Ana and Dee, you both prefer Kate Winslet as Marianne, then?
Btw, Mrs Ferrars reminded me of Lady Catherine DeBourgh… Was it just me?
Hmm I’ll call it a draw. As a whole I thoroughly enjoyed Wakefield but in some scenes I think Winslet did a better.
No, I enjoyed Wakefield over Winslet – although it might just be that she was fresh to my eyes as an actress. I thought the combination of this Elinor and Marianne was better than the combination of Winslet and Thompson.
What did you all think about the opening seduction scene? Do you think it added something? or was it just to spice things up for the viewer not accustomed to the relative ‘tameness’ of Austen?
I don’t think it added anything at all to the story, Dee. It was enough to know about Willoughby’s situation with Brandon’s ward but the sex scene in the beginning was really just a way to get people’s attention, imo. Davies really sees Jane Austen novels with a different perspective and much more sensual than most readers are used to.
Some time ago, a friend of mine said to me that Pride & Prejudice didn’t had any sexual tension. What?! I was so shocked! Of course it has and you feel it all over the novel. It’s not really in evidence but it’s there. Maybe Davies think he needed to be more explicit.
I also didn’t like the opening scene. Totally out of character regarding the rest of the book and I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the 15 year old girl.
I agree with you both. Although I am a fan of Davies adaptations, I don’t think that scene was necessary, and actually thought it was really out of place – even visually, it didn’t match the rest of the production.
I think that the writers these days do think they need to be more explicit (or exagerate things – like Mr Thornton’s violence in North and South), but I just wish that they would credit the viewer with a little more sense.
It’s true that most writers now feel that they should modernize and make things more easier to the viewers and that scene with Mr. Thornton is such a good example, Dee. I was so surprised when I read the book and saw that they changed the meeting scenes completely. Gaskell’s Mr. Thornton was far from being as aggressive as we see him in the TV series. Well, I cannot really complain, Richard Armitage angry is a spectacular view.
Did you saw the latest adaptation of Northanger Abbey? It was also made by Andrew Davies and there again, he spices things up. It added some fun to the story and I had some good laughs with Catherine Morland’s dreams but I remember to read somewhere that many Austen fans were a bit shocked, especially about the bondage scene in one of her dreams.
Yes, I did see that adaptation, and not being familiar with the book I took it at face value. Like you, I did enjoy Catherine and the whole ‘gothic’ thing, but drew the conclusion that some liberties must have been taken with the adaptation ‘cos it didn’t really have a true Austen feel to it, in my opinion.
With the North and South thing, I continue to feel very disappointed about that, because I think their meeting in the book sets the scene for their whole relationship.
Oh, and about Mr. Palmer…I really did miss that in the series! He was hillarious in the movie edition and his character really pointed out how absurd his wife and Mrs. Jennings are! (of course he has his faults as well!) But that is something I love about Jane Austen! She is able to throw in these ridiculous characters, and we still like them!
And answering back to another point…I do think that Kate Winslet WAS the perfect Marianne. It is possible that her portrayal of Marianne is why I like the character so much! She just seemed to step right out of the book to me.
About Andrew Davies…I’m not sure if I like the way he “modernizes” things or not. His movies tend to have more and more un austen scenes…and I can’t decide how I feel about that yet. Especially with Sense and sensibility…I was pretty sure that I put in the wrong movie when a sex scene is the first thing to pop up! hahaha
Yeah Katie, I was taken aback when I first saw it too! But I saw it on this site first so knew that it was for real. I can see why you would question if you had the correct movie though!