Introduction
Sense and Sensibility is a BBC mini-series first broadcast on the 1st of January 2008 in a three part series. This adaptation was produced by Anne Pivcevic and directed by John Alexander, the screen play was written by Andrew Davies. The American studio WGBH Boston also co – produced the production. The first broadcast in the UK attracted over six million viewers per episode. This mini-series is more sexualised than other adaptations of the novel such as the 1995 Sense and Sensibility. There was great anticipation for this adaptation since Andrew Davies did such an excellent job with his version of Pride and Prejudice back in 1995. Though it was well acknowledged that it was a hard task to take on since Ang Lee done such a spectacular rendition with his adaptation back in 1995. This adaptation of Sense and Sensibility was very successful garnishing the praise of the hardest critics, who are known as the ‘Janeites’. Besides the scandalous first scene where Willoughby seduces Eliza, the film continues well to the very end and includes scenes and characters commonly left out of other adaptations. There is something quite dark about the overall production. As mentioned earlier this adaption was more sexualised then previous. One article comments "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." (BBC, 2014)
Characters
Overall the casting choices for this adaptation were done well. The actors that were chosen were closer in age to the characters in this version.
There were however some discrepancy’s to note. In the novel Edward Ferrars is described as being not handsome but in the series Dan Stevens who plays Edward is decidedly handsome. This was probably done in order to keep viewers interested as the modern day viewer typically prefers to see a young handsome man and woman in love. The relationship between Edward and Elinor would not be as interesting if he was not handsome as it wouldn’t be seen as such a great ending when they end up together. Dan Stevens also came across quite charismatic throughout and the awkward shy Edward was nowhere to be seen, this is another attempt at making the characters more likeable so they are more appealing to viewers.
Another character worth mentioning is Marianne Dashwood who was portrayed by Charity Wakefield. In the series Wakefield gave a mediocre performance when it came to Marianne’s passion and love of everything. She came across as quite ill-tempered in many scenes where she was supposed to be more emotional. This adaptation of Sense and Sensibility included characters that have been left out of others such as the 1995 rendition, such as Miss Anne Steele, and Mrs Ferrars.
There are other characters that suffer by been given very little screen time such as the Palmers, Lady Middleton and her children. The Palmers should have been included more in this series as they add character and humour to the story. On a good note Daisy Haggard gave a brilliant performance as Lucy Steele’s elder sister Anne Steele, the portrayal was perfect and it coincided with the description given by Austen of Anne Steele. This series overall lacks humour so the inclusion of Anne Steele was prudent as she came across as quite comical at times with her lack of indiscretion. For instance, when she is dining with the Ferrars she accidently reveals to them that Edward and Lucy have been engaged these past 4 years. Edward and Lucy coincidently enter the room right at that moment while a flurry of commotion is occurring around them. Anne shouts out apologetically “it just popped out”. The character of Anne stayed very true to how Austen wrote her. Mrs Ferrars was included in this rendition which was quite exciting for many Austen followers as she was not included in Emma Thompson’s adaptation. Also we got to see Mrs Ferrars but not much of the Palmers.
Margaret had a lot of screen time even though she is hardly mentioned in the book. This adaptation shows the developing relationship between her and Edward which wasn’t in book. She was left out completely in 1971 and 1980 versions. This may have been done for similar reasons as in the 1995 adaptation to make Edward the perfect man who loves children, basically to appeal to the female audience.
Mrs Dashwood, who is played by Janet McTeer, lacks emotion in this adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. She is supposed to be similar to Marianne in her temperament and thoughts but not much can be seen of this. She is more similar to the age of the character she is portraying which is more believable then previously casting choices.
There were however some discrepancy’s to note. In the novel Edward Ferrars is described as being not handsome but in the series Dan Stevens who plays Edward is decidedly handsome. This was probably done in order to keep viewers interested as the modern day viewer typically prefers to see a young handsome man and woman in love. The relationship between Edward and Elinor would not be as interesting if he was not handsome as it wouldn’t be seen as such a great ending when they end up together. Dan Stevens also came across quite charismatic throughout and the awkward shy Edward was nowhere to be seen, this is another attempt at making the characters more likeable so they are more appealing to viewers.
Another character worth mentioning is Marianne Dashwood who was portrayed by Charity Wakefield. In the series Wakefield gave a mediocre performance when it came to Marianne’s passion and love of everything. She came across as quite ill-tempered in many scenes where she was supposed to be more emotional. This adaptation of Sense and Sensibility included characters that have been left out of others such as the 1995 rendition, such as Miss Anne Steele, and Mrs Ferrars.
There are other characters that suffer by been given very little screen time such as the Palmers, Lady Middleton and her children. The Palmers should have been included more in this series as they add character and humour to the story. On a good note Daisy Haggard gave a brilliant performance as Lucy Steele’s elder sister Anne Steele, the portrayal was perfect and it coincided with the description given by Austen of Anne Steele. This series overall lacks humour so the inclusion of Anne Steele was prudent as she came across as quite comical at times with her lack of indiscretion. For instance, when she is dining with the Ferrars she accidently reveals to them that Edward and Lucy have been engaged these past 4 years. Edward and Lucy coincidently enter the room right at that moment while a flurry of commotion is occurring around them. Anne shouts out apologetically “it just popped out”. The character of Anne stayed very true to how Austen wrote her. Mrs Ferrars was included in this rendition which was quite exciting for many Austen followers as she was not included in Emma Thompson’s adaptation. Also we got to see Mrs Ferrars but not much of the Palmers.
Margaret had a lot of screen time even though she is hardly mentioned in the book. This adaptation shows the developing relationship between her and Edward which wasn’t in book. She was left out completely in 1971 and 1980 versions. This may have been done for similar reasons as in the 1995 adaptation to make Edward the perfect man who loves children, basically to appeal to the female audience.
Mrs Dashwood, who is played by Janet McTeer, lacks emotion in this adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. She is supposed to be similar to Marianne in her temperament and thoughts but not much can be seen of this. She is more similar to the age of the character she is portraying which is more believable then previously casting choices.
Scenery and Music
This rendition of Sense and Sensibility is quite different to the 1995 version in terms of scenery and the use of music. The whole production is quite colourless and makes it feel a lot darker then it was intended to be. There is not much use of colours throughout and the weather always seemed to be overcast and to add to this point the music used throughout had sad undertones, even when an exciting event was occurring, like when the Dashwood’s moved into Barton Cottage
Added and Missing Scenes
The opening scene to the series shows Willoughby who is played by Dominic Cooper seducing Eliza, a young schoolgirl who is Colon Brandon’s (portrayed by David Morrisey) ward, this scene was quite shocking and it may have turned many viewers away from watching the rest of the series, as they may think that this scene would be a common thread throughout.
This version does a good job of exposing Willoughby’s bad morals, but it is done too early in the series. On first viewing of this scene it is not clear who the man is but he is recognised later at Barton Cottage. Willoughby loses his appeal from the start as the pretence of a gentleman is gone and it is not as shocking when the truth is finally revealed about his character. In essence his relationship with Marianne Dashwood is seen as not so romantic. It also takes away the viewer’s experience of going through this heart breaking journey with Marianne. But on the other hand the grittiness of the situation is shown, as Davies says about the situation "A schoolgirl gets abducted, seduced and abandoned and you hardly notice it in the book” (focusfeatures.com). He does make a good point here as it is not that apparent in the novel that Eliza has been abducted there for the reader might gather that she had been very foolish in her actions and immature but it isn’t clear that she has been abducted. Davies also comments that although it happened off stage he thought it needed dramatising as it was crucial to the story and the viewer’s interpretation of Willoughby as a person.
This is also a good point as this event has a lot riding on it, such as Willoughby inheritance, Marianne’s happiness and also Brandon’s as he is a father figure to Eliza and he will have to help to raise the child.
A positive aspect of this adaptation is that the duel between Willoughby and Brandon was included. This scene is usually left out of adaptations of Sense and Sensibility such as the 1995, 1971 and 1980 versions of it. In this adaptation, the rivalry between Willoughby and Brandon is enhanced.
There are invented scenes to show the relationship between Edward and Margaret, in one scene she is riding on a horse with Edward in Norland, and in another scene it shows Elinor and Edward watching a show put on by Margaret with puppets. Other scenes have been added to show the growing relationship between Elinor and Edward for instance, quite an emotional scene occurs in the library of Norland between Edward and Elinor, Edward tells Elinor how much he values her friendship and how happy he is to have met her. At one point it is apparent that Elinor thinks that a proposal is about to take place it can be seen from the reaction in her face.
This is also a good point as this event has a lot riding on it, such as Willoughby inheritance, Marianne’s happiness and also Brandon’s as he is a father figure to Eliza and he will have to help to raise the child.
A positive aspect of this adaptation is that the duel between Willoughby and Brandon was included. This scene is usually left out of adaptations of Sense and Sensibility such as the 1995, 1971 and 1980 versions of it. In this adaptation, the rivalry between Willoughby and Brandon is enhanced.
There are invented scenes to show the relationship between Edward and Margaret, in one scene she is riding on a horse with Edward in Norland, and in another scene it shows Elinor and Edward watching a show put on by Margaret with puppets. Other scenes have been added to show the growing relationship between Elinor and Edward for instance, quite an emotional scene occurs in the library of Norland between Edward and Elinor, Edward tells Elinor how much he values her friendship and how happy he is to have met her. At one point it is apparent that Elinor thinks that a proposal is about to take place it can be seen from the reaction in her face.
My Conclusion of this adaptation
On the whole this adaptation stayed mainly faithful to the novel. On first viewing of this rendition it gives a different impression of what is to come next. The opening scenes show Willoughby seducing Eliza which was quite dismaying for many viewers. But from that point forward the adaptation stays consistent with the novel which is pleasing.