Now that advent has begun, and we've lit candle number one. I think it's a good time to start sharing some Christmas cheer!!!! And nothing gets me in the mood for Christmas more than snow, carols, and classic tv.
Well the snow I am afraid I have no control over. But I want to take the opportunity to rediscover my love for one show in particular: Charlie Brown's Christmas.
Now I know a lot of people never understood Charlie Brown as a kid. Actually, I never really did. It was only when I got older that I realized how hilarious it could be. And Charlie Brown's Christmas is one of the only Christmas cartoons that really gets Christmas right; every aspect of it. I have three favourite parts of the show, and would like to share them with cyberspace. :)
The first is Linus's famous scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA
The second is Lucy and Schroeder at the piano, when you hear for the only time in the whole series Schroeder's toy piano sounding like a toy piano: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie0lJ1QCHZ4&feature=related
And the third? Why, Charlie's tree of course!!! Best moments are when Charlie Brown thinks he killed the tree, and when Pig Pen is singing with the others every time he moves his head the dust gets kicked up again. lol. : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Hv9YmhGpw
Christmas is my favourite time of year. Seriously, I'm not just saying that. I mean sure, it's cold here in Canada, and we sit inside by the fire more because we're snowed in that anything else - or because we forgot to plug in the car overnight and now it won't start in the -35 degree air, and there is NO fresh fruit to be found at the grocery store, but hey, that's half the fun!! Mandarin oranges from China, 20 different kinds of nuts, baking and hotchocolate, crackling fires that smoke up your house before you figure out how to open up the chimney, lopsided snowmen and snowangles and snowball fights, shedding trees and precariously-balanced ornaments, midnight mass or any other incredible christmas service, and ta-da! We celebrate when a certain baby came screaming (presumably) into the world. What other miracle deserves a happier time of year?!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Jane Austen Tidbits
Well my friends, we are coming to a close on Jane Austen week. On this, our final day, I want to give you all a peak into the little known creations of our literary genius.
Jane Austen's novels, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, and Emma, were published to wide acclaim, and have maintained their popularity. However, there is one book that was published that is relatively little known. I have this book my Dad got be for Christmas one year of the "complete works of Jane Austen," and it contains all the above novels, and this story: Lady Susan.
Lady Susan is somewhat of a bizarre novel. For one thing, it is written in the form of letters, from various characters, to other various characters, in the story. Also, the main character of the entire novel is, in essence, the bad guy of the story. She is, in modern day terms, a cougar; a beautiful lady set on marrying a sweet (but gullible) young man ten years her junior for his fortune. She has a strained relationship with her daughter, who is in everything the total opposite of herself, and when the young man that Lady Susan has designs on begins to fall for her daughter, choas, drama, and clever manipulation ensues. The story is full of all the subtle Jane Austen wit that we love in her stories, but it also calls for a heightened degree of attention and intelligence on the part of the reader. That's what I love. Through telling the stories with letters,we only get peices of the story, and peices of the characters and their relationship with eachother, at a time. We are therefore the detectives of the story, which makes the end seem further away, but makes it all the more worthwhile when it finally arrives. A very interesting and intelligently peiced story, even though a man caught between a mother and her daughter initially seems rather uncomfortable. It has been heralded as Austen's "wickedest tale". The etext is available, but I would recommend you find a printed copy. If not, here it is: http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/ladysusn.html
Another one of Jane Austen's works is an unfinished story called "Sanditon". The original version has only the first 11 chapters, as jane Austen died before it could be completed. What Jane Austen had in store for these characters is tantalizingly uncertain. Let me say this: I read all 11 chapters, was hooked, and when I turned the page and found there was no more, I froze with uncomprehensable dissappointment. If you are able to get your hands of a book of Jane Austen's other works, which come in many forms, make sure it includes the 11 chapters of this fresh and new story, which had SO much potential, dealth with new issues (there is a mulatto heiress in there I think), and was young and witty. Apparently I am not the only one who was dissappointed with its not having an end. Someone completed it. That's right. It is now a novel, called "Sanditon: Jane Austen's Last Novel Completed" by Jane Austen and Another Lady (marie dobbs). I wish I could say that I have read it - but I can't!!!! Based on my perusal of the reviews on Amazon however, it would appear that the other lady did a remarkably good job of staying true to Austen's language and wit. One reviewer complained of Charlotte, who in Austen's beginning had all the marks of a strong character, began to weaken throughout the book (which would indeed be dissappointing, although unfortuantly suchthings occur in real life as well), and also that the novel contains an abduction scene that is far fetched from Austen's style. However, all other reviews, including the rest of the critics, are full of praises for Dobbs' efforts and results, and I am quite determined to get myself a copy so I can judge for myself.
Another very sweet and promising tale she began is entitled "The Watsons," which I believe she began in her youth and abandonned.
Jane Austen also wrote some Juvenalia, small stories in her youth, which have been published. There are several, and I am including a link to a site that has them, for anyone interested in peaking: http://www.austen.com/novels.htm
And finally, for all who have read or watched Mansfield Park, have you ever wondered about the infamous play, "Lover's Vows"??? Wonder no more! I am including a link to a site where someone has summarized the plot of the play, and also included a helpful analysis of several reasons Edmund may have had objections to it: http://www.austen.com/mans/vows/
And there you have it folks, Jane Austen week is at an end! Somewhere in the near future I may take some days to go through Elizabeth Gaskell, and will definitly be doing a C.S. Lewis frame down the line. Happy Austen week, go read the books, and definitly watch the movies!!!!
Jane Austen's novels, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, and Emma, were published to wide acclaim, and have maintained their popularity. However, there is one book that was published that is relatively little known. I have this book my Dad got be for Christmas one year of the "complete works of Jane Austen," and it contains all the above novels, and this story: Lady Susan.
Lady Susan is somewhat of a bizarre novel. For one thing, it is written in the form of letters, from various characters, to other various characters, in the story. Also, the main character of the entire novel is, in essence, the bad guy of the story. She is, in modern day terms, a cougar; a beautiful lady set on marrying a sweet (but gullible) young man ten years her junior for his fortune. She has a strained relationship with her daughter, who is in everything the total opposite of herself, and when the young man that Lady Susan has designs on begins to fall for her daughter, choas, drama, and clever manipulation ensues. The story is full of all the subtle Jane Austen wit that we love in her stories, but it also calls for a heightened degree of attention and intelligence on the part of the reader. That's what I love. Through telling the stories with letters,we only get peices of the story, and peices of the characters and their relationship with eachother, at a time. We are therefore the detectives of the story, which makes the end seem further away, but makes it all the more worthwhile when it finally arrives. A very interesting and intelligently peiced story, even though a man caught between a mother and her daughter initially seems rather uncomfortable. It has been heralded as Austen's "wickedest tale". The etext is available, but I would recommend you find a printed copy. If not, here it is: http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/ladysusn.html
Another one of Jane Austen's works is an unfinished story called "Sanditon". The original version has only the first 11 chapters, as jane Austen died before it could be completed. What Jane Austen had in store for these characters is tantalizingly uncertain. Let me say this: I read all 11 chapters, was hooked, and when I turned the page and found there was no more, I froze with uncomprehensable dissappointment. If you are able to get your hands of a book of Jane Austen's other works, which come in many forms, make sure it includes the 11 chapters of this fresh and new story, which had SO much potential, dealth with new issues (there is a mulatto heiress in there I think), and was young and witty. Apparently I am not the only one who was dissappointed with its not having an end. Someone completed it. That's right. It is now a novel, called "Sanditon: Jane Austen's Last Novel Completed" by Jane Austen and Another Lady (marie dobbs). I wish I could say that I have read it - but I can't!!!! Based on my perusal of the reviews on Amazon however, it would appear that the other lady did a remarkably good job of staying true to Austen's language and wit. One reviewer complained of Charlotte, who in Austen's beginning had all the marks of a strong character, began to weaken throughout the book (which would indeed be dissappointing, although unfortuantly suchthings occur in real life as well), and also that the novel contains an abduction scene that is far fetched from Austen's style. However, all other reviews, including the rest of the critics, are full of praises for Dobbs' efforts and results, and I am quite determined to get myself a copy so I can judge for myself.
Another very sweet and promising tale she began is entitled "The Watsons," which I believe she began in her youth and abandonned.
Jane Austen also wrote some Juvenalia, small stories in her youth, which have been published. There are several, and I am including a link to a site that has them, for anyone interested in peaking: http://www.austen.com/novels.htm
And finally, for all who have read or watched Mansfield Park, have you ever wondered about the infamous play, "Lover's Vows"??? Wonder no more! I am including a link to a site where someone has summarized the plot of the play, and also included a helpful analysis of several reasons Edmund may have had objections to it: http://www.austen.com/mans/vows/
And there you have it folks, Jane Austen week is at an end! Somewhere in the near future I may take some days to go through Elizabeth Gaskell, and will definitly be doing a C.S. Lewis frame down the line. Happy Austen week, go read the books, and definitly watch the movies!!!!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Emma
Here we are at the last book of Jane Austen's which I had yet to cover; saved the best for last!!
Emma is another book in which Jane Austen does something daring, by, in roughlyher own words, creating a heroine that only she could like. Well, I know we all love Emma, but unlike most of Austen's other heroines, there are moments that we hate her too. Emma is a delightful combination of heart and snobbery, intelligence and rashness, beauty and carelessness. How more real could you get? At times we may love her and at times we may want to jump into the book and give her a good hard slap. But we can't. We can only watch as the story unfolds, and as Mr.Knightly gallantly takes on the role of scolder we wish we could take, except he performs it with much better success - and more surprising results - than we ever could have.
If I say any more about the book, I would be raving for another full 5 pages. So instead I will cut right to the chase, and share with you all the film adaptations of Emma:
1) Emma (1972) - This is again, the original BBC adaptation of the book. It does a good job of following the book closely, and the costumes are good, and I enjoy the script of the title "Emma." I have my quibbles with it though - the actress for Emma is far too old to play the part, and consequently, if finding an actor who maintained the age gap between Emma and Mr.Knightly, the actor for our hero is too old as well. Emma's way of saying her "s"s gets on my nerves after a while too, and Frank - ANNOYING. Some of the scenes also, I am not crazy about their interpretation. However, Mr. Weston is a rather endearing fellow on the whole, and there is one scene in this movie I LOVE and wish the others had included - Emma has just returned from meeting Mrs.Elton and is venting heatedly to Mr.Knightly, who is taking it calmly and smiling, and while she is ranting she is walking around, rummaging through drawers, clearly looking for something although the audience is not sure what. Finally she sits down with a sigh, done ranting, and having given up searching for the lost item. Mr.Knightly quietly takes the scissors out from under her work and hands them to her - it was what she was looking for the whole time. SO iconic of their entire relationship. Youtube does not have a clip of this scene unfortunatly, but I would go so far as to recommend you rent it just to see that scene. Here is a clip of various compiled scenes, and the first two are worth watching for some good lines : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9740aM2wEMo
2) Emma (1996) - This is one of two 1996 versions, starring Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong. Personally, I think Kate Beckinsale does a pretty good job. She is a much more subtle Emma than her counterparts, which doesn't always bide well with modern audiences, but which is much more real and to-the-times. Some of the moments of this movie are priceless, and there is good comedy interspersed with everything else. However, it is very rushed, and the realtionship between Emma and Mr.Knightly is not given much time. I find John Knightly in this version very endearing, so the clip I will include will be featuring him. Watch from 0:51 - 1:59: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QCfYFo3OgQ&feature=related
3) Emma (1996) - Starring Gwenyth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam. I LOVE this version. And if I could only own two versions of Emma, this would be one of them. The actors for Emma and Mr.Knightly are perfectly cast and have great chemistry. The music is cute and brisk, meant to compliment the humour of the tale which this version certainly brings out. Honourable mentions to Miss Bates (played by Emma Thompson's sister) who is HILARIOUS, and is also the same actress for Mary in the 1995 Persuasion; and to Mr. Elton, who is...special. lol. One of my favourite scenes is at the Westons' Christmas party, when Emma and Mr.Knightly are settled beside eachother in a cozy conversation and Mr.Elton sits between them. lol. I will include it here, please watch the whole thing, including the faces Mr.Knightly makes in the background, and you will be sure to smile!!! Watch from 6:54 - 7:58: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ajhny5XWwU&feature=related
4) Emma (2009) - the cream of the crop!!! While it certainly hasn't replaced my love of the Gwenyth Paltrow version, it has bumped it down to second on the list. This version is AMAZING. Casting, music, visuals, script, everything AMAZING. I have a few issues with one or two scenes that Romola Garai does, in particular the scene where Frank puts his head on her lap - which NEVER would have happened, I don't care what the circumstances were, however other than that, this movie is perfect. Long, which makes it better. Honourable mention to Mr. Elton, played by the same man who played Edmund in the most recent version of Mansfield park, in which he gives a totally opposite performance, and almost made me split my side laughing. Couldn't choose a scene, that's how good it is, so here's a promo. Watch the movie. Promo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjPMEopKtDs
Worth noting that the film "Clueless" was based on the story of Emma. :)
Emma is another book in which Jane Austen does something daring, by, in roughlyher own words, creating a heroine that only she could like. Well, I know we all love Emma, but unlike most of Austen's other heroines, there are moments that we hate her too. Emma is a delightful combination of heart and snobbery, intelligence and rashness, beauty and carelessness. How more real could you get? At times we may love her and at times we may want to jump into the book and give her a good hard slap. But we can't. We can only watch as the story unfolds, and as Mr.Knightly gallantly takes on the role of scolder we wish we could take, except he performs it with much better success - and more surprising results - than we ever could have.
If I say any more about the book, I would be raving for another full 5 pages. So instead I will cut right to the chase, and share with you all the film adaptations of Emma:
1) Emma (1972) - This is again, the original BBC adaptation of the book. It does a good job of following the book closely, and the costumes are good, and I enjoy the script of the title "Emma." I have my quibbles with it though - the actress for Emma is far too old to play the part, and consequently, if finding an actor who maintained the age gap between Emma and Mr.Knightly, the actor for our hero is too old as well. Emma's way of saying her "s"s gets on my nerves after a while too, and Frank - ANNOYING. Some of the scenes also, I am not crazy about their interpretation. However, Mr. Weston is a rather endearing fellow on the whole, and there is one scene in this movie I LOVE and wish the others had included - Emma has just returned from meeting Mrs.Elton and is venting heatedly to Mr.Knightly, who is taking it calmly and smiling, and while she is ranting she is walking around, rummaging through drawers, clearly looking for something although the audience is not sure what. Finally she sits down with a sigh, done ranting, and having given up searching for the lost item. Mr.Knightly quietly takes the scissors out from under her work and hands them to her - it was what she was looking for the whole time. SO iconic of their entire relationship. Youtube does not have a clip of this scene unfortunatly, but I would go so far as to recommend you rent it just to see that scene. Here is a clip of various compiled scenes, and the first two are worth watching for some good lines : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9740aM2wEMo
2) Emma (1996) - This is one of two 1996 versions, starring Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong. Personally, I think Kate Beckinsale does a pretty good job. She is a much more subtle Emma than her counterparts, which doesn't always bide well with modern audiences, but which is much more real and to-the-times. Some of the moments of this movie are priceless, and there is good comedy interspersed with everything else. However, it is very rushed, and the realtionship between Emma and Mr.Knightly is not given much time. I find John Knightly in this version very endearing, so the clip I will include will be featuring him. Watch from 0:51 - 1:59: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QCfYFo3OgQ&feature=related
3) Emma (1996) - Starring Gwenyth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam. I LOVE this version. And if I could only own two versions of Emma, this would be one of them. The actors for Emma and Mr.Knightly are perfectly cast and have great chemistry. The music is cute and brisk, meant to compliment the humour of the tale which this version certainly brings out. Honourable mentions to Miss Bates (played by Emma Thompson's sister) who is HILARIOUS, and is also the same actress for Mary in the 1995 Persuasion; and to Mr. Elton, who is...special. lol. One of my favourite scenes is at the Westons' Christmas party, when Emma and Mr.Knightly are settled beside eachother in a cozy conversation and Mr.Elton sits between them. lol. I will include it here, please watch the whole thing, including the faces Mr.Knightly makes in the background, and you will be sure to smile!!! Watch from 6:54 - 7:58: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ajhny5XWwU&feature=related
4) Emma (2009) - the cream of the crop!!! While it certainly hasn't replaced my love of the Gwenyth Paltrow version, it has bumped it down to second on the list. This version is AMAZING. Casting, music, visuals, script, everything AMAZING. I have a few issues with one or two scenes that Romola Garai does, in particular the scene where Frank puts his head on her lap - which NEVER would have happened, I don't care what the circumstances were, however other than that, this movie is perfect. Long, which makes it better. Honourable mention to Mr. Elton, played by the same man who played Edmund in the most recent version of Mansfield park, in which he gives a totally opposite performance, and almost made me split my side laughing. Couldn't choose a scene, that's how good it is, so here's a promo. Watch the movie. Promo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjPMEopKtDs
Worth noting that the film "Clueless" was based on the story of Emma. :)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Mansfield Park
Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park" is a novel that challenges the status of a hero. Think of all the book you've EVER read, or the movies that you've EVER watched. What is the hero like? Maybe he's upright or maybe he's a bad boy, but either way, he's usually got this secret confidence and charisma that always bursts forth at just the right moments. Ok, well Fanny Price of Mansfield Park is not like that at all.
Fanny is poor. Fanny is timid. Fanny is quiet. Fanny never raises her voice or passionatly argues a case. Fanny is delicate, obedient, and sensitive. Sounds like a boring read? Not on your life!
Fanny Price is the reminder to the English Literate class that people of ALL dispositions have worth, and that sometimes it is the ones that we underestimate that end up surprising us the most with their bravery and trust. It also reminds us the the dreary tedium and frustrating stresses of daily life may end up looking quite like an adventure once one has reached the end of them. Mansfield Park is about the story we all forget to see in everyday life, and everyday people.
So you've probably guessed by now that I love the book. Well, you'd be right if you did. This story however, proved to be intimidating to film makers for just the reason that I value it - Fanny was not "the strong modern woman." But then, neither is every woman today...pretty sure I'm not. Anyway, there have been three film adaptations of this novel. One is excellent, one is terrible, one is good. Here they are:
1) Mansfield Park (1983) - Let me first surprise you all by saying that this is the excellent version. No joke! Ok, before I praise it to the skies, it should be noted that the style of shooting (camera) is old, and the acting is in the older, more stage-like style as well, however unlike the old BBC versions of Pride and Prejudice or Persuasion, it is not wooden. Actually, when placed in its time, the acting was quite modern and heartfelt. The actress for Fanny stole the show - quietly of course - with her sincere timidity of manner, and her own astonishment at any bravery or obstinance she did display. Edmund was good too - not handsome, and rather odd, but sincere and kindly, as he ought. Tom Bertrand is a loveable scoundral. Miss Crawford is quite good, despite a few scenes where I thought she was a little stiff. Henry Crawford - well, his acting is a bit formal and put-on, but I get the distinct impression that that was done on purpose, because in the book, that is how he is. Aunt Bertram offers humour, Aunt Norris offers someone to hate, and Sir Thomas offers us someone to misjudge and rediscover. If you can put up with the length and oldness, worth it. Fanny freaks at stupid fake Henry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJtn7wBSr1w
2) Mansfield Park (1999) - my advice? DON'T WATCH IT. Ok, sure it has its moments. But here is where film makers chickened out of making Fanny Fanny. Rather they combined the story with bits of Jane Austen's life (which were poorly fit in), and decided to reinturpret the rest of the story in such a way as to leave little resemblence to the actualy story than the characters names and relations to eachother. What made me the most angry, apart from EVERYTHING? Two things - First, Fanny is not Fanny; she is too strong, yet they try to script in unconfidence with it, and she is wishy washy with Mr.Crawford when she should have remained strong. Second - they villanize Sir Thomas. I would burn scripts for that.Oh, and Miss Crawford is disgusting, Fanny walks into a public street with no corset in her pyjamas, and there is nudity. And her brother William isn't in it. The least offensive clip of the terribleness that I could find is the trailer, designed to sell the movie of course: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2QJWA7ALcI&feature=related
3) Mansfield Park (2007) - this version is good. It is too short, cutting out a lot of the story, and Billie Piper is a bit strong as Fanny, but surprisingly she does quite a good job of keeping the character timid and quiet. Blake Ritson does a fantastic job as Edmund, a gentle and honest portrayal, completely opposite to his hilarious performance of Mr.Elton in Romola Garai's Emma. Miss Crawford was terrible, but that was mostly the scripts fault for allowing her liberties only a very unrespectable woman would have taken in those days (ie, purposely exposing her leg from under her skirt). Tom and Sir Thomas are good, and William is a sweetheart. Fanny's relationship with William is very sweet, as it should be. All in all, worth watching, which is why I am including a link to the first part of the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmqSn4udSaM
Fanny is poor. Fanny is timid. Fanny is quiet. Fanny never raises her voice or passionatly argues a case. Fanny is delicate, obedient, and sensitive. Sounds like a boring read? Not on your life!
Fanny Price is the reminder to the English Literate class that people of ALL dispositions have worth, and that sometimes it is the ones that we underestimate that end up surprising us the most with their bravery and trust. It also reminds us the the dreary tedium and frustrating stresses of daily life may end up looking quite like an adventure once one has reached the end of them. Mansfield Park is about the story we all forget to see in everyday life, and everyday people.
So you've probably guessed by now that I love the book. Well, you'd be right if you did. This story however, proved to be intimidating to film makers for just the reason that I value it - Fanny was not "the strong modern woman." But then, neither is every woman today...pretty sure I'm not. Anyway, there have been three film adaptations of this novel. One is excellent, one is terrible, one is good. Here they are:
1) Mansfield Park (1983) - Let me first surprise you all by saying that this is the excellent version. No joke! Ok, before I praise it to the skies, it should be noted that the style of shooting (camera) is old, and the acting is in the older, more stage-like style as well, however unlike the old BBC versions of Pride and Prejudice or Persuasion, it is not wooden. Actually, when placed in its time, the acting was quite modern and heartfelt. The actress for Fanny stole the show - quietly of course - with her sincere timidity of manner, and her own astonishment at any bravery or obstinance she did display. Edmund was good too - not handsome, and rather odd, but sincere and kindly, as he ought. Tom Bertrand is a loveable scoundral. Miss Crawford is quite good, despite a few scenes where I thought she was a little stiff. Henry Crawford - well, his acting is a bit formal and put-on, but I get the distinct impression that that was done on purpose, because in the book, that is how he is. Aunt Bertram offers humour, Aunt Norris offers someone to hate, and Sir Thomas offers us someone to misjudge and rediscover. If you can put up with the length and oldness, worth it. Fanny freaks at stupid fake Henry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJtn7wBSr1w
2) Mansfield Park (1999) - my advice? DON'T WATCH IT. Ok, sure it has its moments. But here is where film makers chickened out of making Fanny Fanny. Rather they combined the story with bits of Jane Austen's life (which were poorly fit in), and decided to reinturpret the rest of the story in such a way as to leave little resemblence to the actualy story than the characters names and relations to eachother. What made me the most angry, apart from EVERYTHING? Two things - First, Fanny is not Fanny; she is too strong, yet they try to script in unconfidence with it, and she is wishy washy with Mr.Crawford when she should have remained strong. Second - they villanize Sir Thomas. I would burn scripts for that.Oh, and Miss Crawford is disgusting, Fanny walks into a public street with no corset in her pyjamas, and there is nudity. And her brother William isn't in it. The least offensive clip of the terribleness that I could find is the trailer, designed to sell the movie of course: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2QJWA7ALcI&feature=related
3) Mansfield Park (2007) - this version is good. It is too short, cutting out a lot of the story, and Billie Piper is a bit strong as Fanny, but surprisingly she does quite a good job of keeping the character timid and quiet. Blake Ritson does a fantastic job as Edmund, a gentle and honest portrayal, completely opposite to his hilarious performance of Mr.Elton in Romola Garai's Emma. Miss Crawford was terrible, but that was mostly the scripts fault for allowing her liberties only a very unrespectable woman would have taken in those days (ie, purposely exposing her leg from under her skirt). Tom and Sir Thomas are good, and William is a sweetheart. Fanny's relationship with William is very sweet, as it should be. All in all, worth watching, which is why I am including a link to the first part of the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmqSn4udSaM
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Persuasion
This is another story which, I believe, was published after Austen's death. It is an interesting one; for while it has all the humourous components of a Jane Austen novel, it may also be linked to her own life. Jane Austen was dissappointed once in love, and lost her man. So did the novel's main character, Anne. But unlike Jane Austen, Anne is reunited with her would-be-soulmate 8 years after parting. Whether or not time has changed them, I leave you all to the novel. This is not one of her most popular works, but personally, I think it's a gem. Read it if you can, if you enjoy a bit of drama, if you love tragedies averted, or if you have a crush on sailors. There's something in it for you!
There have been three film versions made:
1) Persuasion (1971) - this movie does a good job of covering the whole story. The rest of it, I can't say much for. The Admiral has a good voice for the part, but none of the sailors look like sailors, and the girls...well, I wouldn't have married if I were a man either if all girls were like that. :S Acting is pretty awesome - that's sarcastic. And Anne's hair; well it just makes me cringe. If you would like to see why I wouldn't marry if I were a guy, or if you want to hear the Admiral's voice which I find very good for the part, here is a clip. Note that the main character, Anne, is the one sitting in the chair saying nothing, looking haggard, and probably secretly regretting the fate of her hair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3owT4OYNHq8
2) Persuasion (1995) - If I could "persuade" anyone to watch a particular version, it would definitly be this one!! In my humble opinion, it is the best. Accurate portrayal of the characters, ridiculous characters coupled with humanity, perfect casting, and very accurate costumes. The music is cute too, in its own way. I have heard many people complain that the leading man is not handsome. Well...he isn't. I can't defend that. But I would recall to the world that it is not only handsome men who are worthy of our notice, and also that, despite his odd look, he DOES look like he is a sailor; browned and weather beaten, and his acting is good, if rough (which is again, very sailor-like). I would include a clip, but I think the film is too good for that, so here is the opening of the movie, which you may choose to explore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnEslmemgTI
3) Persuasion (2007) - this version is ok. It's terrible in some respects and brilliant in others. The casting is good, but the hair is a little dodgy, especiallly on Anne, who is CLEARLY dosed in hairspray. The story is a bit disjointed and one cannot form much of a relationship with any of the secondary characters, however, the main acting is good, and the music in the opening is breathtaking. Locations are good, ending is good. Worth watching once, for sure. One of my favourite scenes, mostly because of the daring approach of scenery. Watch from 4:15 - 6:18. Slight spoiler warning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ-PbkVe0RQ
There have been three film versions made:
1) Persuasion (1971) - this movie does a good job of covering the whole story. The rest of it, I can't say much for. The Admiral has a good voice for the part, but none of the sailors look like sailors, and the girls...well, I wouldn't have married if I were a man either if all girls were like that. :S Acting is pretty awesome - that's sarcastic. And Anne's hair; well it just makes me cringe. If you would like to see why I wouldn't marry if I were a guy, or if you want to hear the Admiral's voice which I find very good for the part, here is a clip. Note that the main character, Anne, is the one sitting in the chair saying nothing, looking haggard, and probably secretly regretting the fate of her hair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3owT4OYNHq8
2) Persuasion (1995) - If I could "persuade" anyone to watch a particular version, it would definitly be this one!! In my humble opinion, it is the best. Accurate portrayal of the characters, ridiculous characters coupled with humanity, perfect casting, and very accurate costumes. The music is cute too, in its own way. I have heard many people complain that the leading man is not handsome. Well...he isn't. I can't defend that. But I would recall to the world that it is not only handsome men who are worthy of our notice, and also that, despite his odd look, he DOES look like he is a sailor; browned and weather beaten, and his acting is good, if rough (which is again, very sailor-like). I would include a clip, but I think the film is too good for that, so here is the opening of the movie, which you may choose to explore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnEslmemgTI
3) Persuasion (2007) - this version is ok. It's terrible in some respects and brilliant in others. The casting is good, but the hair is a little dodgy, especiallly on Anne, who is CLEARLY dosed in hairspray. The story is a bit disjointed and one cannot form much of a relationship with any of the secondary characters, however, the main acting is good, and the music in the opening is breathtaking. Locations are good, ending is good. Worth watching once, for sure. One of my favourite scenes, mostly because of the daring approach of scenery. Watch from 4:15 - 6:18. Slight spoiler warning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ-PbkVe0RQ
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Northanger Abbey
That's right folks; I know there are a couple other more well-known Austen books left yet, but I am saving the best for last. Northanger Abbey is the baby, if you will, of the Austen novels. It was not published until after Austen's death, but it's style was very different than that of her other novels. Not in terms of writing or humour, but in content. Northanger Abbey is more reminiscent of the Victorian gothic novels of the day, and is perhaps intended as a parody or satire of the very genre. The main character, a young and impressionable Catherine Morland, who has nothing heroic or remarkable about her, is swept up on an adventure (or an adventure in her eyes) - a trip to Bath! But despite her overactive imaginative fancies, reality catches up with Catherine, and she learns a thing or two about life, trust and humanity by the end of the story. It is cute, and especially today when the gothic theme is making a comeback with the rage of vampire and zombie-themed films and novels, Northanger is just as relevant as when it was written, and perhaps doubly comedic.
Northanger Abbey new much less fame than many of it's sisters in the literary world, however it was certainly recognized enough to produce screen versions. Here they are:
1) Northanger Abbey (1986) - The only relatively positive thing I can say about this film is that the English is pronounced very clearly. Yeah. Pretty much it. The main actress's name is "Googie." Which pretty much sums up the entire casts' acting abilities. The music is not only terrible, but the attempt at adding modern instruments (which may sometimes be done effectively) was very clumsy, the make-up is atrocious as they have attempted to combine pre-Georgian looks with Victorian looks creating an unified and ghastly atmosphere in the public scenes, the dream-scenes are almost stomache-churning in their eeriness, the script is very dumb, and the characters warped. Don't watch it. But if you nonetheless feel compared to test by judgement, let me at least direct you to a clip where the stupidity is more comical than nausiating. Watch 8:04-8:54, the acting being laughable, especially the expression on the guy's face in the last second: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HQVEpcVrmg
2) Northanger Abbey (2007) - A far superior version than the earlier version. Not only are the costumes, makeup, music and acting better, but the humour is kept in the story! This is a very good interpretation of the story, and although i would of course recommend, as in all Jane Austen's story, that you read the book, this film tells it pretty well. It's cute and fun and has some surprising twists. I would definitly recommend it on a rainy afternoon! :) For comparison's sake, I will include a link to the same scene which I advised for the earlier version, and you may judge the acting and camera for yourself. 3:30 - 4:57: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO2tmarMzO4&feature=related
Northanger Abbey new much less fame than many of it's sisters in the literary world, however it was certainly recognized enough to produce screen versions. Here they are:
1) Northanger Abbey (1986) - The only relatively positive thing I can say about this film is that the English is pronounced very clearly. Yeah. Pretty much it. The main actress's name is "Googie." Which pretty much sums up the entire casts' acting abilities. The music is not only terrible, but the attempt at adding modern instruments (which may sometimes be done effectively) was very clumsy, the make-up is atrocious as they have attempted to combine pre-Georgian looks with Victorian looks creating an unified and ghastly atmosphere in the public scenes, the dream-scenes are almost stomache-churning in their eeriness, the script is very dumb, and the characters warped. Don't watch it. But if you nonetheless feel compared to test by judgement, let me at least direct you to a clip where the stupidity is more comical than nausiating. Watch 8:04-8:54, the acting being laughable, especially the expression on the guy's face in the last second: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HQVEpcVrmg
2) Northanger Abbey (2007) - A far superior version than the earlier version. Not only are the costumes, makeup, music and acting better, but the humour is kept in the story! This is a very good interpretation of the story, and although i would of course recommend, as in all Jane Austen's story, that you read the book, this film tells it pretty well. It's cute and fun and has some surprising twists. I would definitly recommend it on a rainy afternoon! :) For comparison's sake, I will include a link to the same scene which I advised for the earlier version, and you may judge the acting and camera for yourself. 3:30 - 4:57: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO2tmarMzO4&feature=related
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Sense and Sensibility
Here we go with another of Jane Austen's brilliant masterpeices. Personally, I love this book. It's about two sisters who approach life very different ways. This is argueably one of Austen's most realistic stories in terms of characters, for although it is completely possible to see the reality in all her most ridiculous characters, most of the ridicule in Sense and Sensibility is actually quite, well, REAL. Like, I know people exactly like that, without the slightest exaggeration - match-making Mrs.Jennings and stupid selfish Fanny who essentially whips her husband, and Charlotte who just wont. stop. talking! It is a very endearing book, in which most women can identify with one of the sisters quite strongly. A cad who has a heart, though perhaps not enough of one. And an amazing end!
I remember once I did a "which Jane Austen character are you?" quiz online, and I got Eleanor. I'll tell you something; it secretly made me proud. But please don't suspect me of any vanity concerning that!
Any modern crazy adaptations you may ask? Well - Sense and Seamonsters, following Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Again, I refuse to read it, so am in no position to judge or recommend it's worth.
There have been several film adaptations of this novel, and they are all quite different. Though not as widely adapted to the screen as Pride and Prejudice, it has inspired some very good scripts.
1) Sense and Sensibility (1981) - There is, I fear, very little excuse I can make for this film. Despite it's being a long adaptation, they left out characters - most particularly distressing was how they ignored little Margaret's existance entirely! The costumes were accurate again, but there was not very much spark throughout, and although it did admitadly have some decent scenes, the ending was atrocious in my opinion. Here is a clip that was not too too badly acted, but that is compared to the rest of the movie, not to acting in general. When Marianne sees Willoughby at the ball in town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I05rEYA-TY&feature=related
2) Sense and Sensibility (1995) - This is tied for my favourite with the most recent version. I love, love, love it, and all the characters are portrayed exactly as they should be!!! It is shorter, so doesn't have time to deal with absolutely everything, but nevertheless manages to be true to the story, artistic, and touching. And here's an interesting fact: the actress for Eleanor and the actor for Willoughby (Emma Thompson and Greg Wise) are married in real life!!! Yeah, I know, who knew?! I am including a clip, but not what most may expect; this clip is a compilation of all the scenes involving Mr.Palmer, who is played brilliantly by none other than Hugh Laurie. Yup, for real. He's sarcastic, has perfect comedic timing, is the brunt of his wife's chatter and livliness, and underneath has a surprisingly good heart. Here you are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8T53_req48
3) Sense and Sensibility (2008) - an amazing version!!! The only quibbles I have with this version is the terrible interpretation of Mr.Palmer, and that Edward was not quite shy enough, which is unfortunate because I feel like the actor would have made a very endearing shy guy. Other than that, the music, scenery, camera, costumes, and acting were all superb, and the story well drawn out. I am attaching a clip to the first few minutes of the movie, but recommend that you watch 5:00 - 7:31. Almost my favourite 2 1/2 minutes of the movie, the characters of all three Dashwood sisters are covered eloquently, and the humour is AMAZING - focus especially on the children, Margaret and Little Henry, and you will get your laughs!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3HY4e2Ejuk&feature=related
I remember once I did a "which Jane Austen character are you?" quiz online, and I got Eleanor. I'll tell you something; it secretly made me proud. But please don't suspect me of any vanity concerning that!
Any modern crazy adaptations you may ask? Well - Sense and Seamonsters, following Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Again, I refuse to read it, so am in no position to judge or recommend it's worth.
There have been several film adaptations of this novel, and they are all quite different. Though not as widely adapted to the screen as Pride and Prejudice, it has inspired some very good scripts.
1) Sense and Sensibility (1981) - There is, I fear, very little excuse I can make for this film. Despite it's being a long adaptation, they left out characters - most particularly distressing was how they ignored little Margaret's existance entirely! The costumes were accurate again, but there was not very much spark throughout, and although it did admitadly have some decent scenes, the ending was atrocious in my opinion. Here is a clip that was not too too badly acted, but that is compared to the rest of the movie, not to acting in general. When Marianne sees Willoughby at the ball in town: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I05rEYA-TY&feature=related
2) Sense and Sensibility (1995) - This is tied for my favourite with the most recent version. I love, love, love it, and all the characters are portrayed exactly as they should be!!! It is shorter, so doesn't have time to deal with absolutely everything, but nevertheless manages to be true to the story, artistic, and touching. And here's an interesting fact: the actress for Eleanor and the actor for Willoughby (Emma Thompson and Greg Wise) are married in real life!!! Yeah, I know, who knew?! I am including a clip, but not what most may expect; this clip is a compilation of all the scenes involving Mr.Palmer, who is played brilliantly by none other than Hugh Laurie. Yup, for real. He's sarcastic, has perfect comedic timing, is the brunt of his wife's chatter and livliness, and underneath has a surprisingly good heart. Here you are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8T53_req48
3) Sense and Sensibility (2008) - an amazing version!!! The only quibbles I have with this version is the terrible interpretation of Mr.Palmer, and that Edward was not quite shy enough, which is unfortunate because I feel like the actor would have made a very endearing shy guy. Other than that, the music, scenery, camera, costumes, and acting were all superb, and the story well drawn out. I am attaching a clip to the first few minutes of the movie, but recommend that you watch 5:00 - 7:31. Almost my favourite 2 1/2 minutes of the movie, the characters of all three Dashwood sisters are covered eloquently, and the humour is AMAZING - focus especially on the children, Margaret and Little Henry, and you will get your laughs!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3HY4e2Ejuk&feature=related
Monday, November 22, 2010
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen's first, and perhaps most famous book, its first draft under the name "First Impressions" was rejected by publishers. Just goes to show you, if at first you don't succedd, try try again, and you could become famous!
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife....yeah, Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite novels ever!!! The story touches on a million different character types: the sharp and witty Elizabeth, the proud and aloof Darcy, the sweet and gentle Jane, the happy and agreeable Bingley, the unjustly vain Mary, the more justly vain Caroline, Lydia the spoiled child, and Kitty the follower, Lady Catherine used to having her way, Georgiana innocent and gullible and romantic, Wickham a regular common cad, practical and sensible Charlotte, ridiculously shallow Mrs.Bennet, cynical and impatient Mr.Bennet, and everyone's favourite: Mr.Collins the creep. Not a bad creep overall, but a creep nonetheless.
The story of Pride and Prejudice is remarkable, if you think about it. No matter who you are, there is something in it that reflects some mistake you've made. But in the end, true love conquers all...or almost all, Darcy's bribe conquers Wickham afterall. The story reminds us of our own faults, but also assures us that there is happiness out there for imperfect people who are learning to be better.
Pride and Prejudice has SO many adaptations!!! In modern times, there has been a book published under the title of "pride and prejudice and zombies" - personally, I refuse to read it, but I know some fans who find it entertaining. More impressive however, are the numerous film adaptations the novel has inspired:
1) Pride and Prejudice (1940) - the original black-and-white filmed version starring the beautiful Greer Garson, and Sir Lawrence Olivier. This film is very condensed and perhaps not entirely accurate, as it is based on the stage play rather than the novel itself. It is however, very very good. The casting is excellent, and the jokes are really smirkingly-funny. Interested in checking it out? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB1eiXMVTJc
2)Pride and Prejudice (1979) - this may be regarded as the original movie, as it is BBC's first adaptation of the novel itself. It's a long movie, and to the modern viewer the acting may seem staged and the camera static, but when you consider that such was the style at the time, it is actually not half-bad. Of all the P&P adaptations, this has THE MOST accurate costumes for the Regency period. This is a clip where Darcy and Bingley return to Meryton, and although not the best clip in terms of acting, it is a good example of accurate dress: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFAepxCBYhM&feature=related
3) Pride and Prejudice (1995) - My Favourite Version!!!! Starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. The movie is long enough to touch on all subjects of the book without leaving out characters or condensing their stories, the settings are perfect, the acting is good, and the costumes are excellent. And Mrs. Bennet is HILARIOUS. One of my favourite scenes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GHm4MK6F1Y&feature=related
4) Pride and Prejudice (2005) - an amazingly fun and artistic version of the story, starring Keira Knightly and Matthew McFadgen (i spelled that wrong). The best soundtrack of any version by far, and stellar acting on all accounts. If you don't have the time to watch the 1995 version, this is the next best thing. Honourable mention goes to Tom Hollander, who played a brilliant Mr.Collins!!! This is a music vid someone made dedicated to his character - the beginning of this vid is side-splittingly funny, and although the middle drags, the ending is worth holding in for!!! Here is Mr. Collins, "Bringing Sexy Back": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtJCY4Epco
5) Pride and Prejudice 2003 (2003) - this is a modernized version of the story, and I believe-although i could be wrong-that is might be a Mormon production?? While the story is modernized a bit clumsily, the budget is low, and the acting is a bit shoddy, I have to admit that it has its moments. And those moments make me laugh. If you're willing to go through some pain to discover those moments, this is a clip with one of the better scenes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Eb3eWvzA5A that is from 1:08 to when she leaves the restaurant. Note: her inferior financial/social situation shown by the old unreliable bug, and how she cuts someone off while driving showing she isn't perfect; the restaurant is called "Rosings" as is seen on the menu cover, and the seating host's unwelcomiing demeour, while poorly scripted, serves to remind us of Lady Catherine's condecension.
6) Lost in Austen - a recent British series, where a young modern British woman accidentally falls into her favourite novel - Pride and Prejudice, and in trying to get home, ends up messing up the whole story. Personally I think this whole series would have Jane Austen turning in her grave, but it must be said the story has originality going for it, and things are not always as they seem. Here is a clip from episode three, where it ought to be watched from 1:15 onwards - Amanda is thrown out of the Bennet house, and wearing her London cloths, meets up with Wickham. Wickham, though perhaps not entirely respectable, is not at all as bad as in the novel, and here he gives Amanda some amusing tips on Regency Feminine Decorum and Poise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktKZDsVgrmw
Well there you have it folks! One of the greatest novels of the English language, and one of the greatest love stories of all time.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife....yeah, Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite novels ever!!! The story touches on a million different character types: the sharp and witty Elizabeth, the proud and aloof Darcy, the sweet and gentle Jane, the happy and agreeable Bingley, the unjustly vain Mary, the more justly vain Caroline, Lydia the spoiled child, and Kitty the follower, Lady Catherine used to having her way, Georgiana innocent and gullible and romantic, Wickham a regular common cad, practical and sensible Charlotte, ridiculously shallow Mrs.Bennet, cynical and impatient Mr.Bennet, and everyone's favourite: Mr.Collins the creep. Not a bad creep overall, but a creep nonetheless.
The story of Pride and Prejudice is remarkable, if you think about it. No matter who you are, there is something in it that reflects some mistake you've made. But in the end, true love conquers all...or almost all, Darcy's bribe conquers Wickham afterall. The story reminds us of our own faults, but also assures us that there is happiness out there for imperfect people who are learning to be better.
Pride and Prejudice has SO many adaptations!!! In modern times, there has been a book published under the title of "pride and prejudice and zombies" - personally, I refuse to read it, but I know some fans who find it entertaining. More impressive however, are the numerous film adaptations the novel has inspired:
1) Pride and Prejudice (1940) - the original black-and-white filmed version starring the beautiful Greer Garson, and Sir Lawrence Olivier. This film is very condensed and perhaps not entirely accurate, as it is based on the stage play rather than the novel itself. It is however, very very good. The casting is excellent, and the jokes are really smirkingly-funny. Interested in checking it out? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB1eiXMVTJc
2)Pride and Prejudice (1979) - this may be regarded as the original movie, as it is BBC's first adaptation of the novel itself. It's a long movie, and to the modern viewer the acting may seem staged and the camera static, but when you consider that such was the style at the time, it is actually not half-bad. Of all the P&P adaptations, this has THE MOST accurate costumes for the Regency period. This is a clip where Darcy and Bingley return to Meryton, and although not the best clip in terms of acting, it is a good example of accurate dress: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFAepxCBYhM&feature=related
3) Pride and Prejudice (1995) - My Favourite Version!!!! Starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. The movie is long enough to touch on all subjects of the book without leaving out characters or condensing their stories, the settings are perfect, the acting is good, and the costumes are excellent. And Mrs. Bennet is HILARIOUS. One of my favourite scenes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GHm4MK6F1Y&feature=related
4) Pride and Prejudice (2005) - an amazingly fun and artistic version of the story, starring Keira Knightly and Matthew McFadgen (i spelled that wrong). The best soundtrack of any version by far, and stellar acting on all accounts. If you don't have the time to watch the 1995 version, this is the next best thing. Honourable mention goes to Tom Hollander, who played a brilliant Mr.Collins!!! This is a music vid someone made dedicated to his character - the beginning of this vid is side-splittingly funny, and although the middle drags, the ending is worth holding in for!!! Here is Mr. Collins, "Bringing Sexy Back": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtJCY4Epco
5) Pride and Prejudice 2003 (2003) - this is a modernized version of the story, and I believe-although i could be wrong-that is might be a Mormon production?? While the story is modernized a bit clumsily, the budget is low, and the acting is a bit shoddy, I have to admit that it has its moments. And those moments make me laugh. If you're willing to go through some pain to discover those moments, this is a clip with one of the better scenes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Eb3eWvzA5A that is from 1:08 to when she leaves the restaurant. Note: her inferior financial/social situation shown by the old unreliable bug, and how she cuts someone off while driving showing she isn't perfect; the restaurant is called "Rosings" as is seen on the menu cover, and the seating host's unwelcomiing demeour, while poorly scripted, serves to remind us of Lady Catherine's condecension.
6) Lost in Austen - a recent British series, where a young modern British woman accidentally falls into her favourite novel - Pride and Prejudice, and in trying to get home, ends up messing up the whole story. Personally I think this whole series would have Jane Austen turning in her grave, but it must be said the story has originality going for it, and things are not always as they seem. Here is a clip from episode three, where it ought to be watched from 1:15 onwards - Amanda is thrown out of the Bennet house, and wearing her London cloths, meets up with Wickham. Wickham, though perhaps not entirely respectable, is not at all as bad as in the novel, and here he gives Amanda some amusing tips on Regency Feminine Decorum and Poise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktKZDsVgrmw
Well there you have it folks! One of the greatest novels of the English language, and one of the greatest love stories of all time.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
It's Jane Austen Week!!!
Well it's Sunday, and I with all the work I have to do, I thought to myself, "what better time to do a Jane Austen week than now?" That's right; I am going to have one day devoted to every book Jane Austen had completed and published, and will add on two works that she wrote that I am betting much of her fan-base has never heard of!
My official week-long Jane Austen series will begin tomorrow, Monday, but let me introduce you all breifly, and very unofficially, to the author:
Jane Austen was born in the late 1700s, and lived during the Regency period. Often we fall into the trap of saying her novels were Victorian - indeed, I often say that myself, but the Victorian era began only when Princess Alexandrina Victoria took up the throne as queen, which was well after the death of Jane Austen. The Regency period is named for the Prince Regent George, who acted as Regent for his father, because his father was deemed by parliament as insane, and thus unfit to rule. However, George had to remain regent until his father's death, when the then became King George IV (or VI, I forget which). The regency period saw the Napoleonic Wars, the War of 1812, the introduction of gas lighting in the streets of London, and the introduction of cotton spinning machines, although industrialization did not reach its peak until later, as reflected in the writings of Elizabeth Gaskell.
Jane Austen had a few dissappointments in love, but she never married. Cassandra, her elder sister, was her closest friend. They wrote many letters to eachother. From her letters and her writings we may see that Jane Austen had a very synical sense of humour, which is undeniably amusing, but there was underneath, what must have been a very sensitive soul. Her novels which I will address, though perhaps not in the following order, are: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. They have been printed and re-printed, inspired parody stories, and have been adapted into many film versions. And if you stay tuned for the rest of the week, you will soon see why!
Let me just note that in reference to the life of Jane Austen, there are two modern films: Becoming Jane, starring Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy deals with her earlier life, and Miss Austen Regrets deals with the later years of her life. There are many biographies that have been written regarding her life, and many of her letters have been published, though her sister Cassandra burned many of the letters Jane had written her after Jane's death. Many people say that this destruction robbed the world of a great insight into the author's thoughts. However, I have to say that if I had been Cassandra, I would have done the same. The letters were intended only for her, and as Jane Austen's own stories hint, letters are private things that must not go astray!
Trailer for Becoming Jane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYViBfUvSOA
Preview of Miss Austen Regrets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pddz_MR1WkY
My official week-long Jane Austen series will begin tomorrow, Monday, but let me introduce you all breifly, and very unofficially, to the author:
Jane Austen was born in the late 1700s, and lived during the Regency period. Often we fall into the trap of saying her novels were Victorian - indeed, I often say that myself, but the Victorian era began only when Princess Alexandrina Victoria took up the throne as queen, which was well after the death of Jane Austen. The Regency period is named for the Prince Regent George, who acted as Regent for his father, because his father was deemed by parliament as insane, and thus unfit to rule. However, George had to remain regent until his father's death, when the then became King George IV (or VI, I forget which). The regency period saw the Napoleonic Wars, the War of 1812, the introduction of gas lighting in the streets of London, and the introduction of cotton spinning machines, although industrialization did not reach its peak until later, as reflected in the writings of Elizabeth Gaskell.
Jane Austen had a few dissappointments in love, but she never married. Cassandra, her elder sister, was her closest friend. They wrote many letters to eachother. From her letters and her writings we may see that Jane Austen had a very synical sense of humour, which is undeniably amusing, but there was underneath, what must have been a very sensitive soul. Her novels which I will address, though perhaps not in the following order, are: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. They have been printed and re-printed, inspired parody stories, and have been adapted into many film versions. And if you stay tuned for the rest of the week, you will soon see why!
Let me just note that in reference to the life of Jane Austen, there are two modern films: Becoming Jane, starring Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy deals with her earlier life, and Miss Austen Regrets deals with the later years of her life. There are many biographies that have been written regarding her life, and many of her letters have been published, though her sister Cassandra burned many of the letters Jane had written her after Jane's death. Many people say that this destruction robbed the world of a great insight into the author's thoughts. However, I have to say that if I had been Cassandra, I would have done the same. The letters were intended only for her, and as Jane Austen's own stories hint, letters are private things that must not go astray!
Trailer for Becoming Jane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYViBfUvSOA
Preview of Miss Austen Regrets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pddz_MR1WkY
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
I apologise; I have been remise in my updates to this blog as my life spirals on in its usual pattern of mis-managed, mis-understood chaos. But I log on again to share some very exciting news that I think is of enormous importance:
They Voyage of the Dawn Treader is coming to theatres December 10th!!! For anyone asking - yes, that is the third installment of C.S.Lewis' masterpeice: The Chronicles of Narnia!
So lots of reasons to be pumped about this. Lots. The main one being that C.S.Lewis is one of the greatest geniouses the world has ever seen. The story is incredible, the acting is good, the scenery promises to be breathtaking. And "our beloved Prince Caspian" is now King Caspian...which rocks, frankly.
I dunno if you all heard about the drama surrounding the production of this movie, but it almost didn't get made at all, because Disney dropped it; it was later picked up by Fox. So if you loved the first two movies, or if you love the brilliance, tenderness, truth and sarcastic wit of the books, go and see this movie!!!!! It promises to be an adventure. :)
They Voyage of the Dawn Treader is coming to theatres December 10th!!! For anyone asking - yes, that is the third installment of C.S.Lewis' masterpeice: The Chronicles of Narnia!
So lots of reasons to be pumped about this. Lots. The main one being that C.S.Lewis is one of the greatest geniouses the world has ever seen. The story is incredible, the acting is good, the scenery promises to be breathtaking. And "our beloved Prince Caspian" is now King Caspian...which rocks, frankly.
I dunno if you all heard about the drama surrounding the production of this movie, but it almost didn't get made at all, because Disney dropped it; it was later picked up by Fox. So if you loved the first two movies, or if you love the brilliance, tenderness, truth and sarcastic wit of the books, go and see this movie!!!!! It promises to be an adventure. :)
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Culinary Experiment Gone Right
You know those free recipe magazines that grocery stores give out just to make you buy the store-brand products? They recommend that you buy this highly-processed, all-cornsyrup-and-salt sauce for your meat and use this frozen vegetables mixture for your stews. Ok, well take the inspiration, but not the processed advice! Here's an expirement I ran with the help of my trusted roomate, where I made an orange-ginger stir fry without the premade sauce or premixed & frozen vegetables. It's worth testing your kitchen skills, because it's only by testing that you learn how to improve, and what is just right the way it is.
My Experiment of Orange-Ginger Stirfry
Ingredients:
-1 clove garlic
-1/4 large onion
-handful of bean sprouts, green beans, and brocolli peices
-handful of fully cooked chicken (whatever you use to make soup or broth you can use here, or other leftovers)
-4 slices of ginger root (worth buying a root and slicing it yourself)
-1/4 cup orange juice
-1/2 spoon of cornstarch
Directions:
1. heat the orange juice in a small pot. Add the cornstarch and stir until slightly thickened. Turn down heat to the lowest setting, and set one thin slice of ginger to rest in it.
2. In a frying pan, fry the sliced garlic clove, the chopped onions, and other 3 slices of ginger in some olive oil. Add vegetables and meat and stir. Add the orange sauce, and a few dashes of soy sauce, stir well. Sprinkle with red-pepper-flakes.
3. Serve over rice.
This is a nice sweet&salty stir fry with a spicy kick! :D
My Experiment of Orange-Ginger Stirfry
Ingredients:
-1 clove garlic
-1/4 large onion
-handful of bean sprouts, green beans, and brocolli peices
-handful of fully cooked chicken (whatever you use to make soup or broth you can use here, or other leftovers)
-4 slices of ginger root (worth buying a root and slicing it yourself)
-1/4 cup orange juice
-1/2 spoon of cornstarch
Directions:
1. heat the orange juice in a small pot. Add the cornstarch and stir until slightly thickened. Turn down heat to the lowest setting, and set one thin slice of ginger to rest in it.
2. In a frying pan, fry the sliced garlic clove, the chopped onions, and other 3 slices of ginger in some olive oil. Add vegetables and meat and stir. Add the orange sauce, and a few dashes of soy sauce, stir well. Sprinkle with red-pepper-flakes.
3. Serve over rice.
This is a nice sweet&salty stir fry with a spicy kick! :D
Immortal World Tour
Love him or Hate him, in the world of music Michael Jackson had it goin' on. His personal life was his own messed up buisness, but his music was the world's, and the world loved it. Yeah, I am a secret Michael Jackson fan. Can't help it, his music's just so catchy! And his dancing...well, it was his dancing. And his legacy is pretty incredible, music-wise. I mean people are still buying his records, inmates in the Philippines are doing his dances, and kids still dress up like him for Halloween. But something new is coming to town, and it is freakishly amazing, which is very appropriate for the late King's style:
"Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour"
Ok, you think that's dumb or repetitive or stupid? Well it isn't! Know why? Because it's Cirque du Soliel!!!!! That's right, Canada's own Cirque du Soleil is putting on a classic Cirque show with all MJ music, with MJ moves, but all Cirque du Soleil-ish. Awesome? I think so.
The clips of the show, however brief, look fantastic, and they are in Canada October 2011; in Ottawa on the 7th. If anyone gets tickets, you HAVE to film it for me - this is gonna be a show to remember, and a tribute to the music that gets three generations tapping their feet.
Clip to a preview of the show: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/default.aspx
"Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour"
Ok, you think that's dumb or repetitive or stupid? Well it isn't! Know why? Because it's Cirque du Soliel!!!!! That's right, Canada's own Cirque du Soleil is putting on a classic Cirque show with all MJ music, with MJ moves, but all Cirque du Soleil-ish. Awesome? I think so.
The clips of the show, however brief, look fantastic, and they are in Canada October 2011; in Ottawa on the 7th. If anyone gets tickets, you HAVE to film it for me - this is gonna be a show to remember, and a tribute to the music that gets three generations tapping their feet.
Clip to a preview of the show: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/default.aspx
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Kicked outta Facebook, Pulled into World
Who here doesn't have a facebook account? Nobody? Yeah, that's what I thought. Nobody that is, except me.
Well I suppose that isn't strictly true. I do have a facebook account - two of them actually - they just both have viruses. I cannot get onto them, and I cannot delete them because I can't get on. My information and pictures are just sitting there, idling, in cyberspace.
It's been two weeks now, and let me tell you all how it's been. Last week I was of the opinion that facebook was the greatest social networking system in the whole world, last week I thought if a friend didn't add me on facebook they were no friend at all, last week I felt rejected and lonely and completely ignorant of everything because facebook and I had a falling out.
I learned something since last week. I learned I was right.
JUST KIDDING!!! In all seriousness, I did learn something, but it wasn't to wish my dependance on facebook was still happening. If you have real friends, they will email you or call you or text you, or they will weasle their way through everyone of your mutual acquaintance until they gain access to that sort of contact information. And the time I am saving by not wasting it on facebook is incredible!!! Although youtube is in danger of becoming my next big source of distraction...
Facebook is great, don't get me wrong. But it risks furthering us from the "personal" in relationship. Take personal out of relationship and you get: tishi...which as any of you good people may realize, may be rearranged to spell a not-so-G-rated-word with a prolonged vowel. And it's true! So next time your friend needs a hug and you're too far away to reach them, call them. Next time your friend needs a slap in the face and you're too far away to reach them, call them in the middle of an exam. And next time you wanna talk - talk. You'll notice the difference. I did.
Well I suppose that isn't strictly true. I do have a facebook account - two of them actually - they just both have viruses. I cannot get onto them, and I cannot delete them because I can't get on. My information and pictures are just sitting there, idling, in cyberspace.
It's been two weeks now, and let me tell you all how it's been. Last week I was of the opinion that facebook was the greatest social networking system in the whole world, last week I thought if a friend didn't add me on facebook they were no friend at all, last week I felt rejected and lonely and completely ignorant of everything because facebook and I had a falling out.
I learned something since last week. I learned I was right.
JUST KIDDING!!! In all seriousness, I did learn something, but it wasn't to wish my dependance on facebook was still happening. If you have real friends, they will email you or call you or text you, or they will weasle their way through everyone of your mutual acquaintance until they gain access to that sort of contact information. And the time I am saving by not wasting it on facebook is incredible!!! Although youtube is in danger of becoming my next big source of distraction...
Facebook is great, don't get me wrong. But it risks furthering us from the "personal" in relationship. Take personal out of relationship and you get: tishi...which as any of you good people may realize, may be rearranged to spell a not-so-G-rated-word with a prolonged vowel. And it's true! So next time your friend needs a hug and you're too far away to reach them, call them. Next time your friend needs a slap in the face and you're too far away to reach them, call them in the middle of an exam. And next time you wanna talk - talk. You'll notice the difference. I did.
Coffee, All-Nighters, and Chocolate: The Makings of Hero
I can't speak for the guys out there, but I can speak for the girls - and I am sure this applys to a couple guys whether they admit it or not.
College - University- the place you go after 12-13 years of school to get more school. And the time you start wishing, with real sincerity, that school had never been invented. And the time you start dreaming, with real sincerity, of a life beyond schoool. Troublesome romantic notions occupy brainspace that you could have otherwise used for studying midterms - you dream of traveling far-away places, discovering a fish species while scooba-diving previously unknown to science, marrying your dream soul-mate, winning the lottery and not having to pay tax on it, and the ultimate - finishing school.
But while such romantic notions are immediatly unattainable (mostly for reasons of budget - how could you afford to travel, scooba-dive, marry, buy a lottery ticket, or get grad photos taken?), there is one romantic image that most students embody unconciously; the hero that has humbly walked and humbly conquered since the year grammar school was invented in England all those years ago. Our hero is: The Knight of The All-Nighter.
You think I jest? I do not! Just think about it - any man or woman who survives the stress and exhaustion of the week, then challenges an entire night's sleep, fights with the English language and the boundaries of logic and reason and sore eyes to complete an essay, then walks to his/her class boldy and gallantly, and humbly submits his/her burden to the instructor, only to worry for two weeks whether or not it is worthy of a pass - they deserve knighthood and nobility. Their younger siblings and the kids they used to babysit will look up to them in admiration, and their aging parents will admire the way that two cups of coffee and a box of chocolates could get them through the whole night with enough energy to stay alive in class the next day. It takes not only youth, but strength and determination and intelligence (and an abundance of caffeine and sugar) to sustain a hero through such a journey.
Today I would like to salute all my fellow-heros and heroines who have fought and conquered the sleepy night, and gone on to acheive greatness through a passing mark on the proof of their toils and labours: the body of the dreaded essay, which we have acheived through ordeals of fire. Don't give up - Christmas Break awaits you!
College - University- the place you go after 12-13 years of school to get more school. And the time you start wishing, with real sincerity, that school had never been invented. And the time you start dreaming, with real sincerity, of a life beyond schoool. Troublesome romantic notions occupy brainspace that you could have otherwise used for studying midterms - you dream of traveling far-away places, discovering a fish species while scooba-diving previously unknown to science, marrying your dream soul-mate, winning the lottery and not having to pay tax on it, and the ultimate - finishing school.
But while such romantic notions are immediatly unattainable (mostly for reasons of budget - how could you afford to travel, scooba-dive, marry, buy a lottery ticket, or get grad photos taken?), there is one romantic image that most students embody unconciously; the hero that has humbly walked and humbly conquered since the year grammar school was invented in England all those years ago. Our hero is: The Knight of The All-Nighter.
You think I jest? I do not! Just think about it - any man or woman who survives the stress and exhaustion of the week, then challenges an entire night's sleep, fights with the English language and the boundaries of logic and reason and sore eyes to complete an essay, then walks to his/her class boldy and gallantly, and humbly submits his/her burden to the instructor, only to worry for two weeks whether or not it is worthy of a pass - they deserve knighthood and nobility. Their younger siblings and the kids they used to babysit will look up to them in admiration, and their aging parents will admire the way that two cups of coffee and a box of chocolates could get them through the whole night with enough energy to stay alive in class the next day. It takes not only youth, but strength and determination and intelligence (and an abundance of caffeine and sugar) to sustain a hero through such a journey.
Today I would like to salute all my fellow-heros and heroines who have fought and conquered the sleepy night, and gone on to acheive greatness through a passing mark on the proof of their toils and labours: the body of the dreaded essay, which we have acheived through ordeals of fire. Don't give up - Christmas Break awaits you!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)