Persuasion (2007) (TV)

Director:

Adrian Shergold

Writers:

Jane Austen (novel)
Simon Burke (screenplay)

Release Date:

13 January 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A new adaptation of Jane Austen's classic

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Old Flame | Illness | Duty | Family | Austen

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Sally Hawkins	...	Anne Elliot
Rupert Penry-Jones	...	Captain Wentworth
Alice Krige	...	Lady Russell
Anthony Head	...	Sir Walter Elliot
Julia Davis	...	Elizabeth Elliot
Michael Fenton Stevens	...	Mr. Shepherd (as Michael Fenton-Stevens)
Mary Stockley	...	Mrs. Clay
Peter Wight	...	Admiral Croft
Marion Bailey	...	Mrs. Croft
Amanda Hale	...	Mary Musgrove
Jennifer Higham	...	Louisa Musgrove
Rosamund Stephen	...	Henrietta Musgrove
Stella Gonet	...	Mrs. Musgrove
Sam Hazeldine	...	Charles Musgrove
Louis Shergold	...	Little Charles

Runtime:

120 min (including commercials) | 93 min (excluding commercials)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Assembly Rooms, Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Company:

Clerkenwell Films

Trivia:

The green striped gown with velvet Spencer jacket Julia Davis (Elizabeth Elliot) wears at Kellynch Hall is the same costume Anna Chancellor (Caroline Bingley) wears at Netherfield Hall in "Pride and Prejudice" (1995). However, the bottom portion of the gown, cut on the bias, has been removed for the later film. This gown also appears in "Vanity Fair" (1998) worn by Vicki Pepperdine (Ann Dobbin) in the park scenes.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: On the walk to Winthrop, as the camera focuses on Ann overhearing Frederick and Louisa's conversation, a crew member with a red jacket is seen in the background (at 33:38) behind her.

Quotes:

Captain Wentworth: This is Henrietta and Louisa Musgrove, and this is Miss...Elliot.
Captain Harville: Miss Anne Elliot?
Anne Elliot: Yes.

Movie Connections:

Version of "Persuasion" (1971)

Soundtrack:

Symphony 25 in G Minor

A very enjoyable adaptation.

Having read some of the earlier comments I felt I had to jump to the defence of this highly enjoyable production of Persuasion. Having seen the 1995 BBC adaptation I cannot deny that this adaptation was done in a somewhat different style, however that does not take away from the pleasure gained by watching this ITV production.

I have read all 6 of Austen's novels and have read much literary criticism where her work is concerned, so like many other people who have commented on this film, I no longer compare adaptations of Austen's novels to her actual novels. Therefore I can have no quarrel with this latest film.

It has been addressed that Rupert Penry-Jones and Sally Hawkins lacked on screen chemistry, this is in a way quite true, but only because their chemistry is more understated, which is, in my opinion more in keeping to the period in which Jane Austen was writing. I do not agree with the many comments insulting the acting of almost all of the cast. In my opinion, the ITV has come up trumps with this cast and each actor and actress portrayed their character in a way which suited the overall character of the film.

Unfortunately I do have to agree with many comments on the camera work of this production which was certainly below par, however this is my only complaint.

So, overall the film was most enjoyable, the story itself being told in such a way that I almost cried at the end! I am sure that this adaptation has helped only to uphold the respect for Austen's Persuasion and her other great novels. For that any true Austen-fan can be grateful.