Mansfield Park

Rating:
Summary: Close, but no cigar
Review: I am so glad I decided to read the book before I watched this film adaptation. For the Jane Austen purist (like myself) this movie leaves much to be desired. The plot of the movie tends to flatten the rich characters portrayed in the book, as well as simplify story lines to fit a Hollywood mold. Granted, in order to fit the book into a 2-hour format, some liberties must be taken. But the director chose the most sensational parts of the story, much to the detriment of character development and nuance that makes the story such a classic. I feel that the characters, especially Fanny, Mr. Bertram and Mary Crawford, were significantly flattened versions of their literary counterparts. Also, having read the book, I could follow along with the story easily, but I am afraid that someone who hadn't read the book would find the story somewhat jumpy, and the motivation for certain actions and events to be left unexplained.

That said, however, I still believe the movie is worth watching. Despite a somewhat lacking storyline, the script is sharp, funny and sensitive and the actors play their roles excellently. Anyone who enjoys this time period will find the movie quite enjoyable.

Rating:
Summary: mansfield park
Review: I felt the art direction gave the whole movie a beautiful haunting, Vermeer look. It indeed had the look of an oil painting with dramatic gothic lighting.

Since it was called "Mansfield Park" and all the publicity lured me in with promises of Jane Austen's "favorite" story come to life. I guess I was looking for a good story.

I could not find the good story.

Take away the film effects and costume/lighting and what do you have. Characters that individually made the description pathetic an understatement, and collectively were over the top. Not even Jerry Springer could not find so many dysfunctional people in one house. Opium, slave rape, alcoholism, neglect, hatred, abandonment, rat infestation, etc. I could just hear the moviemakers deciding to throw it all in there, afraid people would think the original story is some insipid 18th century romance novel.

Which we know it is not. I fear that they may have created a 21st century insipid drama.

I know that many people are critical of Jane Austen's Fanny as being too afraid, fanatically religious, and too goody-good. This Fanny was disappointing since she had no personality at all, and just stood and watched. She constantly looked at us as if to distance herself from the film.

Jane Austen is a tough story teller to compete with, but I can't escape getting the sense that the creators of this film are just a tad conceited at there own ability. All at Jane Austin's expense. It is always a controversy as to what plays to a contemporary crowd. I am not blasting the writers/director's license to express their own creativity. They can write what they want, but I could not say I thought any of this movie culminating in anything worth watching.

Rating:
Summary: Better than the book
Review: I'm a big Jane Austen fan, but I think that Mansfield Park is her least enjoyable book. The movie mixes Jane Austen herself, into the character of Fanny Price, and the story is all the better for it. The book's Fanny is a repressed wimp, and she is ultimately praised for this. The movie's Fanny has Austen's bitting wit, and a strong will. The movie also de-emphasizes the story of putting on the play, which was a bit of a yawn in the book. The film is beautifully crafted, and the acting is very good. Even my fiancee, who doesn't like chick-flicks, enjoyed it and gave it 4.5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Okay Movie
Review: I thought that this movie was very well staged and acted, but I personally don't think that certain "adult" scenes made it true to the time period. Aside from this, the movie was fairly good, but it also moved at a very speedy pace. I guess it partly bothers me because it is completely unlike the book, and I think the movie should at least remotely follow it in some ways. I did like how Fanny stood up for herself more in the movie, though. If you like romances, especially set back in the late 18th century with a modern twist, I'd recommend Mansfield Park.

Rating:
Summary: NOT Jane Austen!
Review: I was appalled by this rendition of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. It should have been named something else with different character names, as it has scarcely anything else in common with the Austen novel beyond these.

Rating:
Summary: Quite Amusing and Not for Everyone
Review: Well, I for one thought this movie was wonderful. This movie is quite a change from the movies that are coming out around it. This move has no Drugs in it, no Drinking( Unless you count the Champagne at the Party). There are a few Adult scenes that makes it a good movie to see with your significant other. Tales of love, adventure, suspense, laughter, and all around kindness makes this movie great. I would not recommend this movie for teenagers or older adults. This makes the best movie for younger adults in order to shape themselves morally. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully done!
Review: I truly enjoyed this movie. And I dare say I preferred it to the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice. I'm sorry but the lighting, direction, casting, and wardrobe in P & R left much to be desired. P & R was drab, with simple, plan camera shots, costumes, and actors. Mansfield Park was a breath of fresh air. The lighting in the film was illuminating, the director and cinematographer created beautiful creative shots that engrossed me even more into the film, especially at during the ball dance sequence. The costumes were fitting for the time and nicely done. And last, but not least the actors were good, they acted the part and were attractive. It was a very well put together film. This film is what I expected to see of an adaptation of a Jane Austen novel in this modern day and time. Bravo for Mansfield Park. I wish all her novels could be presented in such a way.

Rating:
Summary: Delightfully done
Review: I am a great fan of Jane Austen's and I have enjoyed reading many of her works, although I had never heard of this one before seeing this film. Those who profess to be experts about such things say that this early work was not one of her best. However, I found the film to be delightful and very much in keeping with Austen's penchant for conjuring up romantic intrigue in 19th century English society.

This is the story of Fanny Price (Frances O'Connor), who is taken out of poverty by her aunt and benefactress to live in high society. Though she is given every benefit afforded her cousins, she is constantly reminded of her second-class status in the household. As the story revs up, we are treated to a typical Austen maelstrom of misplaced romantic affections. Mariah Bertram (Victoria Hamilton) is engaged to Mr. Rushworth (Hugh Bonneville), but she is infatuated with Henry Crawford (Allesandro Nivola) as is her sister Julia. Though Henry enjoys flirting with Mariah, his true affections lie with Fanny. Fanny shuns his attentions because she loves her cousin Edmund (Jonny Lee Miller) who is smitten by Henry's sister Mary (Embeth Davitz). This is a classically delicious Austenian romantic conundrum. The remainder of the story goes about reconciling all the unrequited love with more than a few interesting twists.

Patricia Rozema adapted and directed this film, which was very nicely done. The choice of locations was excellent and she used the countryside effectively, giving us numerous lovely outdoor scenes. The period rendering was very good as well, presenting very realistic 19th century sets and costumes. There has been a lot of controversy about Rozema's insertion of the slave issue, which was notably absent from Austen's novel. To a point, I have to defend Rozema, but ultimately I felt she went too far.

A director has a responsibility to make the film believable by providing details not in the script. For instance, Austen doesn't specifically describe the actual dress and furniture of the time, so the director must find suitable props and costumes of the period to give the film a genuine look and feel. Slavery was a dominant issue of the time and so the insertion of the topic was a realistic detail, as long as it remained in the background. However, the introduction of the sketch pad (those who have seen the film will understand) took slavery out of the background and made it a plot element. This was tantamount to rewriting Austen's story, and I felt it was a preachy and presumptuous abuse of artistic license.

Frances O'Connor was outstanding as Fanny. She was enchanting and effervescent and passed credibly for a teenager despite being almost 30 years old. Fanny was a multifaceted character. She was a combination of youthful ebullience, fierce independence and stubborn determination. O'Connor handled all these aspects of her character like a pro. Embeth Davitz was also excellent as Henry's conniving sister.

This delightful and well-crafted film is very entertaining and enjoyable. I rated it 9/10. With the possible exception of the slavery issue, lovers of Jane Austen will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie Highly Recommend
Review: This is a phenomenal movie, keeping the attention of anyone watching it. I am a huge Jane Austen fan and this made me appreciate her work even more. I thought it could not begin to compare with the 6 hour version of Pride and Predjudice but I loved it just as much. This is an incredible movie for any Jane Austen fan and even for those who aren't will enjoy this. The actors and actresses brought each character to life, I just can't believe how incredible this movie is. I can't wait to get my hands on it again.

Rating:
Summary: This isn't Jane Austen!
Review: extremely bad production of probably one of Austen's best written, if not most likeable books. The names and a few of the basic plot points are the same, but other than that, there's no similarities. They made Sir Thomas, who was basically a good man, although somewhat reserved and unbending, into a borderline lecher, they tried to mix Fanny Price and Jane Austen, and I don't think there was much of Fanny in Jane Austen. Also, what was with Mary Crawford practically trying to seduce Fanny? Completely unnecessary. The one redeeming point was the portrayal of Fanny and Edmund's relationship.