I have always loved period romantic stories. I enjoy the push and pull of falling in love during another century. The exquisite gowns, jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles are hypnotic and spellbinding. I adore the daring décolletage, the fullness or clinginess of the dress, the hats, feathers, and even the undergarments. The elaborate wardrobe for the opposite sex is also intriguing. Big puffy sleeves, complicated neckties, loose pants, heavy coats, vests, and hats keep my attention. In my lusty, proper mind, I am mindful of how one undresses quickly in the throes of passion. It is a pleasant conundrum, to be sure. The flirtatious bantering and slight bow are mesmerizing when entering or leaving a room. It all makes my head and heart spin but in a good way.
I have been a huge fan of Jane Austen forever. She really can get to the heart of matters and move her readers to tears of joy and happiness. She literally can leave you breathless in anticipation. Very few can capture her gift and transcribe it onto the big screen. Que Dame Emma Thompson. In 1995, after four and a half years of writing fourteen drafts, Emma succeeded with the brilliant, creative, film, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, and she was awarded an Oscar for her triumphant achievement. Never before had an actress won the gold (in different movies) for her abilities in two distinctive fields. Austen would have been very proud indeed.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is a grand frolic through the countryside of Devon, England. The sets and cinematography were amazing. This was all due to the phenomenal talents of the director, Ang Lee. (THE ICE STORM, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, THE HULK, and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN) He was not the usual choice for a movie of this type, and Lee has said that he had to immerse himself into the English lifestyle and humor before filming. He was not used to collaborating with his actors or working with animals. One of the main horses on set would not stop loudly farting. Too bad there was not a blooper’s reel.
The strength of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY was always within the genius casting of so many stellar actors. It had to feel like an acting master class every day on set. The ensemble included Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Imelda Staunton, James Fleet, Hugh Laurie, Tom Wilkinson, Elizabeth Spriggs, and Gemma Jones. The actors’ age range was older than Austen had in mind, but it worked and was believable as well as compelling. There were several scenes of angst and heartbreak that were given life through the character’s physicality, tone, pitch, and facial expressions. Their emotional journeys showcased the simplest pleasures of life and joy. When they laughed or cried, audiences were right there feeling it all as if it was their pain, too. Magnificent, memorable moments that are captured forever on celluloid and in our souls.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY captures the essence of being in love and finding that perfect match. Not everyone is lucky enough to spot their true love. It is always about timing of who is ready to make that leap, letting go of all preconceived notions, rules, and gossip. This is a tall order for anyone, and it is a wonder that people find love at all. Love does not make any sense, yet it is still real when discovered. Just ask Emma Thompson, who found her husband while working in this movie and is still married to him today. (Lord Willoughby/Greg Wise).
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is the perfect comedic rom-com. It is just as powerful and true to human sentiment as when it was originally written in 1811. Now that’s a classic.
It is available on TCM.
