Jane Austen smorgasbord

Pride and Prejudice - check!

Persuasion - check!

Sense and Sensibility - check!

Mansfield Park - check!

"Persuasion" 2007 - BBC

I've been reading Austen since the beginning of the year but I've only talked about Pride and Prejudice so far. Since my last entry, Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy), won an Oscar for his portrayal of King George VI in the King's Speech. It was awesome! He was amazing in the movie. ♥


Back to my book reviews. I had not read Persuasion before, but had seen the 1995 movie and the 2007 BBC production. Both movies are great, but the BBC impressed me a bit more. Reading the novel, was different because I was able to go deeper into the characters. It is a very sad love story, that has a happy ending. 

 "Persuasion" 1995

Anne's character was easily persuaded by her family and friend when she falls in love with a man that is not 100% suitable to her ranking. All to naught, as they end up losing their fortune and end up in almost ruins. She meets her old flame again, seven years later, as an "old maid", and one assumes that for sure, at that age she is surely destined for spinsterhood. But Austen decides to forgive Anne, and allows for Captain Wentworth to rekindle his love for her. Of course, there are lots of obstacles prior to them making up, but it is a lovely read. 


Sense and Sensibility, on the other hand, was good as well. I don't know if I liked it as much as the others, only because at one point I felt that Elinor and Colonel Brandon should have ended up together, rather than him with Marianne. I loved how Austen makes you feel for Elinor and how being so proper can ruin your chance at love. As Elinor's love interest, Edward, left a lot to be desired. What a cad! Knowing full well he was engaged to another girl, but still pay all that attention to Elinor?! The scandal!  I often wonder how Jane Austen got so good at writing such scandalous love stories. Love the 1995 movie directed by Ang Lee and Elinor and Marianne acted by two of my fave actresses - Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. 

 "Sense and Sensibility" 1995

Speaking of scandalous - how about Mansfield Park?  How incestuous! I am sorry, but this novel made me feel uncomfortable at times. For Fanny to fall in love with her cousin, who has been made out as her "older brother" is just wrong. Why did she have to fall in love with one so close to a sibling figure? Not only that, but they are first cousins! Shocking, I say. It kinda reminded a bit of Wuthering Heights...

Of course, marrying a first cousin back in the day was not as big of a shock as it would be now. There is definitely more mischief in this novel, and it is a good read for those who think that Jane Austen was a prude. This novel showcases another side of her - one might even call it her naughty side. I have seen the 1999 movie version, with Frances O'Connor as Fanny and Johnny Lee Miller as Edmund - it was a nice version. 

"Mansfield Park" 1999

What is your opinion of these novels? Have you read them? If not, read them and let's discuss. The movies are great too, so let's talk about them too. ☺

Pride and Prejudice - an incredible love story

I just bought the three most popular Jane Austen novels - Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion. I just finished re-reading Pride and Prejudice and it was so much better this time than the first time I read it (back in the 90's). Unfortunately, I could not get Colin Firth out of my head when Mr. Darcy was mentioned! I have to say, the book and the BBC miniseries are both good. I know! Some people might say that can't be, but the TV series were so well done, and they stayed true to the novel, that one can't help and enjoy both.

 Mr. Darcy... sigh

This time I took the time to actually notice how Austen wrote, and was more critical. It is a really great book, but there are some parts on the first third of the book, that I could have done without. To me, Austen dwelt too much on what Mr. Collins had to say and went so far as to have this huge comment made by him that takes over a couple of pages, or one page depending on the size of the book. It was a bit boring and because I knew what was coming, I got restless and almost skipped some parts but made myself read on. It was worth it!

Once one starts reading about Lizzy's feelings towards Mr. Darcy, it starts to become more enjoyable. I wonder if anybody finds Jane, Lizzy's sister, a bit too goody goody. I certainly did.  I understand that one must look for the good in everyone, but I think she was a bit too much. I really wanted her to scream, or become a bit hysterical the way a normal woman might if the love of her life just took off without a goodbye. Do you agree?

I love, and always will love, the character of Elizabeth Bennett. She is spunky and unafraid of being too outspoken. Isn't it clever how she stands up to Lady de Bourgh? The lady is aghast at such rude behavior from a young woman. When she tries to stop Lizzy from accepting a proposal from Darcy, she yells at her and calls her rude, but Elizabeth does not give in and stands her ground. I am sure that if anybody really did that back then to such a "notable" lady, they would be the talk of society for a long time. But this is fiction, and Lizzy can be as outspoken as she wants to. I think that Lizzy's bluntness and honesty is what makes this book so timeless (and obviously a most incredible love story).

As for one of my favorite characters, Mr. Darcy was just as enchanting as the first time. How can one not fall for this lovely, fictional man? At first one can say he is a total cad, and really pompous. Yet, once his feelings start changing for Lizzy, he is just très charming. I love how he becomes this attentive suitor to Lizzy and how confused she gets from his change. The best though, is the first proposal to Lizzy! Hilarious. He is just completely floored. The second proposal is only alluded to by her professing her feelings but there is not as much dialogue as there is on the first one.

The other characters are fillers, except for Mr. Bingley who is just as tepid as Jane's character - to me. How can anyone be so easily persuaded by a friend? If only that was true in real life, there would be less women stuck in crappy relationships. Ha! Lizzy's parents... I would leave my home if my mother was so crass. Oh, and if my sisters were as crazy as Lydia and as oblivious to good manners, I would lock them in their room.

Overall, Jane Austen had a great imagination and has allowed us now, a couple of centuries later, to get a glimpse of what life could have been like for a young, single woman. How important marriage was for a lady of society! I am glad I was born at the time I was, and that I was able to choose my hubby because I loved him. ♥

Do you love this novel as well?

Favorites of 2010 - art related

I finally get to sit down and post something new! Following the examples of Tasha and Amanda, of course. I've been meaning to write about two good concerts I attended at the end of the year so here I go.

On Nov. 30th, my twin, Ryan and I had the chance to go to the Commodore to see Black Mountain live. They were great! I love Amber's voice and wow, Stephen can sure sing! It was really loud like always, and I know that our ears got a bit damaged, but it was worth it. :)  That's what I say now, we'll see in twenty years.

Black Mountain

Then, on Dec. 2nd, Ryan and I had a lovely date and we got to see Tame Impala at the Biltmore cabaret. This venue is in Burnaby and it's small and always fun to go to. I love checking out what the young crowds are wearing, and yes, I can say that  now in my mid-30's. Yikes! Tame Impala were super, super good.  I had a lot of fun and they made me dance. They are are a really young band, so I'm sure they will only get better. The only bad thing that night was that there was actually a mosh pit. Really? Those are so not needed and what's worse is that all these tall, heavy guys expect these petite girls at the front to be able to carry them. I have never liked them, as you can tell. No, I was not part of it - I try to stand on the sides rather than the front. Other than that, I loved seeing them with Ryan. ♥

Tame Impala

Trying to think of favorite albums for 2010, I would have to say that the soundtrack for Eclipse, is at the top. It has Metric, Black Angels, Black Keys, Jack White, and Florence and the Machine to name some of the great bands in it. It's a great compilation, and you do not have to be a fan of the Twilight series to enjoy a nice album compilation. Compilations are actually some of my favorite albums due to the mix of artists.

Favorite movies, there were a few last year. I loved Tangled!! It was such a great movie and my girls simply loved it. Sofia even cried, which is extremely rare for her to do during a movie, but it really touched her. So cute. We also liked Megamind. I enjoyed watching a villain turn into a "super-hero", which does not happen often. And of course, who didn't like Toy Story 3? I don't think anyone who has watched it has said anything bad about it. It was funny and sad at the same time. I even shed a couple of tears, while some of my other friends bawled. :)

Now for adult movies, I loved the Social Network and the latest Harry Potter movie. These are two movies that have really stayed in my psyche. Blogging about them shows how much I enjoyed them. I did see a lot of movies last year, but the ones mentioned now are the ones that really shone in direction, special effects, and screenplays.

As for books, there were many and there will be more, but favorites? I have too many. Instead, I will try to blog on the ones that I find are really a good read. Right now, I'm reading Jodi Picoult's new novel, House Rules, which is about a boy who has Asperger's and I like to learn about Asperger's and autism as much as I can. I do not know a child who is close to me that suffers from either one, but I have met a couple of boys who have Asperger's and it was not something you can pinpoint right away, and it has really interested me. Plus, if I want to be a teacher in the future, I'm sure I will encounter students with autism, and I would like to be knowledgeable, rather than not.

Looking forward to more concerts this year and many more movies. What were your faves?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Now that I'm almost done with my course, I have time to post something new. 

 Who has seen the new Harry Potter movie? I am a big fan of the books and the movies and it was great to finally see part 1 of the last movie. I had the pleasure to watch this movie with my niece and it was neat seeing her reactions to the drama enfolding on the screen. If you are not into the series, I think it is still a good movie to watch. Of course, it is always helpful to read the books first before seeing the movies.

**Spoiler alert** This movie was directed by David Yates and he has done a great job. He has directed the past two movies but surprisingly, he is mostly known for his TV work. One would never know it by watching these movies and by his ability to produce such aesthetically pleasing movies.

There was violence yes, but not too bad. I felt more weirded out by the love scene between Harry and Hermione than by the "scary" parts. I loved how Yates added some digital images for the story of the deathly hallows. The images brought Tim Burton to mind. The colors were subdued as it is expected. This is a dark, dark period in Harry's life and Yates really brings out the grays, even on their wardrobe. (Speaking of wardrobe, Hermione's pea coat in one of her scenes and the dress she wears for Bill and Fleur's wedding are awesome, and I want that coat!)

Who do I think shines in this movie? I really think that Emma Watson stole the movie. Daniel Radcliffe is still super good but she is in the movie just as much as him and she is a really good actress for her age. I am looking forward to seeing her in future movies. I think she has the potential to become a great actress, but I admire her for making her education a priority. Good example to our young lassies, don't you think?

Helena Bonham Carter had short scenes in this movie, but every single time she appears, she is terrifying. If the character of Bellatrix really existed and she looked the way Helena looks in the movie, I would run away. Love her hair and she plays crazy gals so well. 

I now want to re-read all the books and really, I should just buy the book series. I am looking forward to the Part 2 of the final installment of the Harry Potter films. I can understand now why the actors cried really hard when they finished filming, it was a long period of their lives. If you've seen it, what did you think?

Following a Labyrinth...

I have so many things to talk about and write about, but I will narrow it down to a movie this time:

Pan's Labyrinth

It's the story of a girl in Spain in the year of 1944. Spain had just had a civil war from 1936-1939, and the Spain in this movie is the one during the Franco era.  There are so many things to say about that war and Guillermo Del Toro, the director, decides to tell the story of Ofelia, an 11 yr old whose mother has just gotten married to a tyrannnical military officer (who is just one of the most evil characters I've seen in a movie). The movie is in Spanish with English subtitles, but if you don't like subtitles, please, please give this movie a chance, it is worth it.

Guillermo del Toro originally wrote the part of Ofelia for a nine year old, but Ivana Baquero, who was 11 when she auditioned, got the part. Guillermo had to rewrite it to suit her. I have to say she is amazing in this movie.  Also, I am so glad they chose an older girl because if a younger had played Ofelia, it would have traumatized me. Please bear in mind that there is violence and Del Toro does not soften the subject just because it's the story of a young girl.

The actor who plays the stepfather, Captain Vidal, is terrific - his name is Sergi Lopez i Ayats. There is an opening scene where he is ruthless with a man who is thought to be a rebel. During this time, there were still many who did not want to be part of the Fascist movement, and they fought with their lives for change. Del Toro makes sure we know which side he is in, as he makes this character, from Franco's military, just pure evil. 

I love the fantasy element of this movie, just love it. The faun in the movie is at once a bit frightening and mesmerizing and we are taken on this wonderful trip with the faun and Ofelia.

The special effects and make up are superb. The music? Wonderful. There is a lullaby in the movie that was actually nominated for best original score (it's on YouTube under Pan's Labyrinth Song). It was composed by Javier Navarrete. The movie actually won the following Oscars in 2006: Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Makeup. It was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Foreign Language Film. It was one of the top critically acclaimed movies the year it came out.

I love that the main character is a girl, a very strong girl and Del Toro's talent shines in this movie. The ending of the movie is super, super sad, but happy at the same time. This movie gives a gilmpse of what life was probably like in Spain in the 40's, and how children are one of the most affected when there is political turmoil. If you have seen it, what did you think?

 

Surrealist dreamer

Time to talk about the fine arts.

I first learned of Surrealism in grade 12. I know, it was a long time ago! The reason why I even came to know about this movement in the fine arts, was because of my Human Studies class. The topic for my research paper was Surrealism.

Ahhhh... Surrealism.

I had no idea what beautiful paintings had been done by such unique artists. They represent courage to me. They decided to go ahead and explore their imaginations and expand from the existing customs. The Dada movement preceded Surrealism, if you must know, and it's a movement that is also interesting, but I would have to do more research on it before I say more. I only mention it, because some of the founders of the surrealist movement, had been involved with the Dada movement (against the bourgeoise, etc).

From doing my research I discovered one of my favorite painters Salvador Dali, along with Max Ernst, Frida Kahlo and Joan Miro. It inspired me so much that I tried to tackle surrealism on one of my paintings that year, Of course, it's not at the same level but it taught me to use the images in my head and not to copy still life or a picture. The philosophical aspect of the movement was not entrenched into my psyche as much as the paintings of the era were. They had good ideas but really, a lot of them came from families of means, so I think that to shun one's own background is always a bit hypocritical. Don't you think?

My daughter, Sofia, questions me why I always draw weird faces (my "profile" oicture), it makes me laugh. I hope that as she gets older she will find it in her to be as creative as she wants to and explore all different types of styles of making art. The same for Samantha. There are so many! Cubism, realism, impressionism, etc., and they are all just as lovely.


Do you have a favorite surrealist painter/writer/artist? Below is one of my favorite paintings, it has so many details:  Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory, 1931

 

Who wants to meet Mark Zuckerberg?

I watched the Social Network on Tuesday and I really liked it. I loved the script written by Aaron Sorkin and David Fincher did not disappoint as a director. I always wonder how many takes are needed for a certain scene.

The opening scene with Jesse Eisenberg is what all the reviewers are talking about and I have to agree that it was great. Jesse is not a super well know actor, but I hope he gets more recognition after this movie. He has played the nerdy, nice guy but in this movie he shows he has more depth and one can't help but feel for him and at the same time not like him.

Andrew Garfield was one find for me on this movie. I was impressed with his acting chops and now I am looking forward to seeing him play a young Spiderman. The rest of the cast was good too. Obviously, Justin Timberlake has been the one that has brought the most attention, and he did a good job; but I don't think he was Oscar worthy, as some people have stated. Good but not great. Jesse was great, to me.

Now, for the story of the movie. It's all about Facebook. Facebook, a site that has hooked me in. I joined facebook in 2007, during my maternity leave with Samantha. It really helped me pass the time and reconnect with old friends. So I cannot say bad things about it, except for the privacy issues but I don't post anything I will regret in the future.

The story told in the movie of its creation really intrigued me. The lawsuits on the other hand, were not impressive. I can see how Mark should have never stolen an idea or at least, bought them out from the beginning, instead of just irking people and not caring. It makes me wonder how he is in real life. Is he really that much of a cad? Is he really that insensitive? That antisocial? He is a whiz, though, and that cannot be denied.

After watching the movie, I wanted to learn more about the real story and what happened. It's funny watching the movie and knowing that it is based on a real story and the twins really did go on to row for the USA Olympic team in Beijing. Can you tell I liked it?