Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park
by Iain B. MacDonald
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DVD details
Actor: Billie Piper, Blake RitsonDirector: Iain B. MacDonald
Brand: WGBH BOSTON VIDEO
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 90 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-01-29
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: WGBH Boston
DVD Reviews of Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park
DVD Review: Not My Favorite
Summary: 3 Stars
I wanted to root for this version, I really did. Fanny Price is one of most unappreciated of the Austen lead females. I am always up for an Austen adaption, but this one, well, I was disappointing. The only reason I will be buying it because my Austen DVD collection feels incomplete without it.
Billie Piper was an interesting choice of Fanny Price. However, it would have been a better choice had she looked appropriate for the period, as others have pointed out. I liked Blake Ritson as Edmund and Hayley Atwell was an excellent Mary. The moment I knew I was disappointing when Fanny was not send back to Portsmith after rejecting Henry. Though it was nice to see William.
Oh well, maybe one day, we will get a faithful adaption.
DVD Review: Terrible; I'll be brief
Summary: 1 Stars
In any film adaptation of a novel liberties must be taken, but in this case critical points in the story were removed as misleading touches were added. First and foremost, we have to see the profound but infinitely gradual transformation of Fanny Price. This is the Cinderella story as it might be in reality. Fanny is described as remarkably pretty, but it does not show until she is forced into the spotlight. Her strength of character has been formed by years of abuse and neglect bolstered by probably an excellent education as she was left without other amusements.
In this film, the Fanny has far too much confidence and a kind of wildness that is wholly at odds with her description. The novel makes it clear that she has an innate elegance that is nowhere to be seen in this film.
The characters in Mansfield Park may be Austen's most realistic. There is more than a hint that Sir Thomas is involved in the slave trade. The sisters, Maria and Julia seem like clones, but you can read the subtle but telling differences; illustrating these would make the film so much more interesting. Mrs. Norris is a true villain who tortures Fanny for years. Henry Crawford can be seen as a tragic figure who is nearly saved by his association with Fanny; the scenes in Portsmouth open us to his potential. Edmund is kind of stiff, and marriage to Mary might have helped him. The novel makes clear that Tom does not return to the racing pages after his brush with death. Even the character of Susan offers a glimpse into what a strong character in reduced circumstances can achieve.
I did promise to be brief, but like so many other contributions here, mine is in danger of listing the many faults of this film. Do yourself a favour and read the book!
DVD Review: Jane Austen Fan
Summary: 4 Stars
I love Jane Austen's stories but by far Mansfield Park is one of my favorites. This dvd version is very well made. I like Ms. Billie Piper in her protrayal of Fanny Price. When I read the story in my mind she was a sweet, innocent, uncomplicated young lady and that is what Ms. Piper protrayed her as. I love watching this movie over and over again. DVD Review: Very enjoyable movie
Summary: 4 Stars
This version of Masfield Park is my favorite. The acting was good. I liked it very muchDVD Review: Boring, rushed, and ubelievable
Summary: 2 Stars
If you love Jane Austen, you probably won't like this film. It is rushed, and I don't think the actors play their parts very well. I wasn't convinced that each one WAS the character they were playing. Billie Piper is a lovely girl, but she just isn't Jane Austen type. Her portrayal of Fannie was just...weird. Fanny wasn't the kind of lady you'd expect to see in Jane Austen's time, that's for sure. Even the romance elements of the film were downplayed and rushed. If you're looking for a good period romance, watch "North and South" with Richard Armitage. If you want a good Jane Austen film, watch "Pride and Prejudice" with Colin Firth, "Sense and Sensibility" (either one, but the BBC is more accurate), or "Northanger Abbey" by BBC. If you're looking for pretty much a waste of time, watch this version of "Mansfield Park".
Description of Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park
In one of Austen's most complex plots, Billie Piper (Doctor Who, The Ruby in the Smoke) stars as Fanny Price, who goes to live with prosperous relatives at Mansfield Park. Fanny navigates a labyrinth of intrigues and affairs among the occupants of the house, while her cousin Edmund Bertram (Blake Ritson, Inspector Lynley Mysteries) remains her stalwart confidant. Also starring Jemma Redgrave (Bramwell) as Fanny?s observant aunt.General DVDs
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