Hugh Grant Reads the Classics
Felix writes to tell us of an episode of INSIDE THE ACTOR’S STUDIO featuring Hugh Grant. Mr. Grant praised Emma Thompson’s Academy Award-winning adaptation of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY:
I thought her screenplay was better than the book myself.
Seems like Miss Marianne was right about Edward L.F. Ferrars: “It is evident, in spite of his frequent attention to her while she draws, that in fact he knows nothing of the matter. He admires as a lover, not as a connoisseur.” A transcription of the interview is available here.
(We know someone will ask: “L.F.” is a joke between Your Gentle Editor and a Janeite friend, and the words that those letters stand for cannot be published in a genteel weblog such as this. We confess that L stands for “Lame.” We bid you, like Henry Tilney bid Catherine Morland during their curricle ride to Northanger Abbey, to “use your own fancy” in determining the second word. In the present instance, we find the full descriptive term fully warranted.)
We are also forcibly reminded of an interview of Alan Rickman on the Charlie Rose show, when Mr. Rose expressed great astonishment when Mr. Rickman mentioned that Emma Thompson had written the screenplay. We confess that we were driven to shout unladylike epithets at the television screen. She won an OSCAR for it! And well-deserved, though we dare say that even Miss Thompson would cavil at calling it “better than the book.”
(Thanks to Felix for sending the links! He may be regretting it now.)
October 14th, 2004 at 5:08 pm
I don’t have time to check out the link at the moment, but I wanted to comment you on your apt use of the Marianne quote. Upon a quick perusal of your (hilarious!) post, I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Grant is more suited for the Wickham character, a la BJD, than Mr. Ferrars. Even considering the coat-hanger posture.
October 14th, 2004 at 5:09 pm
no way! I,enjoyed every minute of it as:
“..there was no particular reason for it; but I do not think it worth while to wait for enjoyment until there is some real opportunity for it.” …
Jan 21 1799 JA
October 15th, 2004 at 9:44 am
We always enjoy the company of those who can pull Jane Austen quotes out of their butt(s). As can we.
October 16th, 2004 at 9:02 pm
well,caught me there!!
MADAM
You are a Phoenix. Your taste is refined, your Sentiments are noble, & your Virtues innumerable. Your Person is lovely, your Figure, elegant, & your Form, magestic. Your Manners are polished, your Conversation is rational & your appearance singular.
The Beautifull Cassandra
just cant stop myself!