knightsofneech Reviews

Heidi (1920)

Interesting Adaptation, a lesson in early film

[6/10 · 20 September 2004]

I would have to say, this adaptation is extremely interesting as an early film. You must watch it keeping in mind that the music and sounds, background and scenery were difficult to reproduce.

There is this one scene that is mesmorizing in a way I cant describe unlike any other film experience. Little Heidi climbs to the top of a mountain in the Alps and happens across a fawn. This is no studio model, its a beautiful little fawn that happened to make it into the movie and it is such a charming effect and for a moment, I forgot the fake sets, the cornflake snow and the silly costumes of this early movie. They took great pains to shoot these scenes in the outdoors and did a great job.

If you enjoy the story of Heidi, see if you can sit through this at some point just for the experience of this film. Its really not a film you have to decide you love or hate, its more of an experience.

I highly recommend the newer version of Heidi made in the early 1990's. Well done and Noley Thornton does a sweet job of Heidi as do Jason Robards and other supporting actors/actresses.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Probably the best BBC miniseries made-Austen would be proud...

[20 September 2004]

This adaptation of the Jane Austen novel is really incredible. Set design and costumes are very believable and the acting is practically perfect for most of characters.

A few comments on costume: one of the most believable aspects of the details put into this miniseries has to do with the costumes. Elizabeth and Jane are both adorned simple enough to convey a Christian background and some decor and modesty, as they would have properly been dressed during this time, yet the costumers could have expanded their wardrobe as you see many times in American films (the 1999 version of Emma comes to mind here, particularly) and yet at the time, the women would *not* have had 10 different ensembles to wear at special events. I honestly admired the holding back of their wardrobes to a few gowns rather than having gone overboard as you often see! The women who were of higher stature were properly attired in their jewels and every costume fit the character and situation beautifully. This and the musical score are two of the biggest highlights, I felt.

I would also like to give props to Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth who were cast wonderfully. Jennifer was able to convey a sort of devilish satire and quick wit which I thought suited her exceedingly well and accentuated the wit Austen was trying to get across in the novel. Firth held back and it suited his character. He shows a quiet power, a feeling of disdain and complexity in his acting that worked well for the first half of the miniseries and then turned this into admiration and openness later as the story develops. By the time he declares his undying love to Elizabeth you get the impression he is ready to burst open and you breathe a huge sigh of relief for him, yet the energy continues to pulse. Its a great thing to watch..

I would recommend this miniseries to anyone, especially those not yet familiar with Austen. This specific miniseries is so well done many people I have watched it with have sparked incredible interests in the intrigues of Austen's works. Good job BBC!