I was looking forward to a new adaptation of Persuasion. I had been so impressed by the 1995 version, I had hoped the next would be even better. I am afraid the '95 version still holds that top spot, this one doesn't even get out of the starting gate. My first issue with this version is the fast and loose way the screen writers played with the story. This version is 'based' on the Jane Austen novel, but they so ripped it apart and glued it back together that it hardly qualifies as the same story. What would anyone take one of the finest authors in English literature and presume to re-organize her story. Moving major elements of dialogue and character development around like so much scenery. Perhaps, if the director had spent less time having Anne run around her house and run around Bath, he could have developed some of the characters and situations. What was that final running scene all about anyhow? It felt like they had arranged to close down some streets in Bath for a day and wanted to make the best of the situation or they had lost one of their shooting sites and was covering. I agree with other reviewers that the Wentworth actor showed none of the character and maturity that a sea captain during war would have developed. That actor had no spark and no interest, as opposed to the actress who played Mary - was she on medication? Lord Elliot was really good as the vain, snob - but he was one of few actors in the film worth noting. So many shortcomings its not worth wasting your time. Either read the book or watch the '95 version.
Review of Persuasion
