Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park
by Iain B. MacDonald
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Billie Piper, Blake RitsonDirector: Iain B. MacDonald
Brand: Wgbh Wholesale
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 90 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-01-29
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: PBS
Product features:
- 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 (Bram
Movie Reviews of Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park
Movie Review: For pure enjoyment's sake,the 2008 MANSFIELD is the most enjoyable
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay,let's get this out of the way first.I have read the Jane Austen novel and I have seen all three totally "Unacceptable" screen adaptations to the hard core "Janeites." Here, we examine THIS particular screenplay adaptation as just that-an adaptation for the screen, to give us a sense of the daunting and arguably not best written Austen plot,that is the most pallette-able to view in 90 minutes.
That said,only the 1983 BBC 4 -hour miniseries fairly adheres to the novel.But,it is by no means perfect.The 1998 version is smart,witty and quite a good time, but characters are changed too much for the "purists." (I LOVED IT!)So....why has Masterpiece Theater adapted this story a third time and what are it's merits and pitfalls?
The basics are the same: Fanny Price is taken at the age of ten from her family to be a ward of her wealthier relations, The Bertrams.She grows up , always reminded that she is there,but is of humbler origins. She has a kindred spirit in her cousin Edmund who, along with Fanny,grow into adulthood together,but seemingly torn apart by obligations and class structure.They will break those bonds and marriage will be theirs, as well as eternal bliss.This IS Jane Austen!
This adaptation cuts to the quick of Austen's laborious novel-the relationship and eventual betrothal of Fanny to Edmund.Many of the subplots,such as Fanny going back to visit her family are omitted as well as certain characters are paired down considerably to keep focus on Fanny and Edmund... and THERE IS THE WORD-FOCUS.Billy Piper Doctor Who - The Complete First and Second Series (11pc) as Fanny is adequate in the role (not a good hair-dye-job!) and shows a certain free spirit so lacking in the 1983 version; BUT it is actor Blake Ritson from The Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Set 5 who IMO is the finest of all of the Edmund Bertram's yet.When he has the epiphany that Fanny is the girl for him, he lights up the screen with his big eyes and infectious smile, and all of the Empire corseted feelings of past productions are forever bound up and stayed in a upper room chiffarobe! It is Ritson's performance as Edmund that makes this adaptation so immensely viewable. Much of this production is brought out of doors (even the wedding) allowing the dusty drawing room book readings and card parties to be left indoors, and the joy and fun that is in Austen's book is given fresh country air and lots of sunlight in order to let Fanny and Edmund's love blossom.This is where THIS adaptation soars!The costumes are totally and correctly period proper.
You may grumble about Aunt Norris' role being trimmed,or Mrs.Bertram's savvy almost feminist wiles, but for love in bloom,GO FOR IT! This is a film...not the book...and it is excellent!
Hayley Atwell,currently seen in Woody Allen's Cassandra's Dream who plays Miss Crawford is also OUTSTANDING and is every bit worth the viewing time.She plays a more cunning Crawford.
Summary 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 Fannyís observant aunt.Similar DVD Movies
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