Anne Shirley and Autumn

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it? Look at these maple branches. Don't they give you a thrill--several thrills? I'm going to decorate my room with them."

- Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery

The foliage around my neighborhood is really turning quite lovely in shades of red, orange and yellow!

Here are some lovely pieces of Autumn:

Photos not taken by me

Hope you're having a lovely week!

Very Truly Your's,

Jane Eyre (2011)

Click to visit Amazon's page

My dad pre-ordered Jane Eyre (2011) for my birthday and I watched it with my family almost as soon as it arrived in August. It's taken me a while to get around to reviewing it because the story's interest has rather worn out for me. But this is a very beautifully done film and this is much to interest the viewer.


Note: This review will contain some spoilers because I assume that most of my readers will already know this classic tale. So if you don't wish to know the story line and ending you can skip to the My Recommendations part at the end.

Jane Eyre disciplined by Aunt Reed

Story: When orphaned governess Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) arrives at imposing Thornfield Hall, she's intrigued by her brooding wealthy employer, Rochester (Michael Fassbender). His dark moods and the strange occurrences in the house lead her to discover a terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever. - from Amazon.com

Young Jane Eyre and Mr. Brocklehurst

Script: The story is fairly faithful to the nature of Charlotte Bronte's original work but I'm unsure of whether she would have approved of their treatment of her most popular work. The film is written in a series of flashbacks. In the first scene we see Jane running from Thornfield Hall (which takes place at least half way through the book) and it isn't until she's wandered on the moors and found safety at the Rivers' house that we begin to see bits of her harsh childhood as though they were mere memories. Her time at Thornfield Hall is also shown as a longer flashback mingled with scenes of where Jane is "now" taking a teaching position offered by St.John Rivers. A lot of the original dialog has been either cut out or reinvented.  Some of Jane Eyre's private thoughts are expressed verbally to various characters.

Mr. Rochester and Jane at Thornfield Hall

Scenes: Dark and dreary for the most part, twinged with earthy shades of brown and beige instead of the traditional black and gray, evening scenes have a golden light to them. Sets are filled with great props and details, sometimes almost too many things are cluttered around. Thornfield Hall is rather amazing with all of it's grandeur and spaciousness but still dark and mysterious. There is a wildness about the outdoor scenes and a winter just turning to spring feel as well which adds to the romanticism and idea of hope dying and then springing new.

Jane Eyre - newly made

Costumes: Although I'm not that knowledgeable about early Victorian costumes they did seem to suit the time era with lower waists on the gowns, tighter corseted bodices and lovely tucking details to the sleeves and bodices. All of Jane's gowns have a homespun feel to them and are in plain but respectable prints of black, gray and eventually brown. Her hairstyles are plain but very interesting and unfortunately not terrible becoming to the actress' face. I find Mr. Rochester's vests and hats a bit fanciful but they are I suppose suited to his wealth and station. Other characters are dressed according to their status. The one outfit I was very disappointed with was Jane's last outfit which is rather too fine for her, even though it's after her new found wealth has been discovered, it just doesn't suit her personality very well.  

Jane Eyre at Thornfield Hall

Music: The soundtrack was composed by Dario Marianelli the same talented gentleman who composed the beautiful Pride & Prejudice Soundtrack for Pride & Prejudice (2005). The tracks are completely period and use the sometimes heart-wrenching but amazing music to add to what Jane is feeling and the atmosphere of scenes throughout the film. On the DVD there is a lovely extras interview with the director and composer where they explain that the exquisite violin music is specifically to represents the caged bird within Jane Eyre's soul and what joy when that bird is released and her spirits fly high! I'm really hoping to add this soundtrack to my collection some day!


Music Video: A selection from the official soundtrack, no photos.



This is a selection from the Official Jane Eyre Soundtrack. This is my favorite track called "Yes!" which is a very happy moment for Jane and the violin here is used to represents her inner feelings soaring. Video not owned by me but was uploaded by YouTube user MistressFreya.

Cast of Jane Eyre (2011)

Actors In Their Roles: An all-star cast of up-and-coming actors fills the well known roles. This is one reason why I wanted to see this film and followed it's filming progress with interest.

• Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Reed - I was sure that the lady who had once played heroine Anne Elliot of Jane Austen's Persuasion would not be convincing in the role as Jane's rich and mean aunt - and I was right. I'm sorry to say that Sally Hawkins is too "pretty" to be Mrs. Reed and too affected in her speech to be believed. 
• Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax - Although I adore Dame Judi in her many acting roles I'm still uncertain about her portrayal of this character and indeed the casting of her in this role. She is of course very capable but to my eyes more suited to the fine lady of a country house than to a hardworking housekeeper. She puts on a bit of a northern England accent which is fine, but when she says some of her lines you can tell that it's not a careworn housekeeper you're watching but an actress who has an infectious sense of humor underneath.
• Mia Wasikowska as Jane Eyre - I'd never seen Mia in a film before but I have been impressed because her talent has been raved about by so many. Her performance was not disappointing just different in some ways from what I had read of the character. Mia holds the character very well and captures the emotional depth, strength of character and intelligence which Jane Eyre possesses. She really is a little bit of a young woman but with such great talent that translates well to the character. Unfortunately the copper hair they gave her was not very becoming and her facial features don't say "Jane Eyre" to me. Not my favorite Jane Eyre but the actress has a wealth of talent! 
• Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester - I had only seen Michael in one other film and although he's talented I didn't really like him that much and again in this role he was talented with a lot to like but I didn't really like him. By casting Michael Fassbender they chose a face that is similar to the description of "not handsome" which Jane gives in the book but his rather slight frame and facial features don't resemble Charlotte Bronte's description of Mr. Rochester. 
• Imogen Poots as Blanche Ingram - When the news of a true-to-the-book dark haired Blanche Ingram reached most fans they were quite elated by the news. Having enjoyed Imogen Poot in Miss Austen Regrets I looked forward to her portrayal of this character and was only slightly disappointed because of the shortness of her scenes. She did an excellent job playing the stuck up miss who tries to entrap Mr. Rochester. 
• Jamie Bell as St.John (Sinjon) Rivers - I've only seen Jamie Bell in a few other smaller roles so I wasn't sure how he would fit into the role but he actually did very well. As I watched his character interact with Jane Eyre and his sisters Mary and Diana I found myself liking him more and more. I've always liked Sinjon's character and his story even though it's a sad one. He is such a hard working and devout man but with a strictness that is sometimes dangerous. Jamie Bell did a great job in the role and *big spoiler*I almost wish Jane had chosen him over Mr. Rochester and that they had gone to India as missionaries.*end of spoiler*
• Tamzin Merchant & Holliday Grainger as Mary & Diana Rivers - I was particularly interested in these two young ladies and I greatly enjoyed their portrayals, fresh, sweet, friendly and very kind just like sisters to Jane. Tamzin you may remember from her role as Georgiana Darcy in Pride & Prejudice (2005). They added light and good humor to the film and I only wish they had more scenes!

Mr. Rochester plays with Blanche Ingram

My Thoughts: Overall this film was just so-so. It's really not long enough to really develop the story and particularly the relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester, which really needs to be done because they are such an odd match. When there isn't that time to develop their friendship then their attraction becomes very much a physical. Jane Eyre's childhood is run over very very briefly, her time at Thornfield Hall is barely begun before Mr. Rochester comes and seems to be immediately attracted to her and make demands on her time and almost on her person. *spoiler*After their engagement is official Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre do quite a lot of kissing which I found unnecessary.*spoiler*  Mr. Rochester's past history and that of Adele's is so briefly run over that if you blink you'll miss it. Characters such as Richard Mason, Blanche Ingram and the Rivers are barely given time to have their stories understood. There are a few interesting conversations between Jane and Mr. Rochester (and also between Jane and St.John Rivers), some of which provide a bit of humor but on the whole they are re-invented dialog instead of quoted from the book. I would watch it again (I've watched it twice so far) but it's not my favorite adaptation.

Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester 

My Recommendations: I would not recommend this film for younger children because it is a sad and hard story. It's rated PG-13 for "thematic elements including a nude image and brief violent content". The "nude image" is a painting of an undressed woman which Jane Eyre sees briefly once and then runs her candle nearer for a longer look. For any one who has read and enjoyed the book you probably won't appreciate all the changes they've made and scenes they've excluded, but other fans won't want to miss this beautifully done period drama.

Trailer:


More Photos:

 

 

 



Have you seen Jane Eyre (2011)? 
If you've seen it, what did you think of it?


Very Truly Your's,

I Saw Courageous!

Hi everyone! My family and I just went to see Sherwood Pictures new film Courageous at the cinema last night. I was so looking forward to this film and have been following their filming and post-production news closely. I was already expecting great things from this film but it never fails to surprise me how many great stories and spiritual truths they are able to pack into one movie! I've never laughed so hard or cried so much in a movie theater before! And the acting and production quality on this film are stellar, continually better than their previous films! There were a lot of action scenes too, which were amazing, especially on the big screen!

I know this isn't a period drama piece but the truth in it is so great. It's definitely a family film, there's something for all ages! I urge each of my readers to go out and see Courageous, take your fathers and your families with you! This is a must see film! 

If you've seen Courageous already what did you think of it? 

Who did you go with to see this film?

"Love you, bye." - Best line in the whole film, but you're going to have to see it to get it! :D

Very Truly Your's,

Edit to Add: If you haven't seen the trailer yet take a look!

Period Drama Actor - Hugh Bonneville

This post is in answer to a request from Catherine who counts Mr. Bonneville as one of her favorite actors. Thank you for the request Catherine, I really enjoyed putting this post together!

He was born Hugh Richard Bonneville Williams in London, England on November 10th, 1963. Was educated at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. His first acting role was first on stage in 1986 when he understudied actor Ralph Fiennes as Lysander in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He spent several seasons with the National Theatre and joined the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company in 1991. His first on-screen role were small parts in television shows in the early 1990's (often credited as "Richard Bonneville"), including the TV series The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes: The Dying Detective (1994) as Victor Savage. His first film role was in Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein (1994) where he acted alongside greats like Helena Bonahm Carter and Robert De Niro.
Over the last twenty plus years he was received great acclaim as an actor on stage, TV and in films. Many of his roles have been decidedly "period" and he has played both villains and heroes.

Take a look at some of his period drama roles:

Mr. Rushworth

Mansfield Park (1999) as Mr. Rushworth

Although I really dislike this adaptation (or rather mutilation!) of Jane Austen's classic novel, Mr. Bonneville's portrayal of rich but boring Mr. Rushworth is actually quite brilliant! He makes the character very comical and at the same time empty headed and sad. I don't recommend this film for children but for the complete Jane Austen fan it is of interest. His co-stars are Johnny Lee Miller, Frances O'Connor, Justine Waddell and Victoria Hamilton.

Charles Bovary

Madame Bovary (TV 2000) as Charles Bovary

I have only seen the first few minutes of this TV miniseries, enough to know that the story of a wife in love with someone who is not her husband was not for me. But it is a well known period drama with a prestigious cast which includes Eileen Atkins, Frances O'Connor and Hugh Dancy.
I should also mention his role in Doctor Zhivago (TV 2002) as Andrey Zhivago, another well known period drama which I watched about half of. It stars Keira Knightley in the lead role but the subject matter again isn't the best.

Henleigh Grandcourt

Daniel Deronda (TV 2002) as Henleigh Grandcourt

Seeing this film on Masterpiece Theatre was the first time I saw Mr. Bonneville in a film role and it's a miniseries that I still enjoy (with a few scenes skipped). His role as the rich scoundrel is so well played that he is completely detestable, which shows Mr. Bonneville's brilliance as an actor. It's taken me a while and seeing him in kinder roles to truly appreciate his talent. This miniseries was written by Andrew Davies, his co-stars include Ramola Garai, Hugh Dancy, Edward Fox, David Bamber, Greta Scacchi, Jodhi May and the delightful Amanda Root.

Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairy Tale (2003) as Publisher

Although he has a very small part in this film it is worth checking out because I quite enjoyed this film about the life of the famous author. You can read my review here.

Reverend Brook Bridges

Miss Austen Regrets (2008) as Rev. Brook Bridges
The second of Mr. Bonneville's roles in a Jane Austen film! 

His role as the kindly minister and "old flame" of Jane Austen (played by Olivia Williams) was the bright spot of this biopic. I actually quite like this film even though it doesn't represent Miss Austen quite faithfully. His brilliance still shines through.

Mr. Bennet (and Mrs. Bennet)

Lost in Austen (2008) as Mr. Bennet
The third of Mr. Bonneville's roles in a Jane Austen related film!

When I first watched this Jane Austen time travel miniseries I didn't expect to like it but each time I watch it I like it just a little bit more. Several of the characters were fairly well cast and I quite enjoyed Hugh Bonneville's portrayal Mr. Bennet. Christened "Claude Bennet" at the beginning of the series his character continues rather comical but chivalrous at the same time. I really enjoyed reading this interview with Mr. Bonneville on his role at LostInAusten.com.

Captain Oldknow

From Time to Time (2009) as Captain Oldknow

This is another TV film I've been meaning to review, it's quite lovely and Hugh Bonneville is just one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much! 

His character is a Regency era naval Captain and country gentleman who takes in an African boy as a companion for his blind daughter. Although his wife and older son scheme to squander his money but he thwarts their plans and encourages his daughter's free spirit. He's such a fair and just character that's it's hard not to like him! His co-stars include Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Alex Etel, Dominic West and Eliza Bennet.

Inspector Hewitt

Marple: The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side (2010) as Inspector Hewitt
He played an entertaining and insightful police Inspector alongside Julia McKenzie's lovely Miss Jane Marple. A smallish role but always lovely to see him act!

Pontius Pilate

Ben Hur (TV series, 2010) as Pontius Pilate

I haven't seen this TV series yet but the cast is quite prestigious. Anyone seen this?

Edward Masterman

Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express (2010) as Edward Masterman
I adore the Poirot movies starring David Suchet and although this adaptation doesn't quite do the original story justice I still greatly enjoy this cast! Mr. Bonneville plays the loyal manservant traveling with his unscrupulous American employer. But as is the way with mysteries not everyone is what they seem!
His co-stars include: Eileen Atkins, Toby Jones, David Morrissey and Samuel West.

Earl of Grantham

Downton Abbey (2010-2011) as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
Most people these days will easily recognize Mr. Bonneville from his role in the popular series Downton Abbey. I really enjoy his character who is head of  his family surrounded by a wife, three daughters and a mother who are all very opinionated. He's a charming gentleman and kind master to the many downstairs servants. I really enjoyed the first series (with a few exceptions) and look forward to the second series. 

Mr. Bonneville has also voiced several radio dramas and narrated a few documentaries as well. His voice is quite recognizable!

He's been in other period dramas and many other films and TV shows (some of which I don't recommend so I haven't mentioned them here), you can learn more about his work at his website.

Hugh & his wife Lulu

Trivia About Hugh Bonneville: 

-He is 6 foot, 2 inches tall

-He speaks French.

-Studied Theology at Cambridge before going to acting school.

-Has been married to his wife Lulu Evans Williams since 1998.

-He lives with his wife and nine-year-old son Felix is West Sussex.

-BAFTA Best Supporting Actor nominated for his portrayal of the young John Bayley in the films Iris.

-Described his Iris co-star Kate Winslet as "a force of nature.". 

Links:

-Hugh Bonneville Online - His official website where I got most of the information for this post.

-My Secret Life - a delightful interview he did for newspaper The Independent in May 2011.

-IMDb Page

-The Actors Compendium Page

-Wikipedia Page

Interview for Downton Abbey, Series 2

The long and short of it - Mr. Hugh Bonneville is a prodigiously talented gentleman. His versatile portrayals of villains and heroes alike are very brilliant! I look forward to seeing him pop up in many other period dramas in the future! 

Which of Hugh Bonneville's roles have you seen?

Which roles are your favorites?

Historical Fiction: The Lightkeeper's Daughter

Dear Readers, I originally posted this review on my book blog Rather Bookish, but I thought my readers here might be interested in this delightful piece of Historical Fiction. I enjoyed it immensely and am the lookout for other books in the Mercy Falls Series! Reading this book and recovering from a cold and the flu is what I've been up to lately. :)

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble

Synopsis: "With the lies of the past behind her, Addie finds love...and discovers her true Father.
Addie Sullivan leads a quiet life in northern California lighthouse. She mourns the death of her father and endures her mother's bitterness, until the night a storm brings and injured stranger and a dark secret to her home. The man insists she is not who she thinks she is, but rather "Julia Eaton" - the child long lost and feared dead by her wealthy family. Seizing the chance to be reunited with the Eastons, Addie leaves her lighthouse home but decides to keep her true identity a secret until they can unravel the mystery.
Addie Loves the Eatons' palatial home tucked away among the California redwood forests. She feels secure with the jovial family, adores the young boy who is her charge as governess, and finds romance with his father John, a young widower. But sinister shadows overtake Addie's joy. As dusty rooms and secret compartments give up their clues about her past, Addie finds a faith and a love she could never have guessed. To embrace this new world of promise is to risk her life; but to run away is to risk losing the greatest love she's ever known." - quoted from back cover

Introductions: I had seen this book with it's charming cover design in department stores and bookstores over the past month and picked it up once or twice thinking it looked like a good book. Then when Charity over at Austenitis recommended it highly in her review in May I immediately put The Lightkeeper's Daughter on my reading list. I was so happy when I was able to pick a brand new copy up for $3 while I was on vacation in August. It waited a few weeks, while I finished up one of the books I was already reading, but when I started reading it I was totally engrossed in the world that the author had created!

Author: Having never read anything by Colleen Coble I didn't know quite what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautifully told story filled with sweet friendships, family fun, adventure, mystery, a bit of suspense and a charming love story! The subjects of the early Edwardian era, Victorian mansions and lighthouses all correspond with my own interests. In a letter at the end of the book the author says she's never written historical fiction before but her tale is told so well and with many historical details that it's so brilliant. I'd definitely read more in this series and by this author!

Characters: The heroine Adeline "Addie" Sullivan is a spunky red-head who loves sewing, reading Elizabeth Barrett Browning poems, playing ragtime music on the piano, caring for people with her medicine skills and running barefoot in the great outdoors while talking to her Savior. The reader immediately identifies with Addie and like her yearns to learn more about the mystery surrounding her past. The hero, John North, is singled out in the first few chapters and is gallant, charming and loves the heroine for being pure and genuine. I wish there was a little bit more about his background but it is very interesting getting inside his head and sometimes hearing his thoughts about Addie. The other character are well drawn out and true to life, there are a few that I really wanted to learn more about!

My Thoughts: I loved this book so much! The style of writing and the story was quite unique, different from other historical romances I've read. While I was reading there were many points where I was even a bit surprised that the author was so imaginative and was writing details that other authors often forget. And the names she uses are lovely! I highly recommend this book, especially if you like historical fiction and a bit of a mystery! The Lightkeeper's Daughter is the first book in The Mercy Falls Series so I'm very excited there's two other books in the series to enjoy (especially since the next book seems to be about a character from the last)! This book is so good it's going to go immediately on my favorites list and I'll definitely be re-reading it some time soon! I hope you all get a chance to read it too!

Very Truly Your's,
Miss Laurie :)