Sooner or later I'll have to deal with Under the Skin again -- anything from a total rewrite and expunging of characters (no, I haven't forgotten having to get rid of Myrna Lou in The Day of Small Things) to quite a bit of tweaking. But until I hear back from Herself, I'm squeezing in as much fun as possible.
Normally I don't watch TV or movies. But, as I mentioned before, we're going episode by episode through "Foyle's War" and I'm loving it.
And on Tuesday night we watched the latest version of Pride and Prejudice. Now there's dissipation for you!
I almost know this book by heart. I've read it any number of times and listened to it on audio recording.
This latest version took a lot of liberties -- condensing action, shifting settings, and generally livening up the overall feeling.
I was prepared to be annoyed -- and they did leave out some of my favorite bits. But there was a freshness to the retelling of this much-loved story that made it a movie well worth watching.
All the casting was excellent -- Mr. Bingley was played very differently from previous characterizations -- he's always seemed a bit one-dimensional -- this Mr. B. was much more memorable. Donald Sutherland was an inspired choice for Mr. Bennet and Dame Judi Dench was a magnificent Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The unctuous Mr. Collins is wonderful. And Keira Knightly's Elizabeth is just right, and Matthew Macfayden reanimates the often wooden Mr. Darcy.
And if the ending smacks of a True Romance magazine story -- somehow I found it highly suitable.
Who knows? I might even watch another movie.
23 comments:
Isn't it wonderful to take an occasional break from writing and re-discover what it's like to be a normal human for a while??? I think the pauses are valuable - the writing always improves after a time out. Getting back into the swing of things (TV, book, movies, etc etc etc) reinvigorates your writing!
Vicki, did you ever get to see the BBC adaptation with Colin Firth in it? Details at http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/prideandprejudice/
Enjoy your 'riotous living' and have another glass for me.
Congratulations on having some time to yourself to pursue your own interests. I love P&P too. I'll have to take a look at this new telling. And... I love The Graveyard Book and first listened and watched Neil Gaiman read the book online at:
http://www.mousecircus.com/videotour.aspx
Then I went out and bought a cd of him reading the book, but there was not a dvd of him reading. Watching him read adds so much to the story. What fun!
Creative juices are always working but our bodies can not hold up to the demands. Keeping them under control and getting them out visually, written or drawn, is a blessing, just like a relief valve. But sometimes the machine needs to be shut down. Take a good rest.
Enjoy! cheers to you --- and much success in the coming days ahead when eventually your book(s) come to market.
Joanny
I'm also glad that you're enjoying your free time, doing what ever you want to do!
i like nail gaiman as well...there is just something about the way he tells a story...and i grew up on his comic books as well...
good for you having fun while you wait...too many would be hovering expectantly...
Hi Vicki, Cheers, or as we say here in Ireland, Slainte, there is nothing quite like the freedom to watch TV, I only get to indulge on rare occasions, and when I do, it is sheer bliss. Congrats on finding that space, and time for all your favourite things too. My daughters are avid readers of the great classics and like you they re-read. Hugs, Margie.
Hi, Jill -- Oh, yes, a thousand times yes!
Martin -- I have it on DVD -- the gift of my older son and his wife. It's quite wonderful and so true to the book. It's my favorite.
Thanks for the link, Callie! I also love hearing him read. He has a blog too that's sometimes quite charming.
Too true, Larry! A little R and R is just the ticket!
Thanks, Joanny -- from your mouth to God's ears . . .
And Pat -- of course, what I want to do also involves catching up with all I haven't done in the house and garden...
Brian, My older son was/is a Sandman fan and it was he who introduced me to Gaiman's books.
Margie -- who knows, I may even have time to do a little crafting --quilting or embroidery!
Vicki, I'm so glad you are taking a well deserved break. One needs it for the heart and soul as well as the body. Enjoy this lovely weekend and treat it as if you didn't have a care in the world.
Sam
well dang - I was going to say exactly what Sam said! For real!
I remember being prepared to be annoyed with the latest P&P, as well, and was very pleasantly surprised. I even own a copy that I pop in now and then. Fun to hear of your riotous living!
There is nothing wrong with a little riotious living! I haven't thought of Pride and Prejudice for years. I think I even have a dog eared copy on the book shelf. Might have to read it before I watch the movie.
Interestingly, I did read To Kill A Mockingbird last weekend (in between my Lake adventures). I say interestingly, because although I read it in HS, I didn't remember hardly any of it until the last few chapters.
I am so glad you are enjoying a break, which seems more than well earned to me!
All those treats, (the movie trailer sits in the dock, I'll have it with a cup of tea in a minute), the last one was the whipped cream on top: Neil Gaiman has a new book out! I love his writing, even more since I met him at the Library of Congress Book Fair (must have been the second one they held) and observed what incredibly kind person he is and how he can instill enthusiasm and love of reading and a good story in all those young people.
I will close my books early today and go to one of my favorite small cafes to listen to an Italian singer first and later to a club where one of my teachers plays tonight (photographer wunderkind by day, musician by night for fun).
Jane Austen ! I do like this author a lot. I read all her books at least one time (not the last one which she did not finish though) and what a pitty she was illed and died so young. It is a mistary for me how she was able to write books where nothing happens and which you are unable to leave and put on a table.
I like Mark's park and castle and often think to them, I find them in almost each castle I see having a large view towards a valley and some deep and dark woods where to walk quietly...
(I like Harlan Coben too, diffently. His last book -"long lost"- is in a part I know very well in Paris)
Thanks, Sam and Kaye!
Oh, yes, I do know how to have fun, Willow!
I need to re-read Mockingbird myself, Deanna. It's been a long time. . .
Sounds as if you're doing a little dissipating yourself, Merisi! And if you're a Gaiman fan -- he has a nice blog -- there's a link over almost at the bottom of ny blog list.
Cergie -- So true about Jane Austen -- she writes about the little social interactions and makes it fascinating.
I'm a big Harlan Coben fan -- I love his series the best -- Myron Bolitar and Win are two of my favorite characters!
I'm glad you're living high on the hog : ) Both my girls think Mr. Darcy is very romantic and handsome too!
wonderful, go for it, girl!
Foyle's War and ANY Jane Austen will do me very well, anytime.
Have fun!
I was reading the back blogs about the little Cantrell girl's grave. Did you ever find it? Did you ever uncover the mystery of the dollhouse? Just curious! I hope you enjoy your time off, you deserve it.
Hey, Tipper -- Oh, yes! Living with wild abandon!
Me roo, Friko! It's really amazing how well JA's work hold up!
Misty -- I never found either grave for sure. I talked to the Cantrell child's brother and he gave me directions which I must have misunderstood. I'll have to try again.
The dollhouse, I was told, was for a girl of about nine who died of typhoid fever.
I too have watched the Pride and Prejudice movie. Excellent cast and wardrobe artists. Enjoy your vacation from writing. -- barbara
I enjoyed this version of "Pride and prejudices"!
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