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Persuasion DVD
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Rating: - a few more thoughts on this quiet gem
Like many of the other reviewers here, I too found this to be a film which disappointed a trifle at first, but which grew in richness and texture with every subsequent viewing. (and I would estimate that I have watched it perhaps thirty times, so I know whereof I speak!)
What makes this film so special is the excellence of the ensemble cast, all of whom were uniformly excellent. Sophie Thompson as Mary Musgrove is a gem, as are the wonderful portrayals of Sir Walter Elliott's comically foppish self absorption, Anne Elliott's spoiled disdainfulness, and Lady Russell's well meaning but snobbish preoccupation with rank.
Lesser characters are equally charming, most notable among these Mrs. Croft's radiant portrayal of a wife quietly but madly in love with her husband. Her glow at the dinner table when she describes her shipboard adventures to Anne is palpable and warmly engaging. Charles Musgrove is also portrayed flawlessly, as are both of his parents.
On of the most quietly amusing scenes in the film is when Anne and Mary visit the Musgroves at their estate just after Anne's arrival in Uppercross. Each member of the family corners Anne with a politely worded complaint about her sister Mary's behavior, while Mary in turn counters each with a conflicting complaint of her own. At the end of this little set piece, we see Anne and Charles sitting side by side. Charles sighs and says wryly "oh Anne!" and Anne gives a small but eloquent sigh, and nods in silent empathy. Masterful.
But by far the greatest credit must go to Amanda Root, for her absolutely amazing portrayal of a woman who has 'lost her bloom' to the numbness of loss, loneliness, and regret. It's perfectly true that her looks are not that of which Hollywood leading ladies are made, and this is what makes her portrayal so moving. In the beginning scenes she is downright plain, but as the film progresses, the tentative stirrings of hope within her radiate to the surface, turning her from the stoically homely woman we see in the cart to Uppercross to the quietly elegant and lovely woman who holds her own in a sophisticated conversation with Mr. Elliott in a Bath drawing room.
But the most amazing scene, which I never tire of, and which I was surprised that no one else mentioned in these reviews, takes place at Uppercross cottage, the first time the Admiral and Mrs. Croft come to call. While the Admiral is busy with the Musgrove boys, Mrs. Croft sets about making small talk with Ann. "It was you and not your sister, I find, who was acquainted with my brother" she says, and we see Anne's eyes widen in shock at her words. When Mrs. Croft adds that her brother is married, Ann's expression seems to freeze into a kind of unspoken dismay, but she manages to stammer out her best wishes. Mrs. Croft's next words make it clear that it is her other brother, the curate, of whom she speaks, and we see Ann draw in a breath of surprise, then let it out again in a tiny rush of relief that is all the more intense for being almost imperceptible.
It is an amazing one-two-three-four sequence of shifting reaction and response, all conveyed totally through Ms. Roots eyes and facial expression, without one word being spoken. I wonder if the reason no one mentioned it here, despite uniform praise for Ms. Root's acting, is that it was so subtle that no one even focused on it? If not, go back and watch this scene again. Once you realize what you are seeing, you will never overlook it again--it is a tiny little marvel hidden in a film which is full of such moments.
All in all, my only complaint about this film is that there isn't enough of it. Someone mentioned in these reviews that the editing process eliminated 30-45 minutes of footage, and that is truly too bad. I could wish that some of these deleted scenes could be restored, most notably towards the end of the film. Something to clarify Mr. Elliot's motivation in wanting to attach Anne, and also make clearer his connection to Mrs. Clay would have been helpful in tying up what seemed like a bit of a loose end.
Also, I would like to have seen something a little more conclusive added to the ending of the film. The shipboard scene of Anne and her husband sailing off into the sunset was lovely in theory, but it came so abruptly that the rhythm seemed slightly off key, like a song that's waiting for one last note to end it on a decisive downbeat.
But those are minor complaints--overall, this film is sheer, quiet poetry.