frodo

Anne just too frail and childlike, Feb 13 2012

Because I very much enjoyed the Amanda Root-Ciaran Hinds version of Persuasion, I was almost reluctant to try this one -- except I like Sally Hawkins and figured she could hardly go wrong playing Anne Elliot. While this movie has some nice touches, there are many elements I feel do not do justice to the story.
First, some casting/acting comments:
- Hawkins plays Anne as very emotionally fragile: prone to weeping, mouth hanging wetly open, etc. In the book, Anne is clearly highly admired by everyone (everyone of sense, that is) she encounters; it is difficult to imagine this somewhat wimpy, tentative Anne garnering such admiration. In the earlier version, Amanda Root plays Anne… Read more

helpful for writers and readers, Jan 3 2012

As an aspiring writer and an avid reader, I found this book helpful and interesting. Maass's point is simple: "If you want to write a book that people want to read, follow this advice." I learned a great deal from this book about imbuing my work with more tension and "stakes," using setting to greater advantage, and adjusting pacing -- all very practical matters that I sensed were problematic in my own writing.

One important thing Maass seems to acknowledge is that readers -- and, for that matter, writers -- have many different tastes, interests, and levels of sophistication. He's not a snob; he finds positive things to say about even what one might consider formulaic works,… Read more

satisfying rendition of George Eliot's novel, July 5 2011

This movie takes out most of the religious excess from George Eliot's book and leaves a touching story of contrasts: first, between faithful salt-of-the-earth woodworker Adam Bede and rich, aimless Arthur Donnithorne(both of whose hearts are entangled with the same woman) and second, between quiet preacher Dinah Morris and bored, wayward Hetty Sorrel.

The casting is generally excellent. Iain Glen (Adam) conveys the handsome Adam's combination of humility and strength well, and James Wilby (who often plays foppish characters) is suprisingly believable as the dashing Captain Donnithorne, a man who thinks well of himself but does not know his own weaknesses. Susannah Harker, who… Read more