In the past few weeks, my husband and I have watched three book movies—movie adaptations of classic literature. (One was technically a mini-series, but still.) We love these kinds of movies, both because we know the story will be good, for it has endured the test of time, and also because we enjoy the historical world on screen.
Also, It’s always interesting to see how closely a filmmaker or screenwriter will stick to the original work. We often find ourselves wondering about a line of dialogue or an unexpected scene. Was that in the original work? Or was that added for this interpretation? In the end, watching a movie or mini-series based on literature always drives me back to another read of the original story, which is a good thing!
So here is what we have been watching—and what I am now ready to read once again.
Howard’s End
Our PBS station showed this 2017-2018 mini-series recently. I had read Howard’s End in a literature class in college eons ago and wasn’t sure I remembered the story. I just remembered I had enjoyed it. But a few minutes in and I did remember it! At least I remembered the ending. Which is pretty remarkable considering how long ago I read it. While they did a good job with the depth of the characters in the show, I now want to open the book and see exactly how E. M. Forester portrayed Margaret and Helen Schlegel as well as the other characters. I also want to go back and watch the older version (which I think I did see at some point!) with its all-star cast of Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Anthony Hopkins and more! I wonder which version will feel more satisfying.
Little Women
We went almost the first weekend the movie opened, and I’ll admit I went with fear and trepidation, for I am a huge fan of the Winona Ryder version of Louisa May Alcott’s classic story. (And, I must say, of the musical Little Women, too!) Of course every adaption chooses different aspects of the story and its characters to emphasize, so there were some major differences between the two films, but overall I enjoyed this newest version. The actors were fabulous, the score beautiful and the visual aspects a feast for the eyes. But again, there were bits and pieces, both of this version and what I remember from the other, that I now want to compare to the actual book, even knowing that this latest version pulled in some biographical elements and attributed them to Jo, which I’m fine with since it was obviously a very autobiographical novel! Even after several readings, I still sometimes confuse the movie details and the book details.
Emma
My very first Jane Austen book was Emma. I read it in a literature class in college and fell in love. So my husband arranged for us to be at the first showing of the newest version of the film in our city. Again, I went in a little unsure because I so love Gwenyth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam as Emma and Mr. Knightley. But like Little Women, I kept an open mind. And also like Little Women, I can embrace this version of Emma. This version focuses more intensely on Emma and Mr. Knightley as they fall in love over time—or rather as they discover their love for one another. Which was great, actually. It just meant that some of the awesome minor characters (who happened to be played by amazing actors!) weren’t in the story as often as they might have been. But still, I loved watching Emma and Mr. Knightley fall in love a little more obviously. And so now I’m anxious to go back to the book once more, to see if these moments were implied and the filmmakers simply expanded on them or if they were there all along and weren’t as emphasized in the Paltrow-Northam version.
Three really great movies based on three really great books, and I am so excited to read each one of them again.
There are so many great book to movie adaptations out there. What is your most recent favorite? Did it spur you to re-read the book?
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One of my favorites was The Book Thief. The movie changed a few things but overall it was great.
Good to know! I read the book but can’t remember if I saw the movie! I’ll put it on my watchlist.
FASCINATING comparison, Anne! Now you’ve made me want to watch all these again! And I’m not sure I’ve seen any of the Howard’s End movies. Something to look forward to!
Lol! Just writing this made me want to watch all those movies again, too! And read the books. Now to find the time…
The Winona Ryder version of Little Women and the Gwenyth Paltrow version of Emma are my favorites, too. I have not seen the new ones yet but look forward to them. I liked Romola Garai in another version of Emma. And Emma was my first Austen book, too, in a Literary Criticism class in college
Recently I was looking for something to watch while riding my exercise bike and came across a series called Doctor Thorne, based on the book by Anthony Trollope. I had never read Trollope before, but I loved this series. It didn’t hurt that the screenplay was written and the series produced by Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame, and he introduces each episode. After I finished the series I started listening to the audiobook. The series was a little predictable (though still enjoyable), but the book, of course, provides a lot more depth and nuance. I’m looking forward to reading more Trollope.
Loved this post, D’Ann! My daughter has already told me that we need to go see Emma together over spring break (next week). Hearing your assessment makes me eager for the treat!
I’ve seen several film adaptations for Jane Eyre. My favorite is the one with William Hurt and Anna Paquin from 1996.
Jane Eyre adaptations are fabulous to compare! I think I re-read the book after the seeing the most recent one, but it’s time to re-watch and re-read, I think, because I do love Jane Eyre!
I saw the new Emma this past weekend! Like you, I enjoyed it. The Paltrow version is still my favorite, but any day on which a Jane Austen adaptation releases is a GOOD day. 🙂
Agreed! Glad you enjoyed it, too.
Recently watched the PBS series of “Howard’s End,” although I doubt I’ll read the book. The acting in the movie was fine, but I just didn’t care too much for the characters. I am, however, looking forward to the latest “Emma” adaptation. Yes, I’ve read that one! “Little Women,” of course, is a story of my heart. I’ve re-read it multiple times over the years and get something new from it every time. LOVED both the Greta Gerwig and Susan Sarandon film versions, which oddly enough, led to us watching a 1978 tv version starring Susan Dey as Jo. I kid you not. It’s cute, but it’s “Little Women” for third graders!William Shatner (As Bhaer) has the strangest German-Canadian accent … 🙂
Susan Dey and William Shatner?!?!? That does sound like an odd adaptation!
There was an adaptation of “Emma” on PBS “Masterpiece” in 2008. I watched that one and enjoyed it.
“Howard’s End” (2017) broadcasted on one of the premium channels before its run on PBS.
Of interest, “Little Women” (2018) is scheduled to re-run on “Masterpiece” this month. Check your local listings!
Good to know! I think I did watch that version of Little Women the first time they ran it. I think I liked it, it just didn’t leave as much of an impression on me, I guess. Probably could do with a re-watch!