I listened to an interesting interview with Andrew Davies this morning on NPR’s Morning Edition. Davies is the screenwriter who has adapted four of the six Jane Austen novels currently running on Masterpiece Theater each Sunday evening until April.
Davies who is a former professor of English literature has created some controversy among Jane Austen fans with his adaptations. Davies adds scenes to the movies which may only be implied by the books. For example, Jane Austen’s heroine in Northanger Abbey has an overactive imagination and reads gothic novels. Davies adds scenes in which she imagines herself being kidnapped by highwaymen or tied up in a dungeon.
Northanger Abbey will air this Sunday on PBS. It will be interesting to see the gothic scenes he has added. I know many fans of Jane Austen books don’t like adaptations which are not completely true to the novels, but I think it can add to the story and also make it more appealing visually. What do you think?
Update: At the PBS Masterpiece Theater website you can watch a preview for Northanger Abbey.
Yes, I read the AD Interview on CNN dot com. I’ve the link posted in my blog. As a Janeite, I don’t mind AD straying a bit because I think he’s knowledgeable enough to stay within the style of JA. Looking forward to NA this Sunday!
After watching NA on Masterpiece Theatre last Sunday, I’m afraid I need to take back what I said about AD’s straying. I’ve to say I was a bit disappointed with his screenplay here, adding his own words disguised as Austen’s and dealing with NA superficially. Just like to know what you think.
I finally watched NA today! Actually I liked it. My main complaint–it felt rushed. I didn’t feel Catherine and Henry Tilney really knew each other before they declared themselves. I think it is too bad these Jane Austen’s are mostly only 90 minutes.
On a personal aside…I’m not wild about Gillian Anderson as the new host. I like her acting, but she doesn’t seem right as the host. I also dislike the color scheme with her red hair!
While I’m not a Jane Austin fan, I do enjoy listening to NPR! I learn a lot from NPR about the day’s events while I’m getting ready for work or driving to/from work.