Persuasion Movie 2022
Persuasion the movie takes us back in time to the late 1700’s in the UK where rich families owned residential halls and land, with a responsibility to manage it appropriately, ensuring it remains profitable. It also takes us back in time where certain professions were frowned upon especially until a certain rank is attained. Persuasion on moral grounds is a story about choosing a partner who you are truly comfortable with and not just choosing someone to marry for the sake of it. This movie is based on the book written by Jane Austen in 1817. This novel was the final book written by this classical novelist before her passing with several previous adaptations being converted into likable movies.
Lack of “Surprise”
The main characters in this movie have unique personalities and I believe that considering this is Jane Austen’s final novel, which is comparatively shorter than her previous adaptations, we should not raise an eyebrow at how undeveloped the supporting characters were. Several readers believe that the book was not long enough to allow the supporting characters personality to unfold. Instead, Jane Austen simply describes their character rather openly right from the introduction of the character rather than having a “surprise” element for the reader. The movie is also rather reflective of this abrupt novel where one cannot make sense of the rationale behind why a character makes a particular decision. Given the fact that the script writer of the movie would have been aware of this history, making a few brief changes would have helped to make the movie more interesting. I do admit that the lead characters roles have been well written, and this is the main reason why this movie is watchable.
Single at 27 (Persuasion Dakota Johnson)
The main character of Anne Elliott played by Dakota Johnson is reflected in a rather pitiful manner like the novel which has her single at the ripe age of 27 and finding herself being uninvited for social gatherings and spending her time babysitting her sister’s children while they are out and about socially. The reasoning for this is that she did not get married at the appropriate age. 7 years earlier, she was “Persuaded” by a family friend Lady Russell to leave her true love Frederick Wentworth because he was a sailor and did not have a title to his name. Being orphaned during her childhood, Anne’s mother entrusted significant levels of responsibility on her best friend Lady Russell to mentor her daughters and to ensure that her husband does not squander the family away. 7 years later, Anne has not gotten over the pain of her breakup and her family is heavy in debt due to her father’s extravagant ways of life. They have no choice but to place their home Kellynch Hall in Somersetshire, London on rent. The new tenants turn out to be none other than Frederick Wentworth’s sister and brother-in-law. Anne’s pompous family has to downgrade and relocate to Bath. Before relocating, Anne is summoned by her younger sister Mary to visit her in Upper Cross, a posh area in London where she is married and settled with her husband Charles, 2 sons and unmarried sister-in-law’s: Louissa and Henrietta. Upon her arrival at Upper Cross, Frederick also turns up in London. The story thereafter unfolds based on their various interactions in group settings leading to how they end up together again. The romantic decisions of Louissa and Henrietta are also highlighted rather briefly in the movie.
The rivalry that is prevalent between Anne and Frederick is the main highlight of the movie because it is reflective of the deep feelings that have not been able to leave both souls several years on. The interactions over the course of the movie transition from strong hate that Frederick feels for Anne because of the explanation offered by Anne when she leaves him severely heartbroken; towards both parties attempting to forge a friendship leading to the eventual culmination of their romance once again. The story weaves itself ahead subtly with Frederick showing signs of protectionism towards Anne be it saving her from a wrestling match with her nephews or advising her not to swim too far away when they have a group trip to Lyme. For audiences who have an avid interest in poetry this movie is a treat for them. The pain and joy experienced by the key actors is expressed through poetry. Even Anne and Frederick’s proclamation of their feelings for one another at the end of the movie is expressed through poetry and handwritten letters.
The comedy scenes in the movie provide a good balance against the romantic melancholy we witness between various characters. The scenes revolving around Anne’s family interacting with distance relatives who are considered nobility are especially hilarious in typical colonial fashion. These interactions bring out the artificial personality of her father Sir Walter Elliott and her elder sister Elizabeth. The movie is high on family politics which intrinsically reflect the colorful personality of the 6 members involved ranging from Sir Walter Elliott, the 3 sisters: Elizabeth, Anne and Mary, Sir William Elliott who is the heir to the Elliott estate and Mrs. Clay who is the love interest of the widowed Sir Walter Elliott. To be able to keep the estate within the family, Sir Walter hoped for a matrimonial union between Sir William and his elder daughter Elizabeth. However, William rejects Elizabeth because he understands he will inherit the estate regardless of his marriage to Elizabeth or otherwise. Sir. William is concerned when he hears about Mrs. Clay who is also widowed and being in cahoots with Sir. Walter. He is afraid that a sudden wedding will take place between Mrs. Clay and Sir. Walter and if they have a son, the estate will remain within the family, and he will be cut back. On the other hand, he likes Anne and begins to flirt with her when they coincidentally meet in Lyme. Anne is lucky enough to see through those fake intentions of Sir. Walter who is only marrying for money and choose the right partner in the form of Frederick.
In summary, this movie is about being true to yourself and giving true love regardless of creed and position a fair chance. Kudos to the lead actors who deliver splendid and sensitive performances. Unfortunately a weak script renders this movie nothing more than a one time watch compared to other Jane Austen adaptations.
