A random post about Jane Eyre 2011

Yesterday was the 11th of August, a date that in previous years signified nothing in particular. It was just one of those days which passed by as many do with little remembrance or consequence. However August 11, 2011 was an entirely different matter altogether! Here in Australia it was the day that Jane Eyre (2011) was to hit cinemas.

I was very blessed in the fact that, last night- on the very day it opened I was able to see the film! But not before dropping numerous hints throughout the day about my desire to see it :)

Richard Mason (Harry Lloyd) being carried by
Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender)

I must confess however, that the driving motivation for seeing this film was all because of an actor. This film was to be the first time I would see Harry Lloyd act in something other than Robin Hood (BBC TV Series), so I was quite excited.  In the theatre I waited, rather impatiently for his a his character to emerge, and when he finally made his appearance I must admit that a rather girlish squeal tried to escape which thankfully was suppressed as I firmly nudged my sister in the seat next to me and whispered
                          "It's Harry!"
And of course I must say that the few (extremely short) scenes in which he was in were the best in the entire film- yes, perhaps I am biased but it's okay I can admit it.

The movie itself I thought had its ups-and-downs but in general I really enjoyed it (but I will write about that another time).

Unfortunately I could not find one picture of Harry in the film to add to this post. I did however find a fan video with a small clip- of which I took a screencap of and added it above, sorry for the poor quality. But in the film I thought he looked quite handsome and his hair was gorgeous.

Have you ever seen a movie simply because you liked the actors?

Much love,

Mel xx

PS. Are there any Harry Lloyd fans out there that were outraged at the Jane's lack of care when tending to his injuries? She hardly helped him at all, instead she chose to snoop around the room.

Movie Review: The Abduction Club (2002)

Title: The Abduction Club (2002)

Director:  Stefan Schwartz

Starring: Alice Evans, Sophia Myles, Matthew Rhys & Daniel Lapaine

My Rating: 10/10

"I pity those who have not looked upon your face. How barren their dreams must be."

 - James Strang (The Abduction Club)

Synopsis:

"A fast and furious period romp, The Abduction Club is inspired by a series of real events that took place in Ireland during the late 1700's. With wealth and title destined to go to their elder brothers, the younger sons of wealthy Irish families resorted to abducting young society ladies in an attempt to secure their financial futures. When Byrne and Strang , two handsome and dashing abductors in their mid-twenties, target the feisty Kennedy sisters, they bite off a little more than they can chew!"

My Opinion:

This film is a period drama fan's dream! It has action, adventure, romance, a little comedy, exquisite costumes, dashing gentlemen, feisty young ladies, gorgeous scenery and a Irish-styled soundtrack.

The Abduction Club is a beautiful and relatively unknown period piece, based on true events. It revolves around an abduction club which is a secret society comprising of the younger sons of wealthy Irish families. At this period of time it was law that the estate and inheritance past in all entirety to the eldest son- leaving the younger virtually sons penniless. These young men, in most cases had but two choices- the priesthood or marry a heiress. The Abduction Club was formed in order to help these men literally abduct heiress' and charm them into marrying them. Before the abduction took place the man would meet the lady at various social events (balls, races etc) and engage her in conversation so that by the time they abducted her she was already half in love with them (well...so say the men).
This concept is very interesting- which is what lead me to viewing this film in the first place. Why would these young ladies of fortune and consequence want to marry these scoundrels? Well, many found that the action of 'abducting' was romantic. At first I thought that was a little sketchy but after watching this film, I must admit if I lived in Ireland in 1780 I would have thought it very romantic too. 

This film is beautiful, it is well structured and presented. The actors were all so well suited to the characters they portrayed. Sophia Myles gave a great performance as Anne Kennedy, she was independent, funny but still extremely cute. Liam Cunnigham was the perfect villain, he gave Mr. Power so much authority and...evilness. The chemistry between the characters was something that really stands out, I particularly enjoyed the scenes between Anne (Sophia Myles) and Strang (Matthew Rhys).

The scenery is absolutely captivating which brings me to Ireland- if you love the Ireland you simply must see this film, the cinematography is beautiful. Some of my favourite scenes are those when the main characters are riding on horses across countryside, its breathtaking.

I absolutely adore this film (it is one of my very favourites) and  I really can't say one negative thing about this it, it is a little predictable as times but I think that is part of the reason I love it. I would recommend this film to anyone and everyone I know. I literally begged my Mother and Sister to watch it and although I don't think they thought much of it at first, they both love the film now!

If you would like to know more about this film you can head over to my "Abduction Club Blog", this week we are having a special week to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the release of the film. You are most welcome to check it out!

Much Love,

Mel xx

A little creation of mine: "You pierce my soul..."

Lately I've been having a little bit of fun making some fan-art/mash up style pictures (okay, so I have no idea what the official name for these type of images are). I have started by using pictures from my favourite movies, and encorporating some quotes that I just love, so anyway I thought I would share them on this blog whenever I make one.

Here is the first one:  "You pierce my soul..."

You will notice that I like to give my creations titles or names, I know that might sound strange but I just like it :) Well anyway, this one is called "You pierce my soul..." and the images are taken from the 2007 adaptation of Persuasion, and the quote scribbed across the image is a few lines from Captain Wentworth's spine tingling letter to Anne in the novel.

Love as aways,

Tristans_Isolde

Movie Review; Miss Potter (2006)

Film: Miss Potter (2006)

Directed by: Chris Noonan

Starring: Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson

The life of Beatrix Potter was the most enchanting tale of all 

"Miss Potter" is a beautiful film based upon the life of Beatrix Potter, the talented author who introduced the world to Peter Rabbit and his beloved friends. Beatrix (Renee Zellweger) is thirty-two years old, single and still living at home with her parents. Much to their disappointment, Beatrix shows no interest in the many young eligible men they have introduced her to, prefering to pursue a career as a children's novelist. That is until she meets her publisher Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor), whom she finds her self falling in love with.

This film is a favourite of mine, I have been in love with Beatrix's stories since I was a very little girl. I loved Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck and all of the other characters and how they seemed to come to life with every turn of the page. When I first heard this film was coming out I was so excited but as it drew closer to being released, I was a little worried that it might change my view on the stories. Thankfully it didn't, this film is simply charming, the setting, the clothing, the actors, everything was just gorgeous!

 Renee Zellweger was delightful as Miss Potter, I think she really captivated all that Beatrix was and made her such a loveable character. Ewan McGregor was fantastic as Norman Warne, he is a favourite actor of mine and I particularly love him in this film! Emily Watson played Millie Warne, Norman's sister and was just amazing. Other notable performances were:  Beatrix's parents played by Barbara Flynn (you may recognise her from Lorna Doone and Wives and Daughters) and Bill Paterson (Wives and Daughters, Amazing Grace, Little Dorrit). Norman's brothers were also well cast with Anton Lesser (Lorna Doone, Little Dorrit) as Harold and David Bamber (most recognised as Mr Collins in Pride & Prejudice 1995) as Fruing Warne. And last but definitely not least the young Beatrix was played by Lucy Boynton (Ballet Shoes, Sense and Sensibility 2008) who acted the part so beautifully!

The great thing about this film is how it allows the viewer to enter the mind and thoughts of Beatrix, seeing her drawings and the famous characters which we have learnt to love come to life on the screen. Beatrix truly was an amazing woman who captivated the world. One thing I would say though is Beatrix did experience some heartache during her lifetime so I recommend that you watch this with tissues at your side, I cry in just about every movie, but I have a feeling I won't be the only one when it comes to this film.

Below I have included the trailer for the film which I found on YouTube. Enjoy :)

As You Wish...

Unfortunately I have been a little under the weather lately, and have spent a lot of time in bed  thankfully I have had my favourite books and movies to keep me company. One film in particular that I watched during that time was "The Princess Bride" I absolutley adore this movie (and always have). I have notice however that it it my 'sick-day movie', because everytime I feel unwell I end up watching it, which I thought a little strange. This then led me to think about the other movies I watch, and whether or not I tend to watch them more if I am feeling a particular mood or feeling. On further investigation this is what I found:

What I watch when I'm feeling;

Anxious- Becoming Jane or Little Women

Blah -Wives & Daughters or The Notebook

Bored-  Pride & Prejudice (1995)

Depressed - North & South

Emotional - The Titanic or North & South

Happy -Abduction Club or The Sound of Music

Hopeless -Amazing Grace

Irritated- Flyboys or Robin Hood (BBC)

Restless - Lost in Austen or Giant

Sad - Tristan & Isolde

Sick- The Princess Bride

Stressed- Gone with the Wind or Persuasion

What about you? Do you watch certain movies when your feeling a particular way?

Much Love,
Tristans_Isolde xx

Video clip; 'It's Not Over'

Here is another of the video clips I have made, this one is to the song 'It's Not Over' by Daughtry. I love this song because it inspires me to never give up, I hope you like it.

I really enjoy making these but sometimes I run dry on ideas so if you have an ideas, a song, a theme for the clips of even if you would like to see a particular movie/scene in a clip- I would appreciate your input :)

Have a great day,

Love
Tristans_Isolde xx

UPDATE: 12/04/2011
Just in case you were curious as to what movies the clips are from I have listed them in the order the appear, If you have any questions though please feel free to ask , I am more than happy to help :)

-August Rush (2007)

-Lorna Doone (TV 2000)

-Becoming Jane (2007)

-North & South (TV mini-series 2004)

-A Walk to Remember (2002)

- Robin Hood (BBC TV series)

-Pride and Prejudice (2005)

-Bright Star (2009)

-Lost in Austen (TV mini-series 2008)

-Emma (TV mini-series 2009)

-The Notebook (2004)

-Gone with the Wind (1939)

-August Rush (2007)

Movie Review; Lorna Doone (TV 2000)

Film: Lorna Doone

*If you want to know more about the storyline of the film before reading the review check out my post here: Lorna Doone post #1

As I posted a few days ago, I recently bought the film Lorna Doone and I watched it last night and it was fantastic. I was so impressed! There were very few differences from the novel and which weren't even that noticeable. I was convinced this film would be a 'prettier', 'soppy', 'spruced up' version of the book however it had all the lovely grit, battles and darkness from the novel but were expertly balanced against the beautiful backdrop of the English countryside.

The actors were wonderful and I was surprised to see so many familiar faces. As soon as I saw Richard Coyle, who played John Ridd I couldn't help but exclaim "Mr Coxe" as I recognised him as the unlucky in love apprentice of Mr Gibson in 'Wives and Daughters'. Other notable actors/actresses were Barbara Flynn (Wives and Daughters, Cranford, Miss Potter), who was wonderful as Sarah Ridd- John's mother. Aidan Gillen was extremely impressive as Carver Doone who despite his evilness I found myself sympathising with, his performance was outstanding. Amelia Warner (Love's Brother, Arisocrats) didn't simply act her role she was Lorna Doone, she was beautiful, serene, kind and captured everything I always felt Lorna was in the novel.

I also thought John's sisters were both played beautifully by Honeysuckle Weeks and Joanne Froggatt (Robin Hood -TV series and Downton Abbey). And James McAvoy!!! Yes James McAvoy (Becoming Jane) had a small role, he is very cute and  looks so young- make sure you keep an eye out for him. Another smaller role I thought was played fantastic was that of Marwood de Whichehalse portrayed by Jesse Spencer, he did a wonderful job!

I was little worried about the chemistry between John Ridd (Richard Coyle) and Lorna Doone (Amelia Warner) before I watched the movie, they are one of my favourite literary couples- so I was quite worried but I loved them as a couple. Richard and Amelia were gorgeous together and despite never having thought Richard Coyle handsome or a great actor, due to the way he played the character I found myself falling ever so fast - in love with him :)

If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. It is definitely one of my all time favourites (I wish I had seen it years ago) and even though I watched it only last night, I am definitely going to make time to watch it again tonight.

Have you watched any movies lately that you thought were pleasantly surprised with? I'd love to hear about it!

Love,

Tristans_Isolde



Richard Coyle as John Ridd



Aidan Gillen as Carter Doone



Amelia Warner as Lorna Doone



Jesse Spencer as Marwood de Whichehalse



James McAvoy as Sergeant Bloxham
and Joanne Froggatt as Lizzie Ridd

A little something from John Keats....

Should Disappointment, parent of Despair,
Strive for her son to seize my careless heart;
When, like a cloud, he sits upon the air,
Preparing on his spell-bound prey to dart:
Chase him away, sweet Hope, with visage bright,
And fright him as the morning frightens night!



John Keats- as played by Ben Whishaw
in the film "Bright Star"



I love this third stanza of his poem - "To Hope". The whole poem is beautiful and if you would like I am happy to either post the entire poem or email it to you.

If your a fan of Keats' work I encourage you to watch the film "Bright Star" (2009). I will post a review on this film within the next week or so, so keep checking back for more information on this film. 

God Bless