Why I fail as an Austenite

[litlover12]

I've finished another viewing of the 1995 P&P, which I love. But oh, how the second proposal scene bugs me. And it bugs me that it bugs me. Because I don't want it to bug me. It's very sweet and the actors are terrific and their facial expressions are all that could be desired. But they don't kiss, and they don't touch -- they look away from each other and keep walking! It drives me NUTS! I'm going "Kiss her! Kiss her!!" like that nosy old man in It's a Wonderful Life. I know this is Austen and she's prim and proper to the nth degree, and the whole thing is true to her vision, but for heaven's sake. . . . couldn't they at least hold hands?

Of course, it's not much better than what happens in the book. I love Austen, I really do. She was a genius and many of her books are right up there among my favorites. But her love scenes are just so . . . unsatisfying.

Comments

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

I actually enjoy the fact that Austen's proposal scenes don't always end in make-out sessions, but that's probably because I'm a hopeless unromantic.

Perhaps it would help you enjoy the scene more if you think of them as wanting to wait until they're 100% sure they're alone. For all they know, Kitty could be lurking behind in the pretty scenery, spying on them. I know I wouldn't want a giggly little sister watching me with my fiancee. Just my two cents. :D

[goldvermilion87.livejournal.com]

Haha!

I actually am still immature enough to not totally appreciate kissing. I've gotten to where I'm not grossed out, but I don't miss it when it isn't there. :-) So lack thereof in Jane Austen films doesn't bother me at all. I just need the words.

On a random note, have you seen the Pride and Prejudice from 1980? In my opinion it is much better than the 1995 one, but it's not as flashy, and no one seems to know about it.

[caspiandorrit.livejournal.com]

*sadly sighs* In this case I fear Mr. Darcy is just not a PDA kind of man.

[neemarita.livejournal.com]

All I can do is sigh at your av. Colin Firth! (Why is it that every actor I swoon at is a Brit? Why?!)

[sylverwind.livejournal.com]

This makes me giggle, because I am the complete opposite! I get absolutely LIVID sometimes when Austen adaptations include what I feel to be unnecessary kissy-face scenes. It's strange, because I'm not at ALL a history buff, but it bothers me when scriptwriters/directors ignore period accuracies in favor of romancing the characters.

Have you ever seen The Holiday? I like to think of the scene you described kind of the way I picture Jack Black and Kate Winslet's characters in a scene toward the end of that movie. Elizabeth and Darcy are totally squeeing/fist-pumping on the inside. :D

[jadepilot.livejournal.com]

I always want them to brush hands or fingers in that scene. And you're right it is truly an Austen scene and well done by the actors. My cheeks are always aching at the end of it as I try to contain my huge smile.

I think I have come to appreciate it, but still wish for something more demonstrative. ;)

[velle.livejournal.com]

I also really wanted them to kiss in that scene!!!

[msantimacassar.livejournal.com]

It bugs me every time! I mean, I can understand that there wouldn't be any passionate making out, but a tender exchange of glances? Taking his arm? Sheesh, Jane... Give your fans a break!

[jobey-in-error.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I must also align myself against you... I like the severe restraint. I don't pretend to know enough about history to say whether it's accurate, but it's a fascinating glimpse into another version of romance.

Have you ever read Louisa May Alcott's evasion of a love scene in An Old-Fashioned Girl?

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

Interestingly, the scriptwriter for the series has said multiple times that that proposal scene was rushed in writing and shooting, and he wishes he could redo it.

However, I must disagree on Austen as inferior in love scenes. To me, descriptions of kissing and such in Austen's acerbic style would be very odd, and the understated/unstated passion is all the more powerful for being implied rather than shown.