It is a sad sorry state that leaves me, a fan of both Jane Austen and BBC period dramas, unable to say anything good about this adaptation of Northanger Abbey. Sadly I bought my copy of this 1986 version without reading reviews
I clearly should have investigated.
The best way to describe it is a production directed by someone who saw the film Amadeus about 20 times to many. The music all saxophone and synthesizer was complete rubbish and ruined the period milieu.
The acting was terrible. The lead actress seemingly believes staring bugged eyed conveys innocence. It merely makes her look perpetually surprised, which hardly fits every scene. The lead actor only is slightly better, although he is lit sometimes so badly that he comes off a sort of frightening leader of an 80s rock band. In fact the whole production seems to be directed to be a music video rather than a wonderful Austen film. I seriously wonder about the availability of drugs in the UK in the 1980s yes, it is that sort of film.
If you have choice invest you money in the 2007 Northanger Abbey 100% better.
The best way to describe it is a production directed by someone who saw the film Amadeus about 20 times to many. The music all saxophone and synthesizer was complete rubbish and ruined the period milieu.
The acting was terrible. The lead actress seemingly believes staring bugged eyed conveys innocence. It merely makes her look perpetually surprised, which hardly fits every scene. The lead actor only is slightly better, although he is lit sometimes so badly that he comes off a sort of frightening leader of an 80s rock band. In fact the whole production seems to be directed to be a music video rather than a wonderful Austen film. I seriously wonder about the availability of drugs in the UK in the 1980s yes, it is that sort of film.
If you have choice invest you money in the 2007 Northanger Abbey 100% better.