Adaptation - 2007 TV Miniseries
_ Sue Parrill’s Jane Austen on Film and Television explains the interesting conventions filmmakers need to stick to while adapting Jane Austen novels. Because Parrill’s book was published in 2002, the only adaption created for Northanger Abbey was the BBC version in 1987. Parrill explains that this is because Catherine is the “least complicated of Austen’s protagonists and its {Northanger Abbey’s} minor characters are not memorable…”. Later she explains this novel has not been a “popular choice for modern readers, or for television and theatrical adaptation” (Parrill 169). I believe Parrill’s chapter on Northanger Abbey overlooked major aspects of the novel's literary background. Moreover, the book is in no way as uninteresting if it is read in proper context. Austen wrote Northanger Abbey as a satirical reaction to common literary conventions of the Romantic period- specifically critiquing unrealistic characters and/or plots. The 2007 version of Northanger Abbey excellently portrays the characters and events of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey.
The film begins with the narrator directly quoting the novel, describing Catherine’s childhood. She was simplistic and had no formal education. She enjoyed playing sports more than playing with dolls, but as she grew older, took a particular interest in reading novels. The filmmakers often switch between the novel’s narrative and Catherine’s imagination. Mrs. Allen is also portrayed true to her character, neglecting much of the responsibility as Catherine’s guardian, and instead mostly concerned with her wealth and with high-fashion.
Also noteworthy is the expressed naivety of Catherine. After reading the novel, many people argue she becomes exactly what Henry shaped her to become, and thus never forms her own character. The filmmakers make this point through her costume. Prior to Henry’s open chastisement of her inability to distinguish fiction and reality in his mother’s bedchamber, she is mostly shown wearing white. Furthermore, this costume may be interpreted as her being somewhat of an open canvas to the people around her to influence her, because she is then shown wearing more color: blue, pink, and later red. The costume also parallels timing in plot, and makes a point of the character wearing a particular ensemble. Isabella, for example, is introduced wearing a gown that shows very much cleavage. Miss Tilney, on the other hand, is introduced wearing a conservative and elegant muslin at the ball. Perhaps the most indicative choice in costume was Catherine’s pink cape and red hood, after being kicked out of Northanger Abbey by General Tilney, and journeying back home-alone. In fact, the film closes with everyone wearing colorful outfit, except General Tilney: he is wearing complete black, sad and distressed over his loss of control.
Catherine is also extremely unprepared for the amount of attention she will receive in Bath. Walking off the carriage, in fact, two men comment something forward to her, and her expression is extremely surprised. This reaction will be highlighted later in the film when Isabella flirts and enjoys the attention she attracts while in the library alongside Catherine. Overall, I really enjoyed the film because it stayed true to the novel.
To know more about the historical background of Jane Austen’s world, check the section Background Information in our website.
The film begins with the narrator directly quoting the novel, describing Catherine’s childhood. She was simplistic and had no formal education. She enjoyed playing sports more than playing with dolls, but as she grew older, took a particular interest in reading novels. The filmmakers often switch between the novel’s narrative and Catherine’s imagination. Mrs. Allen is also portrayed true to her character, neglecting much of the responsibility as Catherine’s guardian, and instead mostly concerned with her wealth and with high-fashion.
Also noteworthy is the expressed naivety of Catherine. After reading the novel, many people argue she becomes exactly what Henry shaped her to become, and thus never forms her own character. The filmmakers make this point through her costume. Prior to Henry’s open chastisement of her inability to distinguish fiction and reality in his mother’s bedchamber, she is mostly shown wearing white. Furthermore, this costume may be interpreted as her being somewhat of an open canvas to the people around her to influence her, because she is then shown wearing more color: blue, pink, and later red. The costume also parallels timing in plot, and makes a point of the character wearing a particular ensemble. Isabella, for example, is introduced wearing a gown that shows very much cleavage. Miss Tilney, on the other hand, is introduced wearing a conservative and elegant muslin at the ball. Perhaps the most indicative choice in costume was Catherine’s pink cape and red hood, after being kicked out of Northanger Abbey by General Tilney, and journeying back home-alone. In fact, the film closes with everyone wearing colorful outfit, except General Tilney: he is wearing complete black, sad and distressed over his loss of control.
Catherine is also extremely unprepared for the amount of attention she will receive in Bath. Walking off the carriage, in fact, two men comment something forward to her, and her expression is extremely surprised. This reaction will be highlighted later in the film when Isabella flirts and enjoys the attention she attracts while in the library alongside Catherine. Overall, I really enjoyed the film because it stayed true to the novel.
To know more about the historical background of Jane Austen’s world, check the section Background Information in our website.