Over the years there have been countless adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels. From Pride and Prejudice to Sense and Sensibility, most have succeeded in winning the hearts of the viewers. However, with the newest adaptation being Persuasion by Carrie Cracknell, it is hard to say that this particular version by Netflix has become an instant hit. In fact, there have been a large number of mixed reviews, with some calling it a “bad adaptation” and a “bad movie”. Unfortunately, Rotten Tomatoes has given it a 33% in its Tomatometer, while IMDb has given the film a 5.2/10.

Of course, book-to-film adaptations can be quite tricky, especially if the creator of the original source is one infamous persona who has changed the particular field in a certain way. Nonetheless, it can be argued that while Persuasion may have failed to attract positive feedback, it still has its own successful elements.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Best Jane Austen Movies and Miniseries, Ranked

Humor Through Satire

     Netflix

Jane Austen’s novels may not include a great amount of humor, nor might many find it funny at all but Cracknell’s Persuasion takes a completely different route as it attempts to emphasize the comical element. While many might not have found this to be refreshing, it is definitely interesting to see how this humor is evoked through satire and parody.

The Elliot family is one of the key sources of humor. Sir Walter Elliot, played by Richard E. Grant, is not only self-obsessed but is also oblivious to the fact that social judgments are not completely based on mere appearances. Hence, we see him unnecessarily spending money in trying to maintain his persona. He is more of a poor man in coats. Moreover, even though he is the head of the household, he is very much immature. This trait is something that is revealed in the two other Elliot sisters, Mary Elliot (Mia McKenna-Bruce) and Elizabeth Elliot (Yolanda Elliot). The former is narcissistic and tone-deaf, while the latter is self-obsessed and insensitive. All these three characters come off as foils to the protagonist, Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson).

The approach taken to criticize these toxic behaviors leaves the viewer with a lot to analyze. In fact, if one were to look at it closely, one might find many Sir Walters, Marys, and Elizabeths in present society. Thus, a question arises as to whether Cracknell attempted to mock certain figures of the 21st Century using these characters.

Breaking the Fourth Wall

Using the protagonist as an interactive tool to ensure that the viewer’s attention is glued to the screen as well as to make the viewer a part of the film itself is an approach rarely taken. The reason is that breaking the fourth wall is not an easy task. However, Fleabag succeeded in taking this route. Even though Persuasion takes the same route, it is hard to say that it was sufficient to win astounding ratings.

Nevertheless, having a self-aware protagonist who is also quite sarcastic, breaking the fourth wall can be quite fascinating, especially if it is a classical story of Austen’s. Johnson does add some liveliness to the film by constantly talking to the viewer. Given that her character fails to fit the frame of the Elliot family, this tool allows her to make her stand out from every other character. Johnson’s Anne also acts as a reality check, as she is the only person who seems to be very much aware of the Elliot family’s absurd nonsense. Even her simple glances toward the viewer and questions directed at the characters can act as a tool that is used to reveal the characters’ ignorant traits.

Cinematography

Even if all fails, Persuasion’s cinematography must be applauded. It is a feast for the eyes and the attention to detail is brilliant. For starters, the colors used in the film seem to carry a certain level of importance. Anne is assigned dark colors, perhaps to represent melancholic tones as she is going through a brutal break-up and rejection. The same goes for Mr. William Elliot (Henry Golding) as his dark attire represents his mourning stage as he was widowed.

Additionally, as the settings change, the lighting and the colors seem to change. This not only represents the mood of the protagonist, but it also adds diversity in terms of cinematography. It is also interesting to see how certain elements are used to reflect on the characters’ traits. For example, we see that the Elliot household is filled with Sir Walter’s portraits. This brings forth the comic element while emphasizing his self-obsession.

Netflix’s Persuasion: What Do Audiences Have to Say About the Adaptation?

A Slightly Modern Approach?

There might be a few instances in the film that make the viewer think “she is just like me!”. One is Anne’s way of drinking alcohol, which is straight from the bottle. It is definitely not how a “lady” drinks alcohol in the Regency period. Moreover, her hangovers as well as her inability to move on from her former lover are very much realistic. Interestingly, she also refers to Captain Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis) as “ex” and then “friend” can be seen as a reference to modern-day slang.

Even though Persuasion might not be the best adaptation of Austen, it has its own elements that might make the viewer have a positive outlook on it.