Three adaptations are decent and easy to come by. None are as good all-around as some of the other novels’ adaptations, sorry. But at least one is worth watching.
I’ll provide detailed reviews eventually but the three adaptations I’m most likely to turn to when someone asks me for a recommendation are:
- 1983 BBC miniseries starring Sylvestra Le Touzel and Nicholas Farrell
- 1999 theatrical release starring Frances O’Connor and Jonny Lee Miller
- 2007 BBC miniseries starring Billie Piper and Blake Ritson
Here’s the short version:
The most complete and faithful telling of the stories is probably the 1983 BBC Miniseries. Unfortunately Sylvestra Le Touzel’s Fanny Price looks terrified throughout and the acting is mostly understated and flat by modern standards. Note: Many readers think that the “scared of her own shadow” interpretation is an appropriate reading of the text. I’m not 100% convinced. If you want to judge for yourself, it is currently streaming on BritBox, and has appeared on other services in the past.
The 2007 BBC miniseries is a relatively faithful retelling with some modern updates. Unfortunately Billie Piper’s Fanny Price seems to be smirking most of the way through the movie. To me, when the actor seems to be thinking “Are we really doing this?” most of the way through the story, that’s a distraction, especially in the scenes that should emotionally weighty. (Other folks aren’t bothered by that, as far as I can tell, so you can draw your own conclusions.) I also feel that the updates are thrown in “because they could,” not because they’re particularly helpful to understanding the story or conflicts. Still, if you’re not a purist, you will probably enjoy this version better than the 1983 version.
The 1999 theatrical release introduces some dark themes and even visuals that are barely implied by the book. It also introduces a minor plot twist the book does not contain. And some folks think Frances O’Connor’s Fanny is too bold compared to the timid personality they perceive in the book and see in the first-generation BBC adaptation. The truth is, it’s not the most faithful adaptation when it comes to content. However the movie hits main points of the plot arcs very well. Even if the main conflicts are resolved in a tense drawing-room scene instead of through a series of letters, as they are in the book. In addition, O’Connor, Jonny Lee Miller, and all of the supporting actors excell in their roles, and that’s saying something. Sheila Gish’s Mrs. Norris is the Mrs. Norris all other actresses should aspire to.
Verdict: For sheer enjoyment, choose the 1999 theatrical release with Frances O’Connor and Jonny Lee Miller. Both BBC adaptations are acceptable, but less entertaining.