So, I'm just going to list some of the bests scenes and moments that were either in the book or added to the movies... This means that spoilers will follow. Unmarked spoilers, because the whole thing is going to be nothing but spoilers. Just sayin'.
The man is such a gentleman that from the moment they, the Dashwoods, take Barton Cottage in Devonshire he is a companion to the family. Not just attentive to Marianne but he is a needed companion to Elinor, and someone of interest to Margaret when the only companionship to be found was with the Middletons. (And we all know that while the Middletons are good people, they aren't suitable companions for the Dashwood family.) He respects the Dashwood family, he doesn't see them as the new company to amuse the neighborhood.
Something I've always loved is the fact that despite the age difference, the Colonel allowed Marianne to be her age. He didn't fault her for her fancies and romantic ways. In fact, if anything, he loved her for them.
Okay, this one was purely added for the viewer's drama in the 2008 movie but when the Colonel saves Marianne from fainting. The music, the timing, the look...if I were Willoughby (heaven forbid!), I would have been shaking in my polished boots. The Colonel was NOT happy. (Also, later, with that little duel...which is briefly mentioned in the book believe it or not, while the purpose of the meeting was in connection with the Colonel's ward, you can't tell me Brandon didn't have Marianne in mind.)
I will forever appreciate the fact that movie makers added the part where the Colonel is the one to save Marianne from the rain. That, as I recall, is NOT part of the book. (Miss Austen, what were you thinking?) So the fact that we have both of Marianne's "loves" involved in the same rescue... I love the scene in both the '95 and '08 versions. The music and the moments themselves are just--well played. Literally. :D
And as for the age factor. After reading Sense and Sensibility for my thirdish time, I'd done the math and Marianne was 20-21 when she finally married the Colonel. (It's hard to say exactly because it's not like birthdays are mentioned in the novels.) And if you still think that doesn't sound quite right, let me explain further, the age difference is only two years difference than Mr. Knightley and Emma. The only difference is, we read about Emma and Mr. Knightley when Emma is already 21 but we first start reading about Marianne when she's 17. Just a little something to consider...
One last item concerning age, the Colonel is never taking advantage of Marianne's age or even her romantic fantasies. In fact, it's the opposite. Once you read the book you'll find the Colonel was actually against the match because he thought it would be unfair to Marianne. There was more time to develop the relationship than what you see in the films. If you're still worried, 1) read the book, 2) I send you to discuss the matter with Miss Evie. Just leave a comment, stating your concerns, and she will gladly take care of them. ;)
Now, I must go, but before you do the same, what are your thoughts?
Yours truly,
Cordy
you've convinced me. I really did thought Colonel Brandon and Marianne is a bit mismatched but now I see he's a rather good fit for Marianne, I think she needed someone as mature and responsible as Brandon to keep her from her girlish ways, to perhaps make her a better person.
ReplyDeleteI do like the added scene of Brandon saving Marianne from the rain, I like the repeated theme but this second scene really makes Brandon more likable. I do sometimes think Marianne is too much of a romantic so this must make her think more kindly of Brandon, right?
the age didn't matter much to me now but before I thought it odd but you have to think in terms of the old days - old men marries young woman & it was like a normal thing in those days, at least I got that impression
have a lovely day.
Hi Lissa, :D
DeleteI totally believe adding the rain scene was a must. I don't always agree with adding scenes in movies, but I'm totally with them in this situation. :D
I don't know if I'd say Marianne's romantic ways drew her to Brandon, I think it was the fact that she matured and saw the good man that he was.
The age difference hasn't ever bothered me either, if I'm honest. I think I'm like you--I understand that it was a time period thing.
Thanks for stopping by! You too!!
I have to say this was the hardest age difference for. Marianne wasn't of age, Emma was. Emma although obnoxious comes across as more adult. Mr. Knightley isn't immature by any means but Colonel Brandon's experiences have aged him in his mind, manners, character, etc. Also, I have LOATHED every casting. I was watching Little Dorrit and realized Matthew McFadyen would've made the PERFECT Colonel Brandon. That would have helped my appreciation of him. The previous actors were so old (my sister pointed out that they never cast Mr. Knightley so old and he was about the same age). 45 and 50 are NOT similar to 35. It is merely the age difference that is large.
ReplyDeleteAnd I missed the duel (it is only hinted at because it was illegal) the first time I read the book, but caught it the second. But for some reason I imagined pistols. Fencing seems a sport weapon not a real weapon.
And yes, Marianne was much older when she wed Colonel Brandon. Elinor and Edward were married several years already. The movies rush it absurdly; they don't give her time to get over Willoughby and mature. They make her look fickle.
In the book Marianne was of age by the time she and the Colonel actually wed. I have to confess, I don't find a problem with the casting because Colonel Brandon has a depth that I think is easier to achieve with older actors. (That and I'm an Alan Rickman fan...oops. Hahaha.) Oh, and I guess while I'm confessing I'll do a proper job of it, I don't like Matthew McFadyen. His acting has never impressed me and in my opinion, he is too meek to play the Colonel. But again, this is all my opinion.
DeleteI don't think the duel was hinted at because it was illegal. In fact "Sense and Sensibility" was published in 1811 and while it was customary at the time to report your duels, it didn't become illegal until 1840 to 1850ish. (Can't remember exactly.) I think it was very briefly mentioned in the book because the main characters are the Dashwood sister and they weren't involved. As for the weapons, fencing was actually considered a gentleman's sport and the Colonel would have been highly skilled in the art because of his military background. Pistols were still rather clumsy at the time.
I agree. The movie format makes time management difficult to finish a tale properly. :)
Only two years different than Mr. Knightley and Emma? Well! That certainly puts a different perspective on it! Thanks for pointing that out.
ReplyDeleteI think my main problem with Colonel Brandon is just the way he's portrayed in the movies. Well but then I guess I also re-read the book with the intention of liking him and still couldn't really get into his character. He just strikes me as rather boring. The way he's portrayed in the movies (particularly the '95, I can't really remember the '08 version all that well) he speaks in such a monotone and is so expressionless. If he was just a tad bit more lively and not so moody I think I would like him a whole lot better.
I like what you said about his relationship with the whole Dashwood family. That is a high mark in his favor. I love that he cares about all of them and that he takes the time to talk with Elinor and confide in her and everything. That's just sweet. :)
~Miss March
Yup! It blew my mind when I worked it out one day.
DeleteHere's what I find so interesting, because your thoughts on the Colonel being boring is a common complaint. Colonel Brandon is and introvert, just like Edward. But we always give Edward all the love because he's "awkward", "sweet","shy", and so on. Not to get me wrong, I still love Edward, but very few people seem to understand Colonel Brandon's level of introvertism. (That's not a word but you know what I mean, right? Haha.) He's a mature, but painfully reserved introvert. *whispering* And I love him for it.
I like when I can find family interaction in stories rather than exclusive couple interactions, you know?
~Cordy
I'm going to have to read the book again and give him another chance, because seriously, I WANT to like him. I really do. It's just that for some reason I haven't been able to connect with him like I do with so many of the other characters. And I don't know why. Yup. I think I need to read the book again and really concentrate on Colonel Brandon's character this time. :)
DeleteYes! Family interactions are so cool! :D
~Miss March
Haha, well, I'd never argue with anyone reading/re-reading an Austen, but don't worry if you still don't connect with the Colonel. He may just be one of those characters that you just don't "get". (For example, in my case, I can't connect with Captain Wentworth. No matter how many times I read the book...it just doesn't happen! :D)
DeleteI was nodding along with every single point you made (I'm on the bus currently) and then I'm sorry to say I burst into helpless giggles at your PS
ReplyDelete"I send you to discuss the matter with Miss Evie. Just leave a comment, stating your concerns, and she will gladly take care of them. ;)"
This made me laugh as I really do see myself in an age difference relationship like this one, my dear friend thank you! I do love them so much and yes if anyone has any concerns do let me know ;)
Lovely spiffing post!
*clapping* I can't tell you how happy that makes me. I hoped you wouldn't mind my enlisting your help! :D <3
DeleteThank you very much, Evie!!
I'm also going to complete your tag this afternoon when I get home!
ReplyDeleteI love Colonel Brandon and Marianne and everything you said is spot on. I might also be biased because my husband and I have a twelve year age difference but maybe that's just to say it works in real life as well as in Austen!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!! You see, readers?! Lois is perfect proof! :D
DeleteOh, yes, I love these two! And I also like the addition of the Colonel's rain scene. <3
ReplyDelete*so much nodding* The rain scene--I COULDN'T do without it!! <3
DeleteYes, yeS, YESS. I have always loved them as a couple, and everything you wrote here is a reason why. As for the age difference, I didn't put much thought into it, largely because hey, Emma and Knightley were quite a distance apart and really, age gaps like that were pretty common back then (and still are sometimes, really). But I didn't realize too that Marianne was that old when they did get married, and that makes it even better, haha. :D
ReplyDeleteAnyway, just YES. Colonel Brandon and Marianne are such a sweet, perfect couple. I love your points.
Oh! Thanks, Rae!! It never bothered me either! It came as a shock when I found the age difference seemed to be an issue in the blogging world.
DeleteYou did point out some very good things in Colonel Brandon and Marianne's favor.......but......but....*sigh*. I've just NEVER been able to really understand/like them as a couple. Maybe it is in part due to the fact that the movies shaped my view of the story. Because in them they never quite manage to show how MUCH Marianne has grown and changed--it's all very rushed, like Livia Rachelle said.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as Miss March said, I never really cared for either of the actors who portrayed Colonel Brandon. I liked them as actors, but they never really appealed to ME as a hero....so maybe that's part of the reason I struggle to appreciate their relationship, too? I don't know. It WOULD be interesting if another S&S version was made, with a cast very different from the other two. I feel as if the actors for Colonel Brandon are quite similar in looks, manners, etc. in the '95 and'08. (But for the record I do LOVE both of those adaptions. :))
Anyways, this was a great "defense" post!! :)
What am I going to do with you people?! Really?! Hahaha. I'm kidding.
DeleteI'm clearly biased. I know the casting, when it came to age, is TOTALLY incorrect. But even so, I just can't help loving the colonels anyway. :) I can't help it, I tell you!! However, I can say I understand the frustration. (I hate when miss-casting happens!! :P)
I love Marianne and Brandon!!! They just make me so so so so so so so so happy!!!! :D But, I still do want to watch the '08...
ReplyDeleteYou haven't wanted the '08 version yet?! Oh I will be so excited when you do. However, you'll probably want to skip the first scene. It's totally unnecessary, a total spoiler (but you already know the story so that's not bad) and completely inappropriate in my mind. So, just wanted to give you a little heads up on that. :)
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