Review of Mansfield Park (2007) by Mara J — 27 Jul 2008

I had heard so many bad stories about this film. It was miscast, it had a lousy script and there was hardly any plot: I had to see for myself! Well, the critics were right. Especially the beginning was incredibly fast, too fast even, skipping so much. Then, Billie -who is a great actress- was in a different film to Mansfield Park I think, because she just didn't fit in with the rest of the characters. For one: she was in a different costume (her hair? What were they thinking?) and for two: for a person who is supposed to be meek and plain, she didn't look meek and plain.

Of course, if you have never seen a different Mansfield Park or if you haven't read the book, this film is really enjoyable and it definitely introduces you to the story. But in all other respects it was really a case of 'leave well enough alone'.