Review of Clarissa (1941) by Emma N — 09 Jun 2009

Triumph in tragedy? This 18th Century tale, wriiten in 1749 is considered one of the longest English novels. The BBC series that recreates the novel into live action is no less endearing and long but it doesn't seem so.

The characters are well cast in Sean Bean as Lovelace, a manipulative and vile man of his time; and Sasha Wickham as Clarissa, a very pleasant, good-natured, chaste young women whose content to be unmarried and of modest wealth.

However her family's concern is to upgrade their wealth and their status by marrying her off to a repulsive and unrefined rich bachelor. She is determine to live life of her own and Lovelace (once a family friend, now despised) promises her his help out of her dilemma but with a sly undertone that she senses but feels she can overlook.

Bean is beaming, a delightful deviant, and gives an elecrifying performance. Wickham is also amsing, undeniably stirring with her performance too. She is able to lift Clarissa into a heroine of class that is unhailed today.

The period clothing and background are captivating and lush. The end may seem somewhat abrupt but nevertheless, very arresting!