Review of Northanger Abbey (2007) by Zarinah H — 24 Mar 2008

This most recent adaptation of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey is an improvement over the rather cheesy [though still entertaining] 1986 adaptation, and is well-cast. It is rather hard to review the movie adaptations of Austen's works as too much is lost when the novel is chopped down to fit into a specific time limit, in this case about 90 minutes. But, director Jon Jones has done an admirable job of staying true to the essence of Austen's work without losing too much of its original flavor in cutting out parts of the novel.

The casting is well-done - J.J. Feild is consummate as the 'almost handsome' Henry Tilney [though I personally found him to be quite a dish myself]. Felicity Jones plays the role of Catherine Morland to perfection -equal parts naive, and yet able to see through artifice in people. Cary Mulligan as the trampy Isabella Thorpe shows much promise and is very convincing in her role. Liam Cunningham as the mercenary General Tilney makes a compellingly brooding and villanous character. The other roles are suitably cast as well.

There is much to commend about this adaptation besides the casting - the musical score captures the gothic feel of the novel, especially in the fantasy sequences, and the cinematography is gorgeous. The scenes of Northanger Abbey especially truly evoke a romantic and mysterious feel, and credit surely must go to the able camerawork & direction. Considering that Jane Austen was very descriptive about Northanger Abbey in her novel, the particular attention that is paid in 'showing' the viewer the interior and exterior of the building is very much appreciated.

Purists will have problems with the liberties taken with the novel, and I do personally feel that this production was unnecessarily sexed-up, but on the whole I do think that this is a much improved adaptation than the 1986 version, and also well-made and acted. I would highly recommend it to all Austen fans and those who love period dramas.