I am "half agony, half hope" in anticipation of Rupert Penry-Jones' performance as Captain Wentworth in the
Masterpiece Theatre presentation of Jane Austen's classic love story
Persuasion, which premieres on Sunday, January 13th at 9:00pm on PBS.
Could
Mr. Penry-Jones be the next Jane Austen dashing romantic hero to swoon over? Hmm? Mayhap? I dare say, what big, shiny, black boots to fill Mr. Penry-Jones! That honour was bestowed upon the hunky actor
Colin Firth , who as Mr. Darcy dove into the Pemberley pond and into our hearts in the 1995 BBC production of
Pride & Prejudice. Time to pass on the breeches and boots to the next generation? We shall see.
The choice of Rupert Penry-Jones as the scorned-in-love, but-back-for more Captain Wentworth was an easy transition from his role as heartthrob MI5 agent Adam Carter in the BBC series
Spooks . Each of the characters IS in service to the Crown right? Secret Service Agent or Naval Officer; - - high speed car chases, guns and tight uniforms, or galloping about the countryside on horseback, swords and tight breeches. Not much difference. What does two hundred years matter in the pursuit of true love, or high network ratings. A hunk is a hunk in any generation. Or so the producers hope.
In a big way, I feel the loss for Colin. How can anyone possible replace him? Those brooding dark eyes, that proud elegant manner, that LOOK? Sigh . . . So I am half agony, half hope that the best man wins the day.
6 comments:
My son and I were lucky enough to view Mr Penry-Jones performance in Persuation last autumn via Youtube. Unfortunately, we found his portrayal wooden rather than brooding, more along the lines of Chuck Norris than Colin Firth :( However, in all fairness I havent seen the series Spooks. It may be he is just uncomfortable in a period setting.
I was able to see this movie because it has been aired in Canada for quite sometime now, and i must say Penry-Jones definitely was good. i have read the book and i believed his portrayal of the character was well executed and he definitely captured hearts of many girls...
I thought one of the scenes in Lyme, on the Cobb, was HYSTERICAL. It was absolutely blowing a GALE when he was there talking to Captain Harville (some unnecessary exposition, I thought), and I was amazed they weren't wearing life jackets over their coats, or at least harnesses with life lines, with the way waves were crashing over their heads. Oh, I laughed, did I ever.
Regarding Penry-Jones' acting, I agree with elfkin's comment, and didn't think he generated much sympathy or interest as a character - some of that Horatio Hornblower vulnerability would have been great. He did look okay, though.
I saw it (along with all three of the remakes) on youtube as well. It was passable, I suppose.
I LOVE ALL THESE MEN THEY HAVE EVRE CHOOSEN FOR ANY OF THESES PARTS IN THESE JANE AUSTEN SERIES.
RUPERT PENRY JONES IS EXCELLANT!!!!!!!! IN THIS PORTRAYLE AND MATTHEW MACFADYEN, COLLIN FIRTH BOTH DO MR. DARCY JUSTICE...AS AN AMERICAN I ENVEY YOU BRIT'S FOR THE TALENT YOU HAVE IN YOUR COUNTRY...THESE MEN ARE BEUTIFUL! AND GLORIOUS TO LOOK AT ON SCREEN AND BRAVO,BRAVO ON THE ACTING!!!!!! I adore them all!
Tamara
I have seen three versions of Persuasion and I have read the book twice. Persuasion was the first piece in which I had seen Rupert Penry-Jones play. I literally was taken by his presence in the movie. One of his many gifts is his ability to display emotion in facial expressions. Readers and viewers should remember that he was jilted, betrayed and made to feel he was not worthy of the woman he loved. He was and still is a bonafide hunk, but more importantly, he is a very fine actor. Since seeing Persuasion, I have acquired most of his television and cinema work. My passion to collect his work was inspired by his portrayal of Captain Wentworth. I appreciate his work and sincerely hope his will finally get the appreciation that it deserves. Keep up the great work Rupert!
From a dedicated and appreciative fan in Montgomery, AL
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