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Sunday, August 2

Jane Austen Movie Throwdown

Colonel Brandon is the true romantic hero in Sense and Sensibility. Oh, Willoughby is dashing enough but too self-serving, and as a leading man, Edmund Ferrars is merely nice and not particularly forceful. In contrast, the Dashwood women can always rely on Colonel Brandon to escort them or help them out despite Marianne's aversion to him as a suitor. In this week's throwdown we ask: which actor's portrayal of Colonel Brandon do you prefer? Alan Rickman's or David Morrisey's?

Which actor's portrayal of Colonel Brandon do you prefer?

Alan Rickman, Sense and Sensibility 1995

Alan Rickman was convincing as the noble, brave, kind Colonel Brandon, who deeply loves Marianne, but doesn't stand in Marianne's and Wiloughby's way. He steps up to the plate when Marianne and Elinor need his help. His facial expressions and delivery of his lines proves that Rickman is a talented, gifted actor, who plays both heroes and villains equally well - Home Videos






David Morrisey, Sense and Sensibility 2007

David Morrissey observed about Colonel Brandon, "Just as he’s starting to form an idea of himself with Marianne, he’s gazumped, really thwarted by his rival, and has to take a back step. He then tries to be honourable, even though his rival is somebody he knows is not right for this girl."

When approached to play the Colonel, David quickly signed on, having been a massive fan of Andrew Davies for a while.


pollcode.com free polls
Which actor's portrayal of Colonel Brandon do you prefer?
Alan Rickman David Morrisey

15 comments:

Charleybrown said...

I wonder how much my preference for Alan Rickman is due to seeing him first in the role of Col. Brandon. Initially, I thought Rickman was too old and too serious to woo Winslet's Marianne but by the end of the film, I was sold!
Morrissey turned in a great performance especially considering I had to rid my mind of his crazed Bradley Headstone.

Nigel said...

Pheww!
Another tough question at the Jane Austen Today Blog.

I would have to go with Morrissey only slightly beating Rickman because he appears more Brandon to me.

Brandon and Knightly are such good role models for males it’s a shame they are not recognized for the same, if not more so, than as romantic figures.

Livi said...

David Morrisey wins hands down!!

Heather Carroll said...

Gah! I'm torn again. That's two weeks in a row now.

Dana Huff said...

I have not business voting because I've only seen Alan Rickman's Col. Brandon, but oh, I love him so! When he says "Give me some occupation, Miss Dashwood..." Swoon! I'm not sure I could put him out of my head in watching anyone else. It's like Ciaran Hinds as Captain Wentworth and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy...

Emma said...

I just want to say that Col. Brandon is my all-time favorite Austen boy! :)

Barbara said...

I agree with Emma :) Even though my favorite Austen book is "Persuasion" Col. Brandon is my favorite character. And Alan Rickman is just perfect for this role with his soft voice.

Anonymous said...

First let me say I agree with Nigel...Brandon and Knightley are excellent male role models. They are both "deep wells" rather than typical romantic leads. After watching both versions 6 or more times each, Morrissey grew on me and Rickman (can't believe I'm admitting to this) impressed me less. So it's Morrissey!

Christine said...

Alan Rickman, no contest. He is and ever shall be Col. Brandon, world without end, amen.

amwade85 said...

I am officially boycotting this poll. This is an impossible decision. I love them BOTH too much to possibly choose one over the other!

Enid Wilson said...

I don't like Alan Rickman at all. He doesn't seem intelligent at all!

Bargain with the Devil

Adriana Sales Zardini said...

Hi dear!

Your blog is adorable!

I voted in Rickman, although I really liked Morrissey too!

Elizabeth said...

I wish there was a way to select both! I loved both of these actors in this great role. Love Alan Rickman as an actor in most anything, but loved Morrissey's performance as Brandon. Ugh... such a difficult choice. Both of them had some excellent scenes and turns that were very "Brandon-like" therefore in my opinion they both very good as Col. Brandon.

Nonna said...

I just loved them both but must give the edge to Alan Rickman because I had to wash out the memory of Hans Gruber from "Die Hard" before I could believe him as Brandon. When he says "Give me an occupation or I shall run mad" that was it for me !

I agree with Nigel too. Brandon and Knightley are two of the most excellent role models for men to emulate...I just wish more men in the world would !

Mrs Pink said...

David Morrissey!! Even in the original book I could never truly believe that Marianne would fall for Brandon, but David Morrissey changed my mind . . . .