During the Regency era, playing the piano forte was a a skill that all young ladies of quality were expected to acquire with some proficiency. Jane Fairfax was quite skilled, while Mary Bennet's playing was pendantic at best. Lady Catherine de Bourgh felt she would have been a proficient had she learned the art in the first place, and Emma lacked practice. Elizabeth Bennet, though she played prettily enough, felt that her playing was ordinary. Two other Jane Austen characters played piano beautifully: Georgiana Darcy and Marianne Dashwood. Their scenes in two films are among the most romantic in the Jane Austen ouvre. This week we ask you: Which scene is more romantic? Elizabeth gazing at Mr. Darcy (and he at her) as Georgiana plays, or Colonel Brandon hearing and seeing Marianne for the first time.
The Most Romantic Moment at the Piano
Colonel Brandon Sees Marianne for the First Time, Sense and Sensibility, 1995
Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman) arrives late for a gathering with Sir John Middleton and guests. Seeing Marianne (Kate Winslet), he is immediately struck by her beauty and talent. From that moment on his interest in her never wanes.
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet exchange glances as Georgianna Darcy plays at the piano. Pride and Prejudice, 1995
Mr. Darcy has introduced Elizabeth to his sister, and they spend an agreeable evening together. As Georgiana plays, he and Elizabeth exchange looks of longing. Without words, the scene sets the stage for Elizabeth's change of heart. Before long, Darcy springs into action to find Wickham and Lydia in London.
Vic, I think you love to torment us with impossible decisions! When I saw the first choice of Brandon & Marianne, I sighed to myself, "ah yes nothing can beat that" and as I panned down the screen, I had to laugh as I saw the second choice you were giving us - I feel torn, how to choose? Hmm, while I do adore the moment when Brandon is blown away by first seeing and hearing Marianne, I guess I would have to vote for the scene with Darcy and Elizabeth. For their scene is a culmination of their complex relationship and they're finally seeing each other through new eyes. And oh what eyes!! I LOVED the way that Darcy looked at her!
Since both Darcy & Elizabeth express their mutual love ( which is the best kind ) for each other in the scenes, I have to go with them.
Although Brandon does have love at first sight for Marianne, she displays only dislike for him to the point of torture of both Brandon and the reader.The sweetness of their mutual love as it begins to grow is a joy only after Marianne realizes Brandon's value as the gem of a man that he is and her own foolishness is finally under control.
One of my fav characters, the excellent Brandon, is rewarded with his fondest wish...to share his love and his life with Marianne.
When you pit Darcy and Brandon against each other in any throwdown, it sends me into a tizzy !
Mr. Darcy has introduced Elizabeth to his sister, and they spend an agreeable evening together. As Georgiana plays, he and Elizabeth exchange looks of longing. Without words, the scene sets the stage for Elizabeth's change of heart. Before long, Darcy springs into action to find Wickham and Lydia in London.
17 comments:
Has to be Brandon! but I guess music is the food of love so how can one differentiate?
Emily Fox as a Fitzwilliam? she is a lot sexier as a forensic pathologist in Silent Witness.
Although the show is a little macarbe for my taste along with, "you know who" in the featured, P&P.
How lovely. I'd forgotten how wonderful these movies were. I'll have to get my copies out and watch them again.
I love these movies equally, but I had to go with Colonel Brandon. His face is the true meaning of love at first sight!
I think Colin/Darcy' look in that scene deserves thousands of votes!
So, mine goes to P&P!
Vic, I think you love to torment us with impossible decisions! When I saw the first choice of Brandon & Marianne, I sighed to myself, "ah yes nothing can beat that" and as I panned down the screen, I had to laugh as I saw the second choice you were giving us - I feel torn, how to choose? Hmm, while I do adore the moment when Brandon is blown away by first seeing and hearing Marianne, I guess I would have to vote for the scene with Darcy and Elizabeth. For their scene is a culmination of their complex relationship and they're finally seeing each other through new eyes. And oh what eyes!! I LOVED the way that Darcy looked at her!
Vic,
I'll spend my whole Sunday thinking between these two scenes! I love both...
I think the Darcy/Elizabeth scene is more sexy and the Colonel Brandon scene is more romantic. Bravo to both of them.
Brandon. Definitely. :D
Since both Darcy & Elizabeth express their mutual love ( which is the best kind ) for each other in the scenes, I have to go with them.
Although Brandon does have love at first sight for Marianne, she displays only dislike for him to the point of torture of both Brandon and the reader.The sweetness of their mutual love as it begins to grow is a joy only after Marianne realizes Brandon's value as the gem of a man that he is and her own foolishness is finally under control.
One of my fav characters, the excellent Brandon, is rewarded with his fondest wish...to share his love and his life with Marianne.
When you pit Darcy and Brandon against each other in any throwdown, it sends me into a tizzy !
Brandon, Brandon, Brandon! Hands down Brandon! Hands up Brandon. Swoon Brandon! ha ha These are fun polls, I lurve when you do them.
OOh! That's a hard one. I think Col Brandon takes it though.
Oh good heavens, how can one make a choice like that!?
Of course Darcy and Elizabeth. A tortuous journey of love is way more romantic than love at first sight.
Bargain with the Devil
Charleybrown said exactly what I was going to say!! Thanks CB!! :D
I just watched the PP scene today so i had to go with that one. I love it, especially his look
What about Persuasion 1995??? Wonderful scenes with a piano! Gah! No one remembers Persuasion.
I just MELT when darcy looks at Lizzy and almost smiles.... *melting*
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