Do you remember where you were the first time you heard the enduring words of Marion Dashwood?
In case you forgot:
“I could not be happy with a man whose taste did not in every point coincide with my own.”
I do.
I read them while in bed nursing a man flu. Story for another time, but I can tell you that I’m pretty sure it was Sense and Sensibility that healed along with the Vicks VapoRub I was drenched in.
Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (much like Pride and Prejudice) is one of those classical novels that completely reframed how I thought about relationships, societal dynamics, and what a novel could do.
There have been a number of adaptations of the novel (we’ll get to that a little later) but the new adaptation, out in cinemas now, has a lot of people talking.
I plan to be one of those people. And you, dear readers, are invited to join me.
Now, while there is a discussion to be had on whether Marianne‘s statement aforementioned statment is true, idealistic, or completely naïve, I can say, with absolute certainty, that I could not be happy watching the new Sense and Sensibility film with an audience whose taste did not in every point coincide with my own.
And by taste I simple mean this:
If you are a Jane Austen fan
If you are a lover of period dramas
If you are intrigued by or understand the relationship between two sisters who are as equally alike as they are different
If you want to be enthralled and immersed by a classic and much beloved story
If you are one or all of these things then you must join me on November 10 at 7 PM at Cinema Akil, in Alserkal Avenue. Add it to your calendar.
The Culturelist and Cinema Akil are inviting you to a special screening of the new Sense and Sensibility followed by conversation with myself.
In case you’re new here: Hello, hi, it’s me, Maan Jalal, writer, journalist and founder of The Culturalist and a BIG Jane Austen fan.
Cinema Akil is an incredible space. It is the GCC’s first independent arthouse cinema and has become known for its intimate, retro-inspired setting, and thoughtfully curated programme of independent films, international cinema, documentaries and cult classics. I’m obsessed.
And if you haven’t yet had the pleasure to experience Cinema Akil, now is your chance.
The new Sense and Sensibility film stars, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles. Both of whom I’m not familiar with as actresses, both of whom are being branded as nepo babies, a term which I find particularly unfair and redundant. I’m of the thinking that it doesn’t matter how nepo you are, what matters is how talented you are. So, I’m looking forward to rightfully judging these two in this film, based on just that, raw talent.
Again, you’re invited to join me.
The film is directed by Georgia Oakley. I’m unfamiliar with her work but this is her second feature film and she’s working on a screenplay adapted from the novel by Diana Reid. With a few best selling novels under her belt, this is Reid’s third screenwriting credit (and really a huge one).
All together, I’m always happy to support young talented people doing something interesting with a classic work of fiction. From the trailer Austen’s incredible novel has a completely new interpretation that deserves time to watch, dissect, discuss.
So you must join me. After the screening we will talk about how this adaptation approaches Austen’s story, what we liked and didn’t like, and we will most likely find ourselves discussing other adaptions including the beloved 1995 film starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.
I mean, its bound to come up in conversation. It’s perfect.
Don’t worry if you have not seen that film or if you haven’t read the novel! I’ve read the novel and seen the 1995 film enough times for all of us.
You can be as involved or as quiet as you like during the after screen conversation. And take comfort in this - you will be surrounded by people who love period dramas, film, and books. I will guide you through my thoughts on this adaptation as well as talking about the finer points and themes of the film.
These include:
Emotion versus reason
Love, money and security
Growing up through heartbreak
And maybe even how to spot when a man is good enough for you – all through the lens of regency era society, and this film
So, join me at Cinema Akil on November 10 at 7pm.
It’s going to be so much fun, you will be among friends, like-minded people, and we are going to have an incredible time!
So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now! You can buy them here.
Looking forward to this one and I love this format.