The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay & Diaries: Bringing Jane Austen's Novel to Film

by Emma Thompson

Bringing Jane Austen's Sense and Sensiblity to the screen has been a labor of love. Vividly described by the producer, Lindsay Doran, in her Introduction, the process has taken fifteen years to come to fruition. In Emma Thompson, Doran found her ideal scriptwriter, since Emma Thompson already had a lifelong passion for the novels of Jane Austen and a natural gift for writing, which Doran first recognized when she caught reruns of a comic British television series that Thompson had written. With characteristic rigor and determination, Emma Thompson set about the job, between acting in many films and picking up an Academy Award en route.

The script took her five years to complete. It is unusual for an actress to write a screenplay. It is even more unusual that she should also published a detailed domestic accounting of the making of the film in which she played a leading role. Directed by Ang Lee, the Columbia Pictures film also stars Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant. Emma Thompson's diaries, which take us from preproduction to the wrap party, answer the questions everyone asks about filmmaking, and provide a clear and often hilarious picture of what it is really like to be part of a film crew living the kind of intense communal life found on board large sailing ships, and yet just as subject to weather, digestive tracts and moods. This rare perspective, together with sumptuous photographs, makes this an irresistible book for all those interested in movies and the making of a great film.

Genres: Nonfiction, Classics, Film, Memoir, Plays, Romance, Drama

287 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1995

About the author

Emma Thompson is an Emmy-, BAFTA-, Golden Globe- and two time Academy Award-winning English actress, comedian, and screenwriter. She is also a patron of the Refugee Council.

Reviews

[Jimena · Rating 4 out of 5]

No podría definir la experiencia de leer el guión de sense and sensibility y los diarios escritos por Emma Thompson durante el rodaje como nada que no sea disfrutable, grato y en cierta medida fascinante por lo evidente que es el respeto y devoción tanto de parte de Thompson como de la productora por llevar a cabo un film que honre los escritos de Jane Austen. El guión consigue emular con tanta precisión la astucia, el humor y el corazón de la novela que no es de extrañar que hicieran a Emma meritoria de un golden globe y un Oscar, ambos por la labor de mejor guión adaptado. La esencia Austeniana está tan hábilmente capturada y reproducida que me extrañaría que alguien no tuviese esta adaptación entre sus favoritas.

Ahora, profundizando un poco más en cuanto a los diarios, me resultaron peculiarmente llamativos. Siendo ajena a la experiencia de filmación y los altibajos que integran un rodaje, el relato diario de Thompson acerca de las complejidades del clima, el esfuerzo que conlleva la reconstrucción de una época, los accidentes y enfermedades del elenco, el cansancio, los problemas de presupuesto y el fantástico ambiente logrado entre cast y crew que sin lugar a dudas hizo al proyecto brillar en pantalla resulta singularmente envolvente.

Me hubiese gustado leer más acerca de Alan Rickman pero cada retazo de información capturada sobre él es de alguna manera hermosa y valiosa, tanto en sí mismo como en la complicidad lograda con Emma y Kate, amistades que constituirían dos de las más importantes de su vida dentro del medio artístico. He de mencionar, también, que las fotos que acompañan este libro son un auténtico golpe de nostalgia.

[Lolly's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is, thank god I read this book at home because as I read Thompson's diary I was snorting so hard with laughter I would've seriously disturbed any person around me. Not that I care, but after the first ten or so funny looks, it gets awfully distracting having all those annoyed people around me and makes it hard to keep my attention on what I'm reading.

I adore Emma Thompson. Is there any way I could possibly be her when I grow up?


Please?!

Oh, and reading the screenplay section, I was speaking the lines without actually reading the words on the page (while using my best cut-glass BBC Standard accent, mind you). That's how burned into my brain the film is, from having seen it well over a dozen times. Except for the bits which were either left on the cutting room floor or never filmed - now those were rather new and interesting. Reading those new bits, it's a shame they weren't in the film because often they added just a little bit extra to the scene. Still, the film is wonderful as-is and I wouldn't change it for anything. And reading this book simply adds to the pleasure of the film's viewing - highly recommended for any fan.

Just be warned: There aren't any juicy insider tidbits concerning Emma Thompson's and Greg Wise's nascent romance, sadly. She keeps her diary strictly professional in that regard... dammit.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review soon!

[Knobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just makes me love the movie & the actors (especially Alan Rickman) more.

[Ruxandra Grrr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total banger to end the year on. The script is beautifully written (there's some scenes that didn't make the final cut, that are lovely) and Emma Thompson's diaries are so human and vulnerable and also super funny. I first this movie as a kid (11-12?) and it was my first introduction to a Jane Austen work and I love it dearly. I can't count the times I've seen this over the years (the latest one was the first cinema experience, last week).

When I was a film journalist, I did quite a few behind-the-scenes features for various movies and I always loved being on set. And the diaries really made me feel like I was there. There's a lot about filmmaking, funny moments about the actors and the crew, but also personal details about Thompson - like finding out when she has cystitis, when she gets a big tax bill, a moustache bleach and wanting to quit smoking over and over. I must warn that there seems to be quite a lot of focus on what Thompson eats (and it can be pretty disordered), for people who need that CW.

It's emotional to read about her struggles with self-esteem and her looks, but also elating when scenes turn out wonderful. Quite a rollercoaster of emotions. Insights on Jane Austen and Brit history. Oh and the Hugh Grant blowjob scandal, which happens after he has wrapped his scenes and while they're still filming. Just a lot of juiciness, human messiness and insight into one of my favorite pieces of art.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some strange reason this book has been sitting on my shelf gathering dust for ages. It wasn't until the other day when I was looking for my copy of the film Sense & Sensibility, that I remembered I had this companion book.

I have probably seen the movie well over a dozen times or more, and think it's the best film adaptation of any of Jane Austen's books (yes this even trumps the 6 hour BBC Pride & Prejudice). My bias therefore being known...

I loved every blistering, bodice ripping page!

The book consists of the original screenplay, as well as journal entries kept by actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson during the filming. Thompson won a Golden Globe for best adapted screenplay, and the film itself went on to win the coveted Best Film award. Those who are familiar with the movie will be delighted to find cut scenes and additional dialogue to supplement the film, as well as candid behind-the-scenes commentary from the always hilarious (and sometimes bawdy) Thompson. Did I mention all the gorgeous photos and references to filming locations?

The only thing better than reading this delightful script, is reading the original novel by Jane Austen herself.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there enough money and time allotted for a big opening scene to illustrate Mr. Henry Dashwood receiving a fatal hunting wound? How can Colonel Brandon's character be made more three dimensional and effective when he is “quite shadowy” and “absent for long periods” in the novel? Should Willoughby's anguished confession to Elinor be included, or will it “interfere with Brandon's love story?” How can we achieve the perfect balance romance and satire in this film?

These are just several of the questions Emma Thompson pondered when writing the screenplay for Sense and Sensibility, (an undertaking that took five years, a dozen drafts, and hundreds of revisions to accomplish!) In the Sense and Sensibility Screenplay and Diaries readers and admirers of this adaption learn of the many important decisions Emma Thompson had to make when adapting Jane Austen's beloved novel to a two hour feature film. In addition to the original screenplay script, this movie companion includes many still and behind-the-scenes images from the movie and Emma Thompson's informative, entertaining, and at times shockingly candid, diary entires.

Readers familiar with the film will be able to compare it to this screenplay and perceive the alterations made between Emma Thompson's preproduction draft and the film. It is interesting to see what was originally intended and how it is similar and/or dissimilar to what appeared on film. I would have loved it if these alterations were explained in a footnote or some other type of commentary, however. One part I loved was reading the stage directions, I found them humorous and not as formal as expected! “MR. PALMER does indeed have an the air of a man under siege.” “MARGARET is starring at Mrs. Jennings as if she were some particularly thrilling form of wildlife.” “Additional wealth has evidently encouraged FANNY sartorially and she sprouts as much fruit and feathers as a market stall.”

The diary entries by Emma Thompson begin with her first meeting with the director and producers and end with the final day of shooting. These entires range from stating which anti-stress/relaxation remedy she used that day to describing how many takes and cameras were used in a scene. Emma Thompson's admiration and reverence for Jane Austen is very apparent in these diary entires. In addition, her dry wit and self-deprecating sense of humor reminds readers of Jane Austen and little of Bridget Jones too! “Drank far too much last night and woke at 5:30 a.m. Could've gone on drinking all night. Quite grateful for a hangover, it provides a bit of peace.” - June 11th. (Warning: she swears like Bridget Jones too).

In addition to her personal feelings and thoughts, Emma Thompson illustrates what it was like to make this movie: What parts were easy? What parts were challenging? What parts were fun? And what disasters transpired? It was quite interesting to discover that factors such as weather (cloudy verses sunny) dictated which scenes were shot that day. Or that it was necessary to fire a shotgun before each take to silence the cawing crows. Or that they had to be supremely cautious while in these historic homes as many National Trust volunteers were watching them like hawks ready to pounce!

My one complaint for this volume is that the image quality for the 91photographs is sometimes a little grainy and fuzzy. But that may be because I have an older (1995) edition. I see that there are two other editions of this book, 2002 and 2007. Perhaps in these later editions the images were improved? I'll have to check it out and get back to you... My advice meanwhile, would be to buy the newest edition.

Admirers of Sense and Sensibility, Emma Thompson, and the 1995 film starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and Alan Rickman will find much to appreciate and adore in this lovely tome. Emma Thompson's Golden Globe acceptance speech (as Jane Austen) and Imogen Stubb's letter penned from Lucy to Elinor only enhance the value of this treasure! A MUST read!

Austenesque Reviews

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taught this with Austen a few times--I think less than half the novel, though well acted and conceived. At least it may be more than the average for Shakepseare films, Branagh's films no less--around 40% or less (MAAN, 37% of Sh's text).
May be better than the 2008 TV miniseries, which ignores much Austen, who says Edward Ferrars is "not handsome," and quiet, preferring quiet life; "his figure is not striking, it has none of that grace which I would expect in the man who could seriously attach to my sister"(Ch 3). TV's Dan Stevens who plays Ferrars is handsome, of striking figure, and not withdrawn. He can also read aloud, his part, whereas Ferrars aloudreads "tamely." TV also misses the overarching Austen voice, say "that sanguine expectation of happiness which is happiness itself" (Ch.2).

[Melindam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Thompson, you sly, confirmedly crazy and adorable thing! This was such fun.

Will try to write a review a bit later.

[kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consisting of the shooting script and Emma Thompson's diaries from shooting, this book does its best to share the sheer talent and skill that led to 1995's Sense and Sensibility. A bit too brief, ultimately, but still rollickingly good fun.

Now, to watch the movie with Thompson's commentary.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nominated for seven Academy Awards®, the 1995 movie Sense and Sensibility remains one of my most cherished interpretations of a Jane Austen novel. Everything about this film project seems to be touched with gold; from the award winning screenplay by actress Emma Thompson; to the incredible depth of British acting talent: Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Gemma Jones, Harriet Walter, Greg Wise, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson; stunning film locations in Devonshire; and the fine brush-work of the Taiwanese director Any Lee. The movie touched many and introduced Jane Austen’s classic story of two divergent sisters searching for happiness and love to millions. I never tire of viewing it, basking in its beautiful cinematography, enjoying its thoughtful performances and marveling at its exquisitely crafted screenplay – both reverent to Austen’s intentions and engaging to modern audiences.

Reading The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay & Diaries written by Emma Thompson and introduced by the movie producer Lindsay Doran was such a pleasure. What a labor of love this movie was for both actress/writer Thompson and producer Doran who spent fifteen years to bring it to the screen. This highly acclaimed film won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar and Golden Globe in 1996 for Thompson and the praise of hundreds of film critics and fans. Her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes was so witty and Austen-like that the film clip is a perennial favorite on Youtube. This book contains the complete screenplay, over fifty photos of the actors and scenes from the film and Thompson’s candid and often hilarious daily entries of what it was like to be involved in this incredible project. Here is a great excerpt:

"Tuesday 11 April: No one can sleep for excitement. Costume designers John Bright and Jenny Beavan wish they had three more weeks but have done truly great work. The shapes and colours and inimitable. Lindsay’s already in Plymouth frantically trying to cut the script. It’s still too long. The art department object to us bathing Margaret in the parlour. Apparently they always used a kitchen or bedroom in the nineteenth century. Perhaps the Dashwoods are different, I suggest, unhelpfully."

“Thompson’s rare and personal perspective makes The Sense and Sensibility: The Screenplay and Diaries an irresistible book for students of film and Austen devotees, as well as for everyone who loved this extraordinary movie.” This is a must read for Jane Austen and period movie fans, and I highly recommend it.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose

[Rebecca May · Rating 5 out of 5]

~The Foreword:

The foreword of Sense and Sensibility: The Screenplay Diaries was written by Lindsay Doran, the producer of the film in question. And, much to my surprise – I generally don’t enjoy forewords – I very much liked reading what she had to say. It was vastly enjoyable, and hearing how Lindsay first struggled with reading and/or liking Jane Austen’s work made me rather pleased to have introduced myself to Jane Austen with tolerable success at the age of fourteen. Pride and Prejudice was, of course, my first port of call, but Sense and Sensibility was the second Jane Austen novel I read, and to this day is very close to my heart.

It was nice to hear, therefore, how Lindsay Doran also doesn’t understand the dislike or censure that a lot of critics direct towards Sense and Sensibility, calling it one of Jane Austen’s lesser works. Personally I’ve always found it beautiful and admirable – and I know the same critics who dislike Sense and Sensibility would probably sharply reprimand me for not having enjoyed Mansfield Park or Persuasion so much. God forbid I should mention finding Emma a little dull in certain places… Moving on before I have to run and hide.

It was also interesting to hear about the development of the film, and how it was about fifteen years in the pre-production stages. If the people involved had perhaps been more active in getting it to screen, then there might have been less complaints in the disparity of the ages of the characters. Of course, the actors in the 1995 film are generally quite a bit older than the characters are supposed to be, with the exception of Kate Winslet, and some others perhaps. I suppose I can’t complain, because I thought Kate Winslet was a wonderful choice for Marianne, and if they had got the film to the production stage earlier, there would be someone else in her place.


~The Original Screenplay:

Reading the original screenplay was wonderful for a number of reasons. First of all, it was extremely satisfying to be able to finally clarify those few words that you just can’t quite catch on the films audio. Secondly, it was very interesting to see what parts of the original screenplay had been taken out or changed. And thirdly, Emma Thompson’s notes on what the characters should be thinking and feeling were great; they give you insight into the way the characters were intended to be played, into what the characters might be thinking, and overall, reading the Original Screenplay did substantially increase my enjoyment of the film when I watched it again.

However, as usual with reading an original script, there are always going to be parts that you wish they hadn’t taken out. Of course there are parts where you think: “Thank God, it would have been awful if that was anywhere near the film…”, but at the same time there are certain things it was really a shame to have missed. A case in point being – in my opinion – the scene where Brandon discovers Eliza; I think it would have been both wonderful and heart-rending to see Brandon finding his ward, as he so often guards his emotions rather well.

Speaking of Colonel Brandon – I loved seeing Emma Thompson’s notes on Brandon’s emotions when he first enters the film and sees Marianne playing the piano. Of course, Alan Rickman plays all of these emotions out on screen incredibly well, but I would never have been able to describe the look on his face in such eloquent terms as Emma does. However, it was a disappointment to discover that some of Colonel Brandon’s dialogue hadn’t made it to the final film as well. I very much wish they had kept in some of the dialogue from when he first meets the Misses Dashwood in London, and the extra dialogue (about Eliza and Beth, which was truly affecting) from the scene when Colonel Brandon lays bare all of Willoughby’s past transgressions for Elinor’s inspection.


~The Diaries:

My first discovery upon opening the diary portion of the book was that it was very decidedly that – a diary. It wasn’t written in any sort of flowery script, often the sentences weren’t even complete sentences, more just notes on what time Emma went to bed that night, or a short sharp comment on something that happened earlier in the day. However, Emma’s dry, witty, humorous tone entirely makes up for that, and several unexpected or clever comments had me burst out into fits of giggles.

It was also incredibly interesting to hear about the acting and production processes, and learn a bit about the personality of the actors on set. I particularly liked hearing about Kate Winslet as a young actress. It’s a shame that Alan Rickman doesn’t appear until quite late in the Diaries, as he only arrived about half way through the shoot. For a long time Alan Rickman was my favourite actor, and though he’s now been relegated to second favourite (deepest apologies, Alan, it’s still close!), it was disappointing not to see too much of him in the Diaries.

Overall, Emma’s notes on the film made me realize that frankly, acting can be a bitch sometimes. I’d always suspected that the career wasn’t a bed of roses, but if the Sense and Sensibility set is any indication, sometimes it can be a real pain in the ass. But the Diaries also mostly confirmed my other suspicion; that in the end, it’s all worth it. Despite all the inconveniences and long days and extreme stress, these actors get to hang out with a lot of awesome people, create a whole ton of new experiences, make new friends, do something they're passionate about, and come out the other side with a beautiful, beautiful movie that everyone can be proud of.

The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay Diaries are a testament to both the trials and the joys of acting, and I simply loved reading everything Emma Thompson could tell us about her experiences.

[Katherine Kendig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this absolutely delightful on so many levels. Funny, brilliant, revealing, informative, but mostly just delightful. Loved it.

[Fatima Sheriff · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ang, on returning from a restaurant: 'The acting in England is much better than the food.'"

Brilliantly honest, almost brutal in the descriptions of weather havok and re-shooting, but insightful and incisive into the creative process.

[Zuzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day of the shooting Emma Thompson overheard this charming conversation between Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman:

Kate: Oh God, my knickers have gone up my arse.
Alan: Ah. Feminine mystique strikes again.

LOLed so hard. I had to share.



And another gem:

Kate Winslet fainted during the shoot - "so cold, so wet for so long. Alan Rickman found Ang Lee (the director) sitting on a box, his head low, his fists clenched.
I tortured her, he moaned.
Don't worry, said Alan. You'll have the opportunity to do it to me soon."

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for cinema geeks like me. I admire actors who can work completely out of sequence, and somehow create a coherent character that behaves believably in each scene and make the whole thing mesh together. Reading this book drew me into the creative process, and made me feel as if I were sitting wide-eyed in a corner taking it all in. It felt a bit odd to be drawn back into some of the more sensational events of 1995 (John Major, Liz Hurley/Hugh Grant media storm, etc) while Thompson discusses the timewarp effects of working on a period film.

I was also glad to find the list of stately homes that were used for different segments of the film, since many of them reappear in "literary" productions. For those outside the UK it's nice to know where they really are.

[Christa Schönmann Abbühl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A post in my favorite Facebook group sent me down this rabbit hole. In the post the cult member explained how Emma Thompson ended up married to her younger co-star in Sense and Sensibility, Greg Wise. I adore the actress and have a special relationship to that movie, but did not know she wrote the script and that you can read it together with her filming diary. I have always loved to look behind the scenes of movie making, so this was a must have for me. And I was not disappointed. My only question is: when does she write her memoir? I need more Emma Thompson.

I listened to the audio book of the original novel before reading the script/diary, and am looking forward to rewatching the film.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. I couldn’t put it down once I got to Emma Thompson’s diaries from set, but loved reading the screenplay too. I think I was smiling to myself almost the whole time I was reading. I didn’t realize I could be more in love with Ms. Thompson than I already am, but here we are. My God, she is funny.

For those of you who rush out to read this book but don’t have encyclopedic knowledge of her personal life, let me share some background. Shortly before the film started shooting, Ms. Thompson went through a very public break up with her husband, Sir Kenneth Branagh, as he was having an affair with Helena Bonham Carter. For those paying attention, yes, all three did eventually go on to give fabulous performances in the Harry Potter movies along with the other 5 or 6 actors from the UK. Back to the break up: Ms. Thompson was 36 and miserable. In her diaries, she makes a few references to Greg Wise (who plays Willoughby) and how gorgeous he is, but not much more than that. We now know that they fell madly in love after meeting on set, got married, have a beautiful family, and continue to be blissfully happy per the various podcast episodes I’ve enjoyed on the subject. Ms. Thompson went on to win the Oscar for best adapted screenplay for S&S (yes!!! she played Elinor and adapted the script!!!), becoming the first person ever to win Oscars for writing and acting (she also won for best supporting actress in 1993 for Howard’s End). She continues to hold that distinction. As a side note: I highly recommend her Desert Island Discs episode.

This was such a pleasure of a reading experience. *Chef’s kiss*

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know why it took me so long to finish reading this book, I’d devoured Emma Thompson’s diaries and didn’t read the screenplay until today.

I absolutely loved it, the film is one of my favourites and most scenes are burned in my brain. The screenplay was written by Emma Thompson too and I really enjoyed reading her descriptions of characters, the particular emotions they are expressing during specific scenes. Every piece of dialogue, character emotion, staging feels very purposeful and extremely refined.

Then, the diaries that Emma Thompson wrote whilst on set, which feel like reading your best mates diary in the best way possible, some of my favourites:

Thursday 18th May
Managed to pee on most of my underwear this morning (trailer loos are very cramped) so I’m in a very bad temper. Didn’t sleep. Had three breakfast to make up for it.

Friday 19 May
We’re working on the second scene between Willoughby and Marianne where they read the sonnet together. Difficult to give poetry reading a sexy hue in this day and age but what else can he do? Give her a massage? Must avoid twee. Oh, please don’t let any of it be twee, I’ll die. I’ll be assassinated by the Jane Austen society (who rang James’ company in New York to complain about the casting of Hugh Grant as Edward — too good looking apparently).
My spot has gone volcanic and I’m very bitter about it.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give the screenplay of my favorite feature film five stars, but there was much in the diaries to dim my appreciation of their author. Many a blasphemous composer has turned his talent to sacred texts with worthwhile results, and Thompson is of that same spirit. She revels not only in her own immorality, but in that of her costars. When Hugh Grant had finished his part in the shoot, he went off to LA where he was caught behaving very unEdwardly, and E.T. is only upset over the embarrassing publicity. More Mary Crawford than Elinor Dashwood. At least she said nothing to besmirch Robert Hardy's character, so I will go on thinking well of him, but the rest were a pretty vulgar lot. Pagans gonna pag.

[Linz Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating to read a screenplay. I never realized how much direction related to film shots, character development and blocking is included. Emma Thompson’s diaries at the end give us a rare and real peek behind the curtain of filmmaking. It’s rarely a glamorous process with all the waiting around, long days, and weather challenges, but I love the community aspect of it. Her personal commentary was so freakin’ honest (and frankly hilarious) that you can’t help but love her even more. Interesting to gain greater insight to her fellow actors and hear references to major news events of the time period. For movie buffs and Jane Austen fans, it’s a must-read! Now it’s time to watch the movie itself again with fresh eyes...

[Sasha K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterically funny and so revealing. Truly such a treat to inhabit the story of making these beloved scenes.

[Cookie]

Every book should have a main, serious part at the front and a fun, chatty part at the back that you can switch between. Every book should be a mullet is what I’m saying.

[Beatrice]

Really I just wanted the context for that line about ovulation which is popular on Tumblr. Emma Thompson seems like a riot.

[Birte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sehr interessant, lustig und kurzweilig. Perfekt wäre es, wenn die Fotos aus dem Film an der Stelle wären, an der Emma Thompson über sie schreibt.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the shooting script by Emma Thompson for the Ang Lee film of Sense and Sensibility as well as her diaries recounting the making of the film. Five stars for "amazing" as Goodreads would have it? For me yes. Of course, it helps if you are 1) A Jane Austen fan check 2) A fan of this film adaptation of her novel. check 3) Interested in the process of writing and film-making. check.

I am decidedly a Jane Austen fan. I don't just own all her novels, some I have in multiple editions. I've read all her completed novels more than once, as well as reading her two unfinished ones. I've read everything by Austen except some scraps of juvenalia and her letters (which I plan to get to). I know her writing well-enough to be able to recognize the differences between Austen's text and Emma Thompson's screenplay, which I think is an amazing adaptation. I loathed the Pride and Prejudice film with Keira Knightley, and a lot of the reason is that for me the additions, changes and omissions from the original jarred. With Thompson's screenplay, her words felt seamless, as if she plugged into Austen's head. For someone who knows the Ang Lee adaptation of it well, it's also interesting seeing the differences between the shooting script and what made it onto the screen. It's a great film, a favorite--one that not only made me cry more than once when I saw it in the cinema, but made me cry again in exactly the same spots when I rewatched on DVD. It was in fact one of the first DVD purchases I ever made, and I loved what a DVD brought to my experience--not just the ability to watch whenever I wanted, but additions such as the commentaries by Thompson and Lee.

I think just the letter in the Appendices by Imogen Scrubbs (Lucy Steele) is worth the price of this book. And Thompson is great company in her diaries. I loved her description of film-making: The beginning of a film is like watching a huge newborn centipede trying to get up on its hundred legs and go for a walk. So yes, even given my familiarity with the material, I found reading this book well worth my while and keeping on my shelves.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Thompson has been at the top of my fantasy dinner party list for ages. Reading this was like reading Dorothy L. Sayer's letters (another wonderfully talented snarky writer).

I'm enormously entertained to find out more of the thinking behind the works that I've enjoyed, of course. And of course it serves the basic purpose of making me wanting to go experience their works again directly.

But mostly I get resentful that I can't actually break through the boundaries of time and space and start a live conversation with the author. Because this is as close as I'll ever get to being in their heads, I guess.

At least with the inimitable Emma Thompson I can go trolling through interviews on YouTube - it's lovely how often she can turn an interview into a topic that's far more interesting than the questions she's given would suggest. And now I just found out through Goodreads that there's a similar book available for Nanny McPhee, so that's going straight on my wishlist.

[Jessamyn Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The screenplay to one of my favorite movies and diaries by witty and wonderful Emma Thompson, all in one place?! It was really cool to see how a real screenplay works and Emma's behind-the-scenes notes were funny and also helpful and relevant to my life.

[Hana]

CW: negative body image & mental health

[Narrative Muse]

– Emma Thompson in The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay & Diaries –

If you’d asked me a year ago if Emma Thompson could do anything else in her life to compel me to love her any more than I already do, I’d have spit out my tea and laughed at you. But she has.

An oldie-but-goodie film staple for Janeites everywhere, Sense and Sensibility (Columbia Pictures’ 1995) was masterfully directed by Ang Lee, with an Oscar-winning and Golden Globe-winning screenplay penned by Thompson herself. If you haven’t watched Thompson’s Golden Globes Best Screenplay acceptance speech, I strongly suggest you do so. Just forgive her the floppy hair.

What Thompson has done in her book The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay & Diaries: Bringing Jane Austen’s Novel to Film, is deliver her beautiful script to us, replete with screen captures from the movie. However, the real magic may lies in Thompson’s personal recollections on writing, casting, producing, and shooting this project. Her insights are utterly fascinating and include comments on several of her collaborators.

About her co-star Hugh Grant, Thompson writes, “...Kissing Hugh was very lovely. Glad I invented it. Can’t rely on Austen for a snog, that’s for sure.”

According to the diaries, Ang Lee’s first acting notes to Thompson were “Very dull,” and, “Don’t look so old.”

And there’s this bit about the late Alan Rickman, whose sense of humor she describes as acquired but hilarious; “Very nice lady served us drinks in hotel and was followed in by a cat. We all crooned at it. Alan to cat (very low and meaning it) ‘F**k off.’ The nice lady didn’t turn a hair. The cat looked slightly embarrassed but stayed.”

Amidst her honest and irreverent observations about her castmates and production crew, I was able to discern bits of Emma’s heart and mind as a creator and storyteller. She is committed to excellence, kind, funny, and unapologetic about the stress she felt both as a writer and an actor during this project.

While the script is an important reference piece for an Austen-lover’s arsenal, it was the diaries that spurred me to finish the piece in just two days. I found myself laughing out loud, shaking my head, responding to Thompson’s journals as if she were sitting across from me as we enjoyed our Sunday Sumatra.

The content in the screenplay itself is standard Austen fare, an exposé of the dangerous trends in 19th Century Europe regarding the scarcity of women landowners, and how being a female could literally strip you of an inheritance, devoid of any income unless you married well. Of course, Thompson handles the subject matter with grace and dignity. Austen ends the story of Sense and Sensibility on an upbeat note, juxtaposing her happy wishes for womankind against her own cruel reality. As in all Austen epics, the heroes and heroines overcome, striking a balance that satisfies both their desires and the strictures of society, and Thompson honors Austen’s wishes in this regard.

The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay & Diaries is a clever and pleasant read. Since Thompson’s triumph, she has been credited for her work on the children’s movie Nanny McPhee and it’s sequel, and an under-the-radar historical drama called Effie Gray.

Perhaps Thompson should crack open another Austen novel and adapt something else. I will wait.

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This review was first published on Narrative Muse, http://narrativemuse.co/books/the-sen..., and was written by A.C. O'Dell. Narrative Muse curates the best books and movies by and about women and non-binary folk on our website http://narrativemuse.co and our social media channels.