In which I muse about costume movies

[mala_14]

My costume movie experience is rather limited, mostly to Masterpiece Theatre. I did see Marie Antoinette and a few (very few) others, but haven't really seen any other costume movies in theatre. Most of my friends are not the costume movie type. And considering I see most movies with my boyfriend, well, I'm sure you can figure that one out. What we really need is a Will Ferrell historical comedy. ;p

My home collection is completely non-existant. So, I'm think of expanding on it. My first two choices are:
1. The Buccaneers (1995)
2. Persuasion (1995)
(Hmm... 1995 seems to be quite the year for good historical movies. I loved Sense and Sensibility. That explains all the SNL skits I saw on Jane Austen etc. back then...)

However, I can't decide for the third. (I've decided on three because I can get free shipping on Amazon for an order over $39, but I don't want to spend a huge amount of cash right now.) It has come down to:
1. Jefferson in Paris (1995)
2. The Affair of the Necklace (2001)
3. A Very Long Engagement (2004)

I'm leaning towards one of the first two, since I want an 18th century one, and I'm not so sure I want subtitles. Any opinions? I'm also willing to take suggestions about any fabulous, must-see movies that aren't here. Please help!

Comments

[quincy134.livejournal.com]

You've already picked it, but I highly recommend Persuasion (1995). It's got a very real feel to it.

And this is an oddball recommendation, but I'd say try The Winslow Boy (the recent version directed by David Mamet). It's based on a Rattigan play which is loosely based on a 1908 court case. Both the movie and the play moved the setting closer to WWI. The costumes aren't fancy, but the story and the acting are amazing. It's got that odd, "these people are in a David Mamet production so they don't talk like normal people" vibe to it, but that's to be expected.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Oohh WWI costumes. I'll check that one out. Thanks for the recommendation!

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

Ok, first off Persuasion is the best movie ever, so good choice there! :)
Secondly, while Jefferson in Paris and The Affair of the Necklace have some pretty costumes, the stories are a bit middling. A Very Long Engagement, on the other hand, is one of the most beautiful and moving films I've ever seen. I'd give it ten stars out of 5 or more. Its such an incredible movie. Total love.

I also really love the new Jane Eyre and North and South is utterly fabulous, just to name a few. I really could go on and on. ;)

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Persuasion is definitely my favourite Jane Austen, so I figured I had to see the movie. :) I loved Jane Eyre as well, but I'm sort of looking for something I haven't seen. North and South was one I was considering, but I really want an 18th century one. Bah! Difficult choices. :p Now if only there were some fabulous mini-series, with gorgeous costumes, a wonderful story, and fantastic acting that spanned Tudor to WWII...

[lorelei01.livejournal.com]

What, Black Adder doesn't count for that? ;-) It even takes you from the middle ages through WWI.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, I've never seen Black Adder. :( But it's on my list of things I need to watch eventually. :) Rowan Atkinson is cool!

[koshka-the-cat.livejournal.com]

An 18c that I love is Aristocrats. It's the story of the daughters of the Duke of Richmond. Very pretty and very long. I like my costume movies long :)

Adding once since I've only seen your first two, not the three maybes :)

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice, but I've already seen Aristocrats. Actually I think it was one of the earlier costume movies I've seen and I definitely enjoyed it very much. Length is a good consideration to keep in mind, though. Since part of the reason I want a costume movie is to be able to do handwork in front of it. ;) I'm sure you know how that is.