Captain Wentworth
Persuasion
Captain Wentworth is praised by *many* for being the most handsome man ever seen. Even Anne's father - who is an incredible snob when it comes to looks - agrees that Captain Wentworth is very handsome. This is a hard situation for any actor to live up to!
The 2008 Masterpiece Theater version - I adore this Wentworth. You really feel the passion simmering behind his eyes. This is when he's watching Anne play the piano early on. It is just a stunning scene. The gorgeous work she plays is Moonlight Sonata, written by Beethoven in 1801 and immensely popular during his lifetime (and now). Beethoven wrote it for his 17 year old student who he loved.
I want to note that they almost ALWAYS cut off the top of his head in this version, which was extremely bothersome and odd. The camerawork was just really off this entire time.
He thinks she's about to be married.
Now they're together.
The 1995 version is reasonably good.
Wentworth with his sailor friends.
In 1971 he just doesn't seem right. He doesn't seem handsome, he's not charismatic, he doesn't have any draw or energy or fire. The book talks about him being frank and open. Here he is barely interesting.
Behind him, you see the Elliot family home.
Finally a glimmer of emotion at the music evening.
Back to quiet.
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