Austen knows how to ruin a picnic, as she does in Sense and Sensibility. Ang Lee and his screenwriter Emma Thompson get the disappointment right. But then invent an original picnic to make up for Austen’s to mitigate the Dashwood family’s letdown. Critics and Austen fans did not care about this revision, and Thompson’s freely adapted script won an Oscar
Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood; Gemma Jones as Mrs. Dashwood; Emilie Francois as Margaret Dashwood; Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood
Preparing a lovely day at Col. Brandon’s estate Whitwell, the “party of pleasure” is abruptly called off when pleading business in London, Brandon reneges his invitation. The result, Austen wryly explains, defies expectation: the Dashwood family’s expectations plummet. Sir John Middleton complains, “But Brandon, we are all assembled. We cannot picnic at Delaford without our host! Go up to town tomorrow.” Brandon demurs and rides off.
Salvaging the situation, the Dashwoods and Willoughby set off for an impromptu picnic on the lawn. “Did not go at all.”
The “party of pleasure” (Austen’s euphemism for a picnic) was held twelve miles from Dashwood’s home at Barton Cottage. Carriages were arranged, and unspecified “cold provisions” were prepared.
Featured Image: Greg Wise Sir John Middleton
See Ang Lee. Sense and Sensibility (1995). The screenplay by Emma Thompson is based on Jane Austin’s novel, Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility. London: Thomas Egerton, 1811