Mansfield Park
Some years ago, in response to a friend asking about my favorite novels, I put together a list of my top 10. Two of them were by Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice is on many lists; Elizabeth Bennett and Darcy are both dazzling characters. I reread it not long ago and was struck again by the intelligence and wit of the dialogue. Both characters have brilliant minds and a distinctive charm.
But my favorite Austen novel is Mansfield Park. I think of Austen as a moralist first and foremost; she probes deeply into questions of what is good and just and right. And hers is not a cartoonish view; she discerns the moral ambiguity and the gaps in our knowledge that cloud our decision-making.
Fanny Price is essentially adopted by her aunt and uncle and comes to live with them at their expansive estate, Mansfield Park. She is raised with their four children, though not quite on an equal footing; she is often reminded of her status as a dependent relation. She is powerless and is naturally timid as well. But she learns good principles, and seeks to apply them wisely and with integrity, even when facing disapproval from those whom she loves most. The dazzling characters in the book, rivaling Elizabeth and Darcy, are Mary and Henry Crawford, a sister and brother who come to live as neighbors. Fanny is colorless in comparison. And yet, the Crawfords are the serpents in Eden, their amoral selfishness tempting everyone to forbidden fruit. Most succumb; only Fanny, though sorely tempted herself, does not.
As a result, this powerless young woman becomes the most powerful character in the book; she changes the direction of the family’s life, and becomes the rock they all depend on, even cling to.
Of all her (wonderful) novels, Mansfield Park best reflects the duality of Austen’s distinctive gifts – her ability to depict memorable characters, and the profoundly moral nature of her universe.
- Jack Jr.
Jurassic Park
A few weeks ago my boys were at the theater and one of the trailers before the movie was for the new Jurassic Park movie. They came home asking me if they were old enough to watch the first Jurassic Park. I considered how old I was the first time I watched it, and with a little trepidation said “sure.” They have since watched it at least one more time (and perhaps more than that by the time this post is live) and the 4K DVD is on its way from Amazon.
I was curious as I sat down to watch whether it would hold up; it had probably been 25 years since I last watched it. Not only does the CG still look great, but it looks better than a lot of what is being made now. This was also a time when filmmakers used real props whenever they could, and the real dinosaur models are incredibly good. It’s still a fantastic movie, maybe the best summer blockbuster ever. And, of course, it is helped immeasurably by John Williams’ score. The moment the helicopter arrives at the island is an all time top movie moment for me, purely based on the music alone.
- Jack III
Thanks for the message, and have a great weekend. Hugs