Fingersmith

[vaneramos]

Feels like pressing through a fog these days. The distance is indistinct. I keep reminding myself how far I've come lately, and must be truly fortunate to enjoy this job so much. But my understanding of how to manage the rest of life seems to have come apart. Questions once settled have again raised their cobra heads. Maybe I'm just so used to feeling vaguely desperate that I don't know how to put it away and relax in this stage of the journey, which should feel full of promise.

The girls are still asleep. This morning feels okay. It's hard not to, with kind, warm sunlight trickling across the office walls and furnishings.

Last night we watched the screen adaptation of Fingersmith, which I read while recovering from surgery in 2003. This period fiction, written by Sarah Waters, might be described as a lesbian version of Oliver Twist, a candid, modern take on those in-the-margins passions that speckle Victorian literature. It contains an outstanding plot twist, but enjoyment of the performance is not depleted in knowing what's coming; actually I relished understanding the characters' hidden motivations, and seeing how well these were portrayed. The cast includes such as Rupert Evans (in an understated homosexual role) and Imelda Staunton, but Elaine Cassidy was most memorable as one of the romantic leads, the wealthy and caged Maud Lilly, seemingly innocent and naive.

Rarely do good books translate so well to film. Little is lost here. The dramatization is rich with detail and atmosphere. As storytelling goes, both versions rank among the best. The only thing I did not care for was the electronic musical soundtrack, occasionally distracting, which bore little relevance to the period drama. This is one of the best movies I've seen in ages, highly recommended.

Comments

[a-more.livejournal.com]

Sounds interesting. I hadn't heard of either the book or film (but I'm usually backwards with films). I'll have to keep my eye out for both.

I can empathise with the 'fog like' feeling, but probably for different reasons. Besides, I haven't made any progress with anything... Yes, I'm in a mope-y mood.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It must be difficult not having the freedom to visit home, but this business of sorting things out is probably a kind of progress, even if it feels stuck. Anyway, hugs.

The book is one of my favourites, Dickensian plot and setting with better writing style. I hope you can track them down.

[quirkstreet.livejournal.com]

Wow. I don't think I've ever heard of this book or the film adaptation, but it sounds interesting. I'm sorry you're not feeling quite up to snuff lately. I hope that ends soon. Could it be the change of seasons? That sometimes throws me for a loop, even though it's spring coming on and things are generally better for me, there is often an adjustment period.

I do recognize your musical selection though, and LOVE IT. :-)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

The season could be a factor, though I'm usually out of the woods by this time. I think it's more likely a matter of adjustment to working steadily for the first time in more than a decade. I am happy with the job itself, but it changes my time budget dramatically and forces me to reopen some basic questions, which I thought had been answered, about my life. The script in my head sounds vaguely like a mid-life crisis. There's also the problem that this job, which I love so much, might not provide enough income in the longterm. I'm not under pressure to resolve this immediately, and I really should concentrate on making the best of it for now, but the thought tends to depress me.

I loved The Human League in 1983, and it has been wonderful getting to know more of their music recently.

I'm not sure why, but you came to mind when I wrote the review of Fingersmith. Do keep your eyes open for both the book and movie. In this case I actually recommend reading the book first.