April 23, 2010

An Education - Movie

After reading, and loving, Lynn Barber's memoir An Education a little while ago so many of you recommended watching the movie that was born from the book.
I finally got myself into gear last weekend and purchased a copy of the DVD - and I am so glad that I did because this is a movie that I will be wanting to watch over and over again.
There are so many things to love and enjoy about this movie. From reading the book first I felt that the movie stayed so close to the spirit of the author and her move from naivety and childhood into an aspect of adulthood. Carey Mulligan was divine as the young author (whose name has been changed to Jenny in the film). I thought she had an amazing ability to portray youth and innocence as well as maturity - often within the space of a single scene.
All of the supporting actors fit into their roles as well but it is clear that this is Carey's film - she is stunning in every scene she appears in.

A gorgeous film - one that takes you back to that time of adolescence when all you want to do is fly the nest!

11 comments:

Claire (The Captive Reader) said...

I loved the movie, though I never read the book (I did read the article when it first appeared in Granata though). Carey Mulligan did a wonderful job and is finally getting the recognition she deserves!

Nadia said...

I've never read the book, but I'm glad that you mentioned that the film stays close to the book as I always hate when it goes completely off track from the book. As for the film itself- brilliant! I just watched it last weekend and fell in love with it. And yes, Mulligan did a fantastic job as Jenny. Everything about the film: acting, story line, locations, wardrobe - was just perfect. So glad to see you enjoyed - definitely a dvd worth watching again and again. w

Anonymous said...

I've got the DVD at home, but haven't gotten round to watching it yet. After your post I just want to settle down on the couch with a cup of tea and watch it right away...

Tamara said...

Sounds like a good viewing. I'm not sure Im a book and movie girls, I think I'd like one or the other. But then again there are some that are complementary. So I guess it's a matter of time before I get my hands on one or the other of these. Hope all is going well for you :)

Karen said...

Hi Claire - I totally agree - I can't wait to watch her in future movies but until then I will just have to watch this and Persuasion over and over!

Hi Nadia - It was a total package movie wasn't it??

Hi Bookaffair - do it!!!

Hi T - I think you would really like this movie. I can always watch a movie after I've read the book but not the other way around!

Anonymous said...

It seems like this has been on a wait forever in my Netflix queue. I wish it would hurry--it has looked wonderful to me ever since I saw the previews last year. I am still kicking myself for not seeing it in the theater.

Karen said...

Hi eveningreader - I was exactly the same! Kicked myself for missing it at the cinema and then it felt like forever to wait for it to come out on DVD!

nomadreader said...

I haven't read the book, but the movie was my favorite of 2009 and one of my all-time favorites. I'm thrilled to see you enjoyed it!

Tara said...

My friend and I adored this movie. I didn't know the backstory (have since researched it) so it was surprising where the film went. I think it is a gorgeous film, too.

Karen said...

Hi nomadreader - I definitely loved it - my favourite film watched this year by far.

Hi Tara - I kind of wish I hadn't known the story at all before I watched the film so that it was more of a surprise but it didn't ruin the film for me at all.

Thomas Hogglestock said...

I too, loved this film and thought she did an amazing job.