Emma Thompson Reflects on Turning Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility into an Oscar-Winning Screenplay
Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant in ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (left); Emma Thompson with her Oscar for ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (left).
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Emma Thompson Reflects on Adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility"
Emma Thompson recently shared her thoughts on adapting Jane Austen’s classic novel Sense and Sensibility into the acclaimed 1995 film during an episode of the BBC Bookclub podcast. As the film approaches its 30th anniversary, Thompson discussed the challenges she faced as both writer and star of the project.
Thompson’s adaptation, directed by Ang Lee, won her an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay while also setting the standard for literary adaptations in film. Reflecting on her work, she admitted to feeling conflicted during the process. “I did a lot of apologizing… I thought, ‘God this is just plagiarism, plain and simple,’” she said, emphasizing her initial doubts about altering Austen’s text.
Despite her concerns at the time, Thompson now expresses amazement at her creative choices. “I read it now and I think, ‘I don’t know how I did that, actually,’” she reflected. Many dialogue exchanges required invention as the screenplay needed to breathe new life into the characters and settings.
Furthermore, Thompson acknowledged the scrutiny her adaptation faced, particularly from the Jane Austen Society in America. “They disapproved of so many things,” she noted, addressing complaints concerning significant changes made from the original narrative.
During the podcast, Thompson humorously responded to a fan’s question about whether her creative process involved “arguing” with Austen in her head, revealing her authentic regard for the author and her work.
Thompson’s husband, Greg Wise, who portrayed Mr. Willoughby in the film, added a touch of levity when he interrupted to say, “That’s my question!” This moment highlighted their personal connection, as the couple met on the film’s set.
Thompson’s critical acclaim extends beyond Sense and Sensibility. She remains the only individual to have won Oscars for both acting and writing, an acknowledgment of her remarkable talent in the film industry.
Sense and Sensibility, which also starred Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman, was both a commercial and critical success, grossing $135 million and receiving seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. As Austen’s first published work in 1811, the novel continues to resonate, with a new adaptation featuring Daisy Edgar-Jones reportedly in the works.
From left: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Gemma Jones in ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
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Emma Thompson (left) and Kate Winslet in ‘Sense and Sensibility’.
Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock
