Awesome Adaptations (46) The Brontës of Haworth

This meme celebrates an awesome adaptation related to a weekly category. Any format of adaptation (television series, film, web series, etc.) is acceptable as long as it is based in some form on a book. This meme is hosted by Alisa Selene at PictureMeReading. Check out her site and join in on the fun!

An Awesome Nonfiction Adaptation

Title: The Brontës of Haworth
Adapted from: The Life of Charlotte Brontë by Elizabeth Gaskell

The story of the Brontë family is sprawling and full of tragedy.  The personalities of five people and other important figures in their lives had to be captured in this five hour mini-series and this production did a fantastic job of bringing their story accurately to life.

In keeping with the fact that this mini-series is largely based on the biography by Elizabeth Gaskell, the "author" narrates the story through voice overs which serves to bridge many time gaps and give important information about the significance of what was happening on screen.  And the actors to play the Brontës were all ridiculously perfect for their characters.  The attention to detail in their dress and mannerisms - especially important to highlight the difference in temperament between the Brontë sisters - were so spot on.  And it was truly astonishing how much the actor Alfred Burke looked like Patrick Brontë!

With a miniseries that covers the lives of the family from a young age to the end of their lives, there were many scenes and events that had to be covered and were surprisingly all touched on.  The affair of Branwell, Anne's governessing and her relationship with that family, Charlotte's crush on her Professor, and Emily's stalwart, homebound nature were all captured, with many important scenes besides.  And all while making their story very engaging!  It does move fast, but still takes the time to dwell on the more tragic events in their lives with respect and poignancy.  This miniseries presented the lives of the Brontë's in a way that made it seem like I was really getting to know them, and understand their genius and their tragedy.