To say that DEVOTION is an accurate representation of the lives of Emily and Charlotte Bronte is as erroneous as saying that 1939's WUTHERING HEIGHTS and 1944's JANE EYRE are flawless film interpretations of their respective novels. Viewers who seek to learn all they can about the sisters Bronte should look elsewhere. Those who wish to be enveloped in a well-written, well-acted tale of two of the greats of English literature should tune in whenever possible.
Ida Lupino and Olivia de Havilland turn in rich performances as Emily and Charlotte Bronte. Although much of the history in this film is distorted, these woman effectively convey the personalities of the actual Bronte women, as evidenced in scholarly research throughout the years. Charlotte (played by de Havilland) was known for being very outspoken, and driven toward making connections in the literary world and becoming a success. Her view was that life was just a series of experiences that provided her with material on which to base her prose. De Havilland conveys a dualistic Bronte, showing both her bold and outspoken tendencies, as well as her actual naive nature. Charlotte is challenged by the fact that, although not particularly well-versed in love and life, she has composed one of the greatest novels the literary world has ever known (Jane Eyre). Throughout the movie, we see a definite transition in Charlotte...the eldest Bronte indeed grows up.
For her part, Emily (played by Lupino) was much more introverted, preferring to use her experiences on the moors of Northern England and her own personal emotions to create her sole novel, Wuthering Heights. Lupino conveys a very intense, very troubled woman in her portrayal of Emily Bronte. Lupino and Arthur Kennedy effectively show the closeness that existed between Emily and Branwell Bronte, and their scenes together are among the most touching in the film. Lupino also has a mastery of the rather literary dialogue here, as she lends conviction to every line she is given.
Bottom line: If you want a complete and true account of the lives of the Bronte sisters, track down an A&E Biography on the topic. Although the characters in DEVOTION are reasonably true to the actual women (and the leading ladies play them well), the facts are skewed. Better yet, grab copies of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, as most editions of the novels have thorough biographical notes on the authors (some even written by Charlotte Bronte). For a general notion of what made these women tick, however, watch DEVOTION. Just remember, literary license does apply.
Ida Lupino and Olivia de Havilland turn in rich performances as Emily and Charlotte Bronte. Although much of the history in this film is distorted, these woman effectively convey the personalities of the actual Bronte women, as evidenced in scholarly research throughout the years. Charlotte (played by de Havilland) was known for being very outspoken, and driven toward making connections in the literary world and becoming a success. Her view was that life was just a series of experiences that provided her with material on which to base her prose. De Havilland conveys a dualistic Bronte, showing both her bold and outspoken tendencies, as well as her actual naive nature. Charlotte is challenged by the fact that, although not particularly well-versed in love and life, she has composed one of the greatest novels the literary world has ever known (Jane Eyre). Throughout the movie, we see a definite transition in Charlotte...the eldest Bronte indeed grows up.
For her part, Emily (played by Lupino) was much more introverted, preferring to use her experiences on the moors of Northern England and her own personal emotions to create her sole novel, Wuthering Heights. Lupino conveys a very intense, very troubled woman in her portrayal of Emily Bronte. Lupino and Arthur Kennedy effectively show the closeness that existed between Emily and Branwell Bronte, and their scenes together are among the most touching in the film. Lupino also has a mastery of the rather literary dialogue here, as she lends conviction to every line she is given.
Bottom line: If you want a complete and true account of the lives of the Bronte sisters, track down an A&E Biography on the topic. Although the characters in DEVOTION are reasonably true to the actual women (and the leading ladies play them well), the facts are skewed. Better yet, grab copies of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, as most editions of the novels have thorough biographical notes on the authors (some even written by Charlotte Bronte). For a general notion of what made these women tick, however, watch DEVOTION. Just remember, literary license does apply.