MovieChat Forums > Wives and Daughters (2002) Discussion > Francesca Annis as Hyacinth Claire

Francesca Annis as Hyacinth Claire

posted 16 years ago by AnApologyfromNewlandArch
18 replies | jump to latest

I can't belive that no one has started a thread about the lovely Francesca Annis yet. I thought she was marvelous in this. She is such a good actress that she often made the character of Hyacinth Claire embarrassing to watch! Can you imagine having a mother like that??? The scene for me that perfectly illustrates her vanity, self-absorption, and utter cluelessness is at the end when Roger is standing outside their house in the rain, presumably debating with himself on whether or not to approach and make known his feelings to Molly. Clueless Hyacinth thinks he's actually there for her benefit and unknowingly makes a complete fool of herself as usual. You laugh at Hyacinth, you want to slap Hyacinth, but you feel sorry for her at the same time. Priceless scene, perfect casting.

[–] lilyvegas 16 years ago

I agree with you, she was excellent in the role, but for whatever reason, I don't feel sorry for her.

And I also don't feel bad for Molly's father now having to be stuck with Hyacinth for better or for worse.

But you are right on, that scene when she is waving like a deranged woman, thinking back to her youth when all the men were looking at her, waving her handkerchief--spot on acting.

Whenever you look up, there I shall be -- and whenever I look up there will be you.

[–] AnApologyfromNewlandArch 16 years ago

I really pitied her there at the end. I pity anyone who is that self-absorbed. The rest of the series? Forget it--I found myself either wanting to punch her in the stomach or push her in front of a moving carriage. . . anyway, what does Mr. Gibson say to her at the end of their quarrel? "Wouldn't have done any good"? I think that's why I feel sorry for her. She really has no self-awareness as to just how awful most of her words and conduct are towards other people. I haven't read the novel, but I love the way Francesca Annis made her such a manipulative emotional blackmailer. That "you are being so mean to me when all I am doing is trying to please you" attitude reminds me too much of my own mother!

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] emma-576 16 years ago

I agree - Francesca Annis is wonderful - as an actress in general, and as HC in pertiklar. I watched WAD and then read the book in the same week, and I can attest to the fact that the character she plays so well is the invention of Mrs Gaskell, entirely, in all her.... genteel horribleness.

On the subject of accuracy, I don't think I've ever seen such a faithful screenplay before. Thank you, Andrew Davies. Although your ending wasn't quite what the Cornhill editor said it should be (which was just eddicated speculation, after all!), and in spite of the fact that it was a little unlikely, I still loved it. It was in character for the forthright, loyal Molly. And after all, there were plenty of sea-faring, adventuring women in the 19th century - just because we don't hear about 'em much, doesn't mean they weren't out there!

Monsieur Davies, why don't you have a crack at Mansfield Park? I'm sure you wouldn't be tempted to destroy Fanny's integrity for the sake of the box office. You know that a good story will stand on its own, and that some modern women can appreciate a meek woman for her steadfastness, self-knowledge, and loyalty.

Yes, well, enough already!! WAD has been a real joy, and I heartily recommend it.

[–] alina_helenfan 16 years ago

Alina_Helenfan

I have to agree that Francesca was by far the best actress in the miniseries. She is a much finer and more subtle actress that the others. She made Mrs Gibson's character her own. Having said that I find myself in awe at having dicovered her talents in Cranford and Jane Eyre as well. With such a stellar cast in Cranford she seems to outshine Dench and Staunton. Bravo. I wish she weren't so underrated!

[–] siamesesunday 16 years ago

She was wonderful as Hyacinth. She really did an excellent job portraying Hyacinth as a self-absorbed, naive meddler. My favorite line from the movie is that of the Squire, when he says to Dr. Gibson, " I'm not calling her silly but one of us was very silly and it wasn't me."

[–] randommovies2002 16 years ago

lol i love that line too.

[–] writerchick89 10 years ago

Me, too! :) I loved Squire Hamley, even when he was being infuriatingly silly about things (like the french thing).

"Not all who wonder are lost."--J.R.R. Tolkien

[–] holycow92883 16 years ago

I did enjoy her performance but I never felt sorry for her.

Many people go through life in reduced circumstances and don't become self serving twits.

It’s good to dream

[–] cyclgrrl 14 years ago

Correction to the poster who criticized the africa ending - the writer herself indicated in her notes that she was going to have them both going to Africa

[–] RobbieCalifornia 14 years ago

A terrific performance - I detested the character!

The Wire...the best series in the history of television

[–] randommovies2002 14 years ago

the writer herself indicated in her notes that she was going to have them both going to Africa

Not according to the "Concluding Remarks" written by the editor of Cornhill Magazine, which accompanied the original published edition of the serialization's final chapter.

The concluding remarks are reproduced in most editions of the book, and can be read on google books.

[–] christeline1 11 years ago

There are so many scenes where she made me so mad, but the one that stands out is when the squire asks/begs for Molly to come to Hamley House to confort his dying wife and Hyacinth forbids it. That was just heartwrenching.

But later one has to laugh when the squire tells Mr. Gibson something to the effect of "one of us is silly and it wasn't me" or something like that... too funny. Man, Gambon is awesome.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

[–] angelofvic 11 years ago

She's excellent -- she makes a repellent and caricature role into a very nuanced and realistic character.
.

[–] greenegg 11 years ago

I recently purchased this marvelous series, which I originally watched when it first aired. On further viewings, I again feel myself admiring the incredibly talented Francesca Annis, whose work I've adored since I first saw her as Emma Bovary, then a few years later in her star turn as Lillie Langtry in the series of the same name and her cameo in Edward the King. I had the honor of sitting in the first row during her Broadway performance as Gertrude in Ralph Fiennes' stirring Hamlet. We felt entranced by the entire cast, but Annis and Fiennes in particular electrified the theatre. Annis remains one of those rare performers who makes you love her even when she's playing the most irritating character.

Put puppy mills out of business: never buy dogs from pet shops!

[–] gabriela_zayas 10 years ago

I admire her since I saw her in Lillie. Always beautiful, always subtle, always the excellent actress that makes you feel she is not acting but living. As Cynthia she is awesome (again).

[–] 10 years ago

[deleted]