DIS+13

DIS 13

1. Watch the opening scenes of the movie, "The Heiress" (1949). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOAxiZ1fAY0

2. In what ways does it fit with the opening chapters in //Washington Square?//

BK: Right from the get go, I could sense the similarities that this movie and our novel have. Well, for one, it clearly states that it's based off of Henry James's novel and the opening shot is of a sign that reads "Washington Square." The Sloper household is pretty much what I pictured it to be, but only in black and white. The large staircase at the front of the parlor is exactly what I imagined, as well as the large, heavy looking dresses with tight buns and lace accents. One can clearly sense Dr. Sloper's indifference and even disdain towards his daughter, which parallels the book's portrayal of him as well. Something I noticed while reading these chapters is that Dr. Sloper really doesn't seem to have much one on one interaction with his daughter. He seems to get all of his messages across to her through his sisters. There doesn't appear to be much concrete dialogue between the two of them in both the novel and in this movie clip, and what conversation there is, seems to be full of him criticizing her choices. These opening scenes from this film seem to be filled with the same anticipation that the opening chapters of this novel possess. I'm excited to see what the rest of this work has in store for us and hoped to be pleasantly surprised after our last not so entertaining novel. GG: I am glad that you pick up Sloper's disapproval. His dialogue with Catherine is really more of a talking "at" rather than a talking "to" or "with."

EM: Aside from the obvious things that Breanna stated, I agree that there were also many other thematic similarities between this scene from the movie and our novel. I loved seeing Washington Square for my own eyes, as it was exactly how I imagined it. In fact, I actually did imagine it in black and white because of how gloomy the story has been so far. The movie's portrayal of Dr. Sloper was similar to that of the book's--his disdain for and lack of interest in his daughter is evident through the few brief moments they are together in this clip. It was saddening to hear the desperation in Catherine's voice when she speaks of how deeply she desires to please her father and to see her anxiously awaiting her father's approval of her dress. Really, he does not seem to hate Catherine, he appears to be angry and cold towards her once she brings up that she is wearing her mother's dress. His indifference towards her seems to be more because of his pain about losing his wife. It was interesting to see the words we have read brought to life. I really enjoyed experiencing the dynamic between the characters through the screen, and I feel as though I furthered my understanding of the novel thus far. I look forward to continuing this novel. GG: Of course, when this was filmed, Black and White were not intended to portray gloom. There is a severity in the tight orderliness of the household. Many agree that Sloper resents his daughter because he misses his beautiful and perfect wife, and Catherine brings none of this attributes.

JR: When the clip began, the set was nearly exactly what I had imagined- a clean cut neat and orderly community where the houses are uniform and all seems perfect. This opening scene seems to foreshadow the perspective of Dr. Sloper and his structured and meticulous expectations. Like Eleanor, I also pictured the set in black and white but only because of the time frame in which it occurs. There are many similarities immediately between the novel and the movie clip. For instance, as Breanna mentioned, Dr. Sloper’s characteristics, tone and “disdain” towards his daughter are evident and quite similar to the tone portrayed in the book. I agree with Eleanor’s observations of the scene about Catherine and her mother’s dress. It is obvious that Dr. Sloper is cold towards her but again, like Eleanor, I feel that some of this disapproval comes from the pain he experiences when he sees Catherine because he reminds him perhaps far too much of his deceased wife. The doctor is an overly critical man and because of his scientific mindset, he wants to analyze Catherine to great lengths in hopes that she will shape up into at least half the woman his wife was. I wish I could reach into the book and fix the overwhelming tension in Dr. Sloper’s life so that he would love and accept his daughter more, but hopefully events will turn more positive the further we read into the book. GG: Good. That means the director had it right. Sloper seems to be cast and played so well!

LD: I thought the opening scene fit really well with my perception of the novel. I was happy that the movie was in black and white because the book reminds me so much of classic B&W movie! I agree with everyone that the movie did a great job in introducing you to the story and in many ways was exactly what I pictured while reading—the big dresses and hair. I agree with Elle and Jenn that my heart broke when Dr. Sloper was so cruel to his daughter. She was so excited to show her father the dress and his disproval was heart wrenching. In my head I pictured Catherine a lot more homely then the woman portraying her in the film. I pictured really limp hair and adult acne, so that was shocking! I think I subconsciously mixed together my images of Catherine and Hulga. That is probably why I exaggerated her outer appearance. I actually want to watch this movie. When we watched scenes of "A Diary of a Country Priest" I did not really have any interest in continuing, but this film actually looks interesting and engaging! GG: Dr. Sloper is a complicated character. Some can argue that he is a cruel father. Others, especially those with a strong understanding of the 19th Century understand that his sternness is perhaps a curious example of love. He worries that his daughter will not have the ability to take care of herself.