The cinema photography in Persuasion often times tells the story better than the dialogue. It reveals people's true thoughts and body language that often times can't be said because it wouldn't be realistic.
In the very opening scene the camera shot, hints that trouble is on the way. It is a hand held camera shot that comes down the stairs, circles around the carriage as the stage coach comes up to the house. The chaotic camera angle forewarns the viewer of the stormy troubles ahead. It was soon after this scene that the father learns that the family was far in debt. This in turn would lead to the move to Bathe. .
Something the cinema photography is able to do is show the kind of wealth the family had. With in the first five minutes of the opening scene the viewer is able to see from a wide shot the amount of land surrounding the house. The shots also capture some of the servants in their nice closes swinging a blade that cut the length of the grass. As the action inside takes place and Ann is introduced for the first time, the camera shots show the architecture, spindles and elaborate wood moldings. Obviously shots like this serve two purposes, the first is to follow the character as she walks, but also to give a visual image of the wealth involved. Later on in the scene when the family is discussing plans to move to Bathe, the camera starts off focusing with a close up shot of the Sherbet. Sherbet was an item of luxury and again, shows the kind of lavish life style they had been living under and possibly why they are in such debt.
As the family prepares to leave for Bathe there are a series of shots that flash back and forth between the families servants lined up to see them off and the sailors on the admirals boat who are lined up for inspection. Suggesting that mere number of servants and the way they are handled. It also introduces the navy and the Admiral.
The stagecoach roles up and the father, Ms.