Pride and Prejudice

Rating: 9/10 (25 November 2005)

Okay. I was fully prepared to dislike this movie. I have the 1995 A&E Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth version that I've seen hundreds of times. I really feel that has to be one of the best Austen adaptations ever.
When I heard Keira Knightly was going to be in this version, I was like, "WHAT??" I'd never really seen her act in anything remarkable. She is very pretty, and that is about it. Actually I thought she might be TOO pretty for the role. In Austen's version Elizabeth is slightly less pretty than her "beautiful" older sister. But not stunning.
However, I was really surprised by how much I loved this movie. Knightly is a bit more raw in this than other movies. She is gangly, flat-chested--not perfect. Which is actually a good thing. And casting Macfadyen was amazing. I wasn't sure how he would work out either. Another good thing that he has rugged good looks. Not those of some Hollywood hearthrob.
The cinematography, direction, lighting, beautiful score and acting really came together well.
It really zipped along, but I was amazed at how well they stuck with Austen's vision. I know some purists totally disagree. But this is a movie adaptation. It is NOT going to be exactly like the book. They do have to entertain folks who have not read the book afterall.
The things I liked were: I took my 13-year old daughter along (dragged actually). She actually understood the humor and laughed along in many parts. I really liked how humorous this adaptation was.
The countryside was lovely. And I liked how in this version they clearly displayed the difference in the Bennett wealth (or lack thereof) and the wealth of Darcy and Lady Catherine. The A&E version was not as clear on this. The Bennetts had a lovely smaller home in the A&E version--but you didn't really understand the lack of wealth per se. This movie version also clearly conveys that they live on a FARM--not some nice estate.
The sensual scenes were just HOT. Amazing how they could convey sexual tension without overt advances, etc. You could cut the tension of the proposal rain scene with a KNIFE it was so hot. Darcy could barely keep his hands off her or contain himself. And then you see that Elizabeth feels it too despite herself. And afterwards, I think she realizes she may have made a mistake blowing him off like she did.
The last couple of scenes had me practically choked up. More than the A&E version. The way Darcy's voice broke was just an amazing acting interpretation of how he must have been feeling.
I thought this Darcy (Macfadyen)was more sympathetic than the Colin Firth Darcy. Even though Firth nailed that version amazingly. You could see a little more emotion in the eyes of this current Darcy. He had to really punch the emotional bullet since he only had a couple of hours to show us who he was.
The only complaints I guess I had were I wish it had been longer. Which is not realistic. It is a movie and not a television adaptation with many parts. They left a lot of Wickham out of this movie which was probably a slight detriment. However, I thought there was a bit too much of him in the A&E version anyway. It was like "enough already--we GET that he is a cad!!" So I didn't really mind.
Also, Bingley was a tad bit buffoonish in this version. I know he is supposed to be a sweet guy. But I don't think he is supposed to be a feeble minded dork. But even he didn't bother me too much.
Mr. Collins was utterly hilarious. Much funnier than the A&E version. In that version you almost wanted to hit him with a fly swatter. This version was just funny.
And Dame Judy Dench was one ferocious Lady Catherine. You really saw how Darcy might have faced some embarrassment himself of how some of his own relatives displayed rudeness and overt judgement of others.
I am thrilled to get the chance to see a movie that believes viewers are smart. And not just idiots who need to be slammed with special effects and moronic dialogue. The dumbing down of television and movies is obscene!! This restores my faith in cinema (for now......) Yes I am going to see it again. FOR SURE