Simply enchanting

Rating: 10/10 (25 October 2005)

In all honesty I walked into the theatre (1 out of 3) with a great deal of apprehension wondering the same thing that doubtless others were - do we really need yet another adaptation of this beloved Austen classic? Being a stalwart fan of both the book and the 1995 BBC mini-series I wasn't expecting much from Wright's film. I have never been happier to be wrong.
Pride and Prejudice is simply enchanting. I am quite sure that there are Austen fanatics out there who are dying because the film did not emulate the novel in every single way, but this is an 'adaptation'. And it brings something wonderfully new to the story - the film, unlike the almost satirical novel or the comedic mini-series is realistic. The Bennet household is cluttered and run-down, the assembly hall is something less than grand; there is a distinct 'country' feel to the film that was lacking in the BBC adaptation. The attention to detail is impressive, where Lizzie actually hits off-keys when playing at Rosings (sadly lacking in previous adaptations).
The highlight of the film however is not the stunning cinematography or the gloriously evocative soundtrack but the characters, many of whom are explored on a level which was completely untouched by both the book and previous adaptations. Mr Bennet is portrayed as a loving, but cynical father who at many times simply cannot be bothered to intervene when his wife and daughters are concerned. And yet, we see him holding Mary during the Netherfield ball displaying his love for all his daughters, rather then just Lizzie and Jane. Likewise, Mrs Bennet is both irritating and delightful at the same time - Blethyn's performance allows for empathy and a better understanding this character. Charlotte's 'spinsterhood' is more pronounced in this adaptation, but her character is infinitely better for it. The scene between her and Lizzie on the swing is of particular note, bringing out sides of the characters which were untouched in the BBC version.
And of course there are the simply superb performances from Knightley and McFayden. Keira Knightley, an odd choice for the role of Lizzie, is a delight to watch. She truly commands this film, playing a far more fiery and witty Elizabeth Bennet. She brings a youthfulness about the character, and her flaws and outbursts are much more marked then Jennifer Ehle's calm and in-control interpretation. Finally! We see the side of Lizzie who feels, and more importantly displays, guilt and frustration and anger and grief - and yet always remains in character. The major change to the script, where Lizzie does not confide in her sister Jane about what conspired in Kent, was inspired. This added so much colour and depth to her character. The scenes of her snapping at her family (after the visit from Lady Catherine), her reaction towards Charlotte's news of her engagement and the actual fight between her and Darcy after he proposes the first time (also a high point for McFayden) all display more humane aspects of her character.
McFayden is wonderful. His interpretation of Darcy is softened which personally I found much, MUCH more attractive. His lofty and aloof, yet vulnerable portrayal is utterly believable. There is no doubt about it, he comes out with flying colours over Colin Firth. The slow-building chemistry between Knightley and McFayden is superb and had me squirming in my seat with delight.
Even the 'cliched' scenes of Darcy and Lizzie fighting in the rain and the final scene with the pair reconciling in the mist of the morning is still exquisitely romantic. Clichés they may be, but we love it all the more for it. This adaptation is not meant as a study of 18th century society, but at heart, is a love story. And these scenes do convey that sense beautifully.
Patricularly for a two-hour film, this is outstanding. Don't watch this film expecting to see a reenactment of the mini-series or the book - this is not an Austen duplicate. Watch it for what it is - a truly, truly beautiful love story.