A new take on an old story

Rating: 9/10 (25 September 2005)

Joe Wright, the director of this new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is a brave man indeed. Who in their right minds would even attempt to compete with the BBC's 1995 serialisation? How could anyone improve on Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle and that screenplay by Andrew Davies?Well, I'm pleased to report that Mr Wright and his assembled cast have dome a pretty fine job of it. He wisely chose to approach the story in a new way, rejecting the rather hackneyed stiff regency attitudes in favour of a more down home, grubby feel which actually lends itself rather well to the story, especially as it gives credence to Darcy's initially reluctant proposal.
The performances are excellent too; even the erstwhile rather dubious Ms Knightley manages a convincing portrayal of the feisty Elizabeth, and Matthew Macfadyen brings an intriguing vulnerability to Mr Darcy.
My one complaint would probably be the dumbing down of Jane Austen's dialogue; an inevitable sacrifice in today's focus group dominated society. Still, courtesy of an interestingly fresh approach, fine performances, especially key supporting roles like Mr Collins (the ever brilliant Tom Hollander) and Mrs Bennett (Brenda Blethin in a far more restrained and sympathetic portrayal than the screeching Alison Steadman we were forced to endure in '95)and some lovely cinematography, I would have to say that this movie will certainly hold up to comparison with the nation's darling mini-series.