Expected Little, Received Less

Rating: 3/10 (20 December 2005)

I admit that Jane Austen's novel and the BBC adaptation of it hold very dear places in my heart, and I cannot help but speak with bias. But judging this film not only as an adaptation, but just as a movie in general, I cannot help but speak with disdain. I of course did not expect the film to achieve a perfect vision of the novel, but I expected a quality film at the least.
However, I was disappointed. I shall try to be concise:
Script: Poor. I can appreciate the difficulty of adapting this novel into a two hour screenplay, but still the film lacks depth of plot and character. Furthermore, the expositions and transitions are practically nonexistent, and those who have not read the novel probably would have had difficulty following the story.
Casting/Acting: Decent. Keira Knightly's flirtatious, artless portrayal of Elizabeth lacks the subtlety and wit for which the character is cherished. Other actors, however, do justice to their characters and do not disappoint. Mrs. Bennet, Jane, and Bingley were done particularly well.
Cinematography: Horrible. For some of the scenes, I felt as though the camera man had been spun around ten times and given a hand-held camera. Everything else was unextraordinary.
Music: Insignificant. For someone who values the quality and usage of music in a film, I was disappointed to hear such a meager score. Music played little or no part in this movie; yet another dimension lacking in depth.
A mediocre adaptation and a shoddy film.