Different but surprisingly pleasing adaptation!

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2005)

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I went in to see this movie. I've been a little bit of an Austen freak for many, many years so I *had* to see this movie, but I had qualms. Partly wondering what Hollywood would do to this classic, and partly wondering how Keira Knightley would carry off the role of Elizabeth. I was mildly disappointed on the first, but very much pleased on the second. To explain one, I have to explain the other so I'll do that.
The *worst* part of the movie is probably the fact that much of it felt rushed. They couldn't spend time on the different parts as they needed. It seemed like they were trying to make it artistic, but to me it still felt rushed. However, it was rushed because they were not cutting out nearly as many parts as I fully expected them to, so I cannot complain too much on that. Still, although this detracted from the enjoyment of the movie, I couldn't say that was what disappointed me. As my sister (yes, we are *all* Austen freaks) said, this was an adaptation but an interesting one. It's not in the mood of the book. Pride and Prejudice is heralded as Austen's most "sparkling" story. Rightly so. This movie does not convey that feeling; it is more "somber" as my sister put it. It's a different interpretation of the story. I enjoyed this even though it slightly disappointed me.
I was really impressed with Keira Knightley's portrayal of Lizzy. As I said I wasn't sure how she would do; I was afraid she would over act the part, and spoil it somewhat, but she did not by any means. Her acting was definitely the best in the film, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The character was slightly more somber than what Jane Austen has, but this was fitting for the rest of the film and done very well. She was witty, cute, and *real* for lack of a better word. I gave the movie and extra point for her.
The rest of the cast was excellent too, in my opinion. Darcy and Mr. Bennet's characters were not like in the book but were nonetheless pleasing and very well acted. Matthew McFayden did a pretty fantastic job and I liked him a lot (this coming from a *former* "only Colin" advocate, I must admit). My only problem with his acting was that in some few parts he delivered his lines way too fast. Still as I said, he was surprisingly good. The rest of the cast did the characters straight from the book, and very well.
All in all I gave this movie 8 out of 10; extra points for what I considered good acting. The way the film was "put together" was a slight detractment, but I still enjoyed it and would see it again by all means!