A wonderful adaptation of a great story

Rating: 10/10 (26 October 2005)

I saw this film last weekend with some trepidation. As an English teacher and an ardent Jane Austen fan I didn't think anything would come close to equaling the BBC mini-series which starred Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. In my opinion this film surpasses it. Like the 1940 Laurence Olivier/Greer Garson adaptation this does not strictly adhere to the novel, but it captures the essence of what Austen's story is all about. But in this film, never more clearly is the class distinction between Darcy and Elizabeth shown. The Bennet's are meant to be poor but respectable; Longbourn (their home) is after all, a farm. Previous incarnations have shown the class distinction through the size of the respected homesThe Bennet's Longbourn estate is still grand to many of us, but indisputably small in comparison to Darcy's home of Pemberly (Lyme Park in the BBC series, Chatworth House here). In the fashions, the distinction of rank is also preserved and we feel that to 'catch' someone like Darcy or his friend Mr Bingley is a serious achievement. The acting is wonderful from Dame Judi Dench's nasty Lady Catherine to Tom Hollander's comedic Mr Collins. Keira Knightley again shines but many may be disappointed by Matthew MacFadyen's Mr Darcy simply because he isn't Colin Firth. I love Mr Firth coming out of the lake toobut MacFadyen's performance is sterling (all those who have seen him in the TV series Spooks will not be surprised by this); he is far more Austen's Mr Darcy than his predecessors. Previous interpretations, though excellent in themselves, have, I believe, corrupted the Darcy's true nature. Austen's Darcy is moody and shy, which makes him seem arrogant and rude to those who do not know him. There are some excellent scenes (that take some liberties from the book), such as one where Darcy helps his friend practice an important speech; these reveal the truth of who these characters really are. While some sub plots are glossed over (such is the fate of squeezing so much into 2 hours) the main elements of the story are conveyed convincingly. To me this film is a wonderful adaptation that encompasses the real essence of the novel. It has made pick up Miss Austen once again (I am on page 106!!) Enjoy!