"Oh, my goodness. Everybody behave naturally"

Rating: 8/10 (4 April 2010)

I tend to associate such titles as "Pride and Prejudice" with stuffy melodrama, but Joe Wright's film is nothing of the sort. Rather than feeling stagnant, the film uses graceful and elaborate long-takes to suggest a sort of omniscient energy, the camera gliding breezily from character to character, watchfully aware of how their interactions are affecting each other's fates and behaviours. Throughout these long- takes, actors skip in and out of the camera's sights, jolting the audience's attention to different layers of the frame. During the ball scene, as the camera presses impatiently against the throngs of advancing ball-goers, I was reminded of Sokurov's 'Russian Ark (2002).' Whereas Wright's follow-up effort 'Atonement (2007)' was somewhat tarnished by a second-act that languished in aimlessless, 'Pride & Prejudice (2005)' benefits from its enduring source material, and Jane Austen's tale of unlikely love is consistently engrossing.
'Pride & Prejudice' could only have worked with a strong cast, and all here do an excellent job. I've never been particularly charmed by Keira Knightley, but here she displays a strong assurance in the leading role. Her Elizabeth has the qualities both of a protagonist and a narrator; she occasionally sports, in passing, a sort of conspirational smirk, as though fully aware of the absurdity of society's customs, but choosing to go along with it. Rosamund Pike, as sister Jane, is an absolute angel, the deserving jewel of the Bennet family. Gruff, surly Matthew Macfadyen is good, though his apparent "transformation" into a desirable husband never seemed to flow naturally. Donald Sutherland and Judi Dench, whose work is always appreciated, also contribute with their usual charisma and integrity.
The world of the Bennet family and the surly Mr Darcy (Macfadyen) is one steeped in formality. The characters never quite say what they're thinking or feeling, having to content themselves with hiding behind words and witticisms. In this sense, there's a sort of claustrophobia about their interactions; constrained by the expectations of an uptight society, Elizabeth never really speaks her mind. Recall her altercation with Mr Darcy mid-way through the film, and her seething hatred towards him. Even then, Elizabeth's words are admirably civil, biting but sapped of honest emotion. The film is a parade of nervous giggling, obligatory bows, and forced pleasantries. Additionally, there's something rather grotesque in how desperately Mrs Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) basically tries to sell off her daughters to the highest bidder.