Nothing But Low Expectations In This Adaptation

Rating: 5/10 (19 November 2012)

Seven years ago when I went to see this 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel "Pride and Prejudice", I was having my doubts that it would not measure up the five hour A&E version. But for the record I went to go see it anyway knowing that most of the cast are high prolific actors and actresses I was hoping they would make the most of their performances. Sad to say, though not at fault to the performances, this adaptation failed in many certain levels that others (especially the 1995 adaptation which was the best) have succeeded.
So where did this movie go wrong? It was mainly due to the characters in this adaptation. For starters the Bennet family came upon as untidy and destitute From Austen's novel, the Bennet family gave me the impression that they were not meant to appear like the way they did in this adaptation. Sure maybe they didn't were not meant to look noble, but Bennet's appearance tends to look just bit better than the orphan boys from "Oliver Twist".
Mr. Bennet is badly portrayed as a cantankerous geriatric. One of the primary reasons that "Pride and Prejudice is excellent was that Miss Austen utilized plenty of good humour and most of the funny lines came from Mr. Bennet. In this version all that subliminal humour never materialized and had really and there was really no reason for that. Granted he did start to lighten up at the end and had a hilarious line regarding any beaus that may call for Kitty and Mary. Pure classic! At the early stages of the movie, Lizzy struck me for a stuck up and had no real reason for detesting Mr. Darcy for the first time she ever laid eyes on her. That really didn't sit very well with me. She continually released utter disdain for him even before he lashed out his critical low opinion of her. She truly turned me off from her negative attitude and it became difficult for me to sit through the whole movie. Call me biased, but I really don't like people who have negative energy they carry within them.
Mr. Bingley came upon me as a foolish bumbler instead of a modest but lovable individual And to me the the actress who played Jane (Rosamund Pike) should have played Elizabeth rather than the overrated Keira Knightley. Jane was a more up it to character in terms of wit and better delivery and focus to her character than Elizabeth. Kitty and Lydia and even Lizzy herself had the awful tendency to giggle with no apparent reason. Aside from that I found them annoying and unlikable just the same. It was also shameful that they changed the character of Georgiana Darcy. The book gives the impression that she's quite introverted as to appear aloof but that's not the case here. Georgiana was anything but an introvert.
As the sun settles I kind of like the turnout in the end, but it still never shined on me and I would not recommend it to anyone Would I have appreciated it better had I not read the book? I think it would have been better if the story would have shaped up the romantic subplot between Elizabeth and Darcy and added more depth to the other characters.
I'm prepared to get condemned for my overall rant of this adaptation since other reviewers negatively, but in all honesty, I just found it quite difficult to like this movie. The A&E version is much better. But that's my opinion, if others wish to contradict me, please do. Just don't be too harsh.