Excellent 2005 viewpoint

Rating: 9/10 (30 June 2006)

I was thoroughly pleased with the 2005 version of P&P! The story moves along much more quickly than the BBC Jennifer Ehle/Colin Firth version, and while both are excellent, I really enjoyed the atmosphere of P&P 2005. The class distinction was much more pronounced in 2005. In the BBC version, I never had a feeling of "poverty". This was displayed interestingly in this movie! Most of my comments have been covered in previous posts...my only complaint is with Lydia and Kitty. Much of the time their screeching and giggling masked the dialogue. I particularly enjoyed Brenda Blethyn's version of Mrs. Bennet, as I understood her motivation much better than the BBC's..she seemed to me more "flittered". I loved Matthew MacFayden's shy interpretation of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Although I truly loved Colin Firth's interpretation, there was rarely a glimpse of his softer side. His was a stiff performance, in my opinion, and I believe Matthew MacFayden gave a subtle yet provocative view on the multi-faceted Mr. Darcy. Dame Judi Dench was, as always, impeccable and although Keira Knightly was good as Lizzie, I don't think she was ideal..yet she gave me a different view than the rather haughty interpretation of Jennifer Ehle.