Pride & Prejudice = Masterful & Stunning

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2006)

I have to admit that, personally, watching a film that takes place in a time so distant from a time I can relate to is sometimes so daunting a task for me. This isn't to say that I am in any way moronic or ill-educated. It's just that, occasionally, filmmakers don't do an adequate job with translating these classic novels into the film format.
Having said that, I want to tell you what a truly wonderful viewing experience this film was. From the fade in on, I was completely enveloped in this film, it's setting, and characters. The indication that lets you know you are watching a truly exceptional film is that you become part of the story, or the story becomes part of you, and you are not there as merely an observer anymore. There were moments in the film where I had to look down in order to make sure I wasn't dressed in tails.
The setting was truly marvelous. The director made excellent use of the English countryside. There is one scene in particular that stands out as having brought tears to my eyes. It's towards the end with Kiera Knightly standing on what I can only assume is a very small cliff. It's a wide shot, but it almost looks like a painting. It was beautiful!
Most of the actors turned in splendid performances! Donald Sutherland was an appropriate choice to add that touch of subtle humor. Judi Dench can always be counted on for that perfect brand of matriarchal superiority. Matthew Macfayden, who's work I'd never seen, gave a great performance in the role of Darcy, conveying with ease that his character had many facets behind his highly-polished, yet aloof exterior. The supporting cast was wonderful, too, and it's so refreshing to see an actress such as Jena Malone in a supporting role like this. I've been a fan of hers since "Stepmom". If she plays her cards right, this film could be her catalyst into more adult roles. Last, but, by no means, least, Kiera Knightley shines in this film! The only other film I've seen her in was "The Jacket", but this film really made me appreciate her more as an actress because, in that film, all I could think of was how much she resembled Winona Ryder, and how it would be interesting to seem them play sisters in something. While I loved "The Jacket", it's my opinion that that film kind of almost muted Kiera Knightley's abilities as an actress. What I realized from this film is that she is extremely proficient at knowing just how to deliver her lines, and also conveys emotion well through her facial expressions. It's hard to not focus solely on her in a scene because she unintentionally steals any scene that she's in. Kiera Knightley has been offically added to the growing list of actresses that have earned my total respect and appreciation. I can't wait to go through her filmography to experience more of this fine actress, and I can't wait to see what she does next.