The Rice Thresher

Location: http://the.ricethresher.org/ae/2005/11/18/pride_and_prejudice

November 18, 2005 > Arts & Entertainment > New adaptation breathes life into Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’

New adaptation breathes life into Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’

By Jaime Moreau | For the Thresher

Darcy lovers, prepare to swoon yet again at romance’s favorite snob in the new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s popular novel. While Colin Firth captured the hearts of countless women with his portrayal of Darcy in the 1996 BBC miniseries adaptation, British television phenomenon Matthew MacFadyen (Enigma) gives a persuasive performance. MacFadyen was up against the “Firth factor,” but MacFadyen’s Darcy is proud, impassioned and even easier on the eyes than Firth’s.

Opposite MacFadyen is Keira Knighley (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl) as Elizabeth Bennet, the sharp, kind and sensible heroine of the film. Knightley lights up the screen as the lippy, strong-willed and classically beautiful Elizabeth — her lively temper replicates that of her character from Bend it like Beckham. Elizabeth and Darcy’s dynamic interactions are filled with wit and callousness, and their relationship’s development leaves audiences smiling.

The story tells of five sisters coming of age in Georgian England’s cliquish high society. The girls’ overbearing mother (Lovely and Amazing’s Brenda Blethyn) pressures them to secure good marriages, because if they are still unmarried when their father, Mr. Bennet (The Italian Job’s Donald Sutherland) dies, their family house will go to a distant cousin. Apparently, finding her daughters good husbands has become Mrs. Bennet’s sole purpose in life.

So when a very wealthy and gentlemanly Mr. Bingley (British television actor Simon Woods) and his even wealthier friend Mr. Darcy come to the countryside, Elizabeth’s sister Jane (Die Another Day’s Rosamund Pike) falls for Mr. Bingly, only to find her mother has made a hasty judgment against him despite his wealth. The plot thickens as gossip, scandal and class tensions mount.

Shakespeare in Love’s Dame Judi Dench and Cold Mountain’s Jena Malone also make spirited appearances as Mr. Darcy’s aristocratic, snobby aunt and Elizabeth’s plunky younger sister, respectively.

The film, directed by newcomer Joe Wright, follows the basic plot of Austen’s classic novel while providing a youthful and fresh spin. The story unfolds quickly — especially compared to previous adaptations and the novel itself — and the entire film lasts only two hours. Thankfully, however, Wright’s portrayal was mostly consistent. Die-hard Pride and Prejudice fans may criticize the film for omitting scenes from the novel, but Wright maintains historical authenticity in the costuming and set.

The cinematography in the film is excellent, highlighting a set full of breathtakingly beautiful countryside and estates. At times, the camera pans dizzyingly, but the aesthetic results counter the vague nausea viewers may feel. Each scene glows with rich color, which adds to the film’s modern sense. Wright, in his first feature-length film, does a wonderful job recreating the 18th-century Georgian England Austen describes in her novel.

Pride and Prejudice falls undeniably into the category of “chick flick.” However, the humorous dialogue, gorgeous cast and surprisingly fast-paced storyline enhance the film’s appeal to male audiences, making it a fine weekend distraction for groups of guys and gals alike.

End of article

Back to top