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thalia_seawoodTonight I watched the movie version of Pride & Prejudice.
I had been very sceptical about there being a film version and had originally not intended to see it. After all, there is the wonderful BBC six-parter that is very hard to top. Well, a good friend of mine had seen it already, had liked it a lot and pursuaded me to come with her to her second viewing.
After seeing the movie version, I have to admit that I was prejudiced *g* and can definitely recommend the movie.
Here are my impressions inmore *a lot more* detail. Cut for length, though not real spoilers if you already know the story.
There are only about 2 hours to tell the story, but the screenplay and the pacing work *very* well.
The cuts are achieved by removing some of the characters: Mr Bingley only has one, unmarried sister. His married sister and Mr Hurst do not appear. Of course, also cousin Maria has been cut.
I totally agree with this decisions as these characters are not vital to the plot.
The story is overall told in a fast-paced way, but nevertheless there are many quiet scenes with some beautiful scenic shots.
The movie definitely has a very nice look. Some scenes are extremely beautiful and I'd love to get posters of some of them.
The big difference between the movie and the TV-series concerns the social standings of the Bennets.
I think that the TV-series is more faithful to what Jane Austen had in mind, but the interpretation of the movie makes it easier for modern viewers to understand the story.
In the TV-series, the Bennets are still quite well off.
The girls are dressed in a simple, but quietly elegant way; there hair is always nicely done. They are overall neat and don't talk all the time. The mother is overwrought, but still elegant. When Elizabeth says she only has modest skills in playing the piano, this translates into average abilities. The house is a nice little property that is well maintained, though of course for the times it would have been quite small.
All in all, when we see the family from our modern perspective we get the feeling they are quite well off.
Now the movie moves the Bennets down quite a bit. Maybe they overdid it in parts, but there are many things I love about this new approach.
The girls are dressed in a very simple way most of the time, i.e. homespun clothes which look scratchy and sometimes have been mended. When they dress up, there clothes are still simple. The nicest dresses we see them wearing, are the ones for the Netherfield ball. Whereas I'd really like to get some of the dresses TV-Lizzy is wearing, there's not really anything I'd like to have from movie-Lizzie.
The hair is much more realistic, i.e. you can see that they don't wash it every day. If they want to have nice hairdoes, they have to help one another.
What I enjoyed tremendously was the atmosphere they achieved in the house; it seemed very realistic to me. More so, in fact, than in the TV-series. With five girls in the house, I think things would have been busy. And that's what we get: A house where there always something going on. Mary is playing the piano, Kitty and Lydia run around giggling and get these teenaged shreaky fits. There's also one lovely argument between them with Kitty crying and Lydia rubbing it in that she's the one going to Brighton. There's never any privacy, but always someone present or watching. In one scene, Lizzy yells at them all to leave her alone for once which is totally understandable.
The house they own is quite simple and definitely needs to be repainted. There are pigs and geese and a dog. There's a lot of mud and manure behind the house.
Also the inside of the house isn't very neat. There is stuff lying around, e.g. the father's books, sewing work from the girls, ribbons and many little things that show there are seven people living there and there aren't fifty servants to clean up behind them.
The room of Kitty and Lydia is fun: They put up lots of drawings on the walls which gives it a lovely teenage look. *smile*
In one wonderful scene, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy stop by uninvited and the family only learns about two minutes in advance they are coming. The living room is a mess and everybody is in a bit of disarray. It's hilarious seeing them clean up in the short time they have; when Bingley and Darcy enter everything looks in perfect order and all the family appears as if they've never been anything but neat and proper. *g*
When Elizabeth says she can't play the piano very well, that's the absolute truth. She's horrible. Which makes it very funny when we learn later on that he told his sister that Elizabeth plays the pianovery quite well.
The ball in the Assembly Hall is much more lively than in the TV-series. It's a scene that made me smile, simply because it's so vibrant and joyful. Really liked the music for this scene.
On to the characters/actors:
Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightly)
She's great in this movie, really great. Didn't think she had it in her to pull off such a complex part, but she does it.
I like her as much as Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth.
The introduction of the character is nicely done: In the first scene, we see her reading a book while she's taking a walk. That way, we see early on two things that are part of Elizabeth's character.
Elizabeth and nature are closely interlinked. Most of the beautiful landscape shots also show us Elizabeth. Nature serves as a mirror to her feelings. Nice.
The biggest difference to TV-Lizzy is that movie-Lizzy gets to be a bit more emotional. The TV-version is once again closer to what Jane Austen had in mind, but I do like the movie interpretation as well. As a matter of fact, it makes Lizzy more easily accessible to a modern audience. Compared to truly modern behaviour, Lizzy is still very laid back so the interpretation is not overdone.
Mr Darcy (Matthew MacFayden)
I haven't quite made up my mind quite on this.
Movie-Darcy is a lot less prideful than TV-Darcy which is a bit problematic. In fact, the movie could be called "Shyness and Prejudice". Movie-Darcy has few moments where he's truly arrogant, more often his pride is simply social inaptitude. E.g. when Lizzy asks him at the first ball if he dances, he responds very shortly "Not if I can help it." (or something similar).
It's very clear to the movie audience that he falls for Lizzie very quickly and is from then on in love with her. He has this way of looking at her that makes it quite obvious.
An interesting choice of filming him is that we only see his hands on very rare occasions. When we see them, the shot is very meaningful.
All in all, I prefer Colin Firth as Darcy. Matthew MacFayden is at times a bit too "wet-towelly" for me. Colin Firth plays a more conceited Darcy that actually has to change to win Elizabeth's heart. Shallow as I sometimes am, I also prefer Firth's more manly looks. *g*
Elizabeth & Darcy
They do have chemistry together.
It's obvious that they are drawn to one another from early on. When it comes to their instincts, they are attracted to one another. However, when reason kicks in, they feel that they should not be together.
From Elizabeth's side that's an interesting re-interpretation.
In the TV-series, she truly loathes him when he makes the first marriage proposal and any attraction she might already feel is deeply hidden in her subconscious. In the movie, Lizzy already is attracted to him; in part her anger with him seems to be fueled by her disappointment that he's not worthy of her affection.
As in the TV-series, there are some wonderful moments between them where things are just so, so embarrassing for them both. It's nice to observe embarrassment in others, so relaxing not to have to experience it oneself.
What I liked is that the film does not go super-modern. There isn't any kissing between them, but the scene where Elizabeth accepts his second proposal is all the better for it, IMO. I really liked how they did the scene.
The ending of the movie is kind of abrupt, but it's way better than ending it with a ball or a wedding scene or an epilogue. It's refreshingly unsentimental.
Mr Bennet (Donald Sutherland)
He's more "earthy" than TV-Mr Bennet. He basically always would need to shave. He has a lot of books, but his focus is on nature, i.e. he collects insects.
It comes across that he cares deeply for Lizzy. Especially their final scene together is very intense.
Mrs Bennet (Brenda Blethyn)
Less affectated than TV-Mrs Bennet. She makes up for this by being more vulgar. Not that she uses dirty words, but she has a knack for saying thing one shouldn't say under certain circumstances. TV-Mrs Bennet does this, too, but the movie gives us some special moments of supreme embarrassement.
Whereas TV-Mrs Bennet over-maintains herself, movie-Mrs Bennet would do well to at least take care of her hair a bit more.
There are some scenes that make her more likable than TV-Mrs Bennet, e.g. when she cries over Lydia leaving and Lizzy hugs her or when she tells Lizzy that with five daughter she has to concern herself with them finding husbands.
Lizzy's sisters
Jane (Rosamund Pike) is a classic beauty. She's even more shy than TV-Jane, IMO, and it's really hard to see from the outside that she's in love. She holds her feelings very close to her chest. Cudoes to the actress for giving us tiny hints that, yes, Jane *is* in love and that Bingley withdrawing from her has hurt her deeply.
Lydia, Kitty and Mary are very average looking.
Lydia (Jena Malone) makes up for it by being very lively and forward. I have to admit I prefer TV-Lydia, though. She's just has this very vibrant, passionate air about it. It's much easier to see why Wickham would be interested in an adventure with her.
Kitty (Carey Mulligan) tries to follow Lydia's example. Not much to write here as she doesn't get that much room in the movie.
Mary (Talulah Riley) could be pretty, if she weren't dressing in this very severe way. She's more likeable than TV-Mary, e.g. there's a scene where she bursts into tears after her father admonishes her and he tries to comfort her. She sobs "I hate parties." - something I've felt in the past as well. *g*
Loved it that the actresses of Lydia, Kitty and Mary brought their characters to life by adding tiny details, even when the focus of the scene wasn't on them.
E.g. we see that Mary is very sympathetic to Mr Collins and probably wouldn't mind to marry him.
Or Kitty glances at Wickham in a certain way after he has already married to Lydia. You get the impression that one day in the future, she might have an affair with him. Because whatever Lydia has, Kitty *must* have as well.
Mr Bingley (Simon Woods)
Very cute. Has problem expressing himself due to being accutely in love with Jane. *g*
There's a nice scene that demonstrates that he and Darcy are very good friends.
Caroline Bingley (Kelly Reilly)
Very classy. Very snobby. Doesn't get to say much, but does a good job of making her feelings clear with her eyes, mimic and movements.
Regarding her looks, it's convincing that she's Bingley's sister.
Mr Wickham (Rupert Friend)
I can't say if the actor is very good. IMO, the weakest part of the movie is that Wickham isn't given at least one more scene.
He's good-looking and has a certain charm, but nowhere near has he the presence of TV-Wickham. He's established so briefly that we don't really care when we find out, that, o my god, he has been lying to Elizabeth and is so not trustworthy. Because of this, it's much harder to understand what a blow that would have been to Lizzy.
Mr Collins (Tom Hollander)
I would have said that it's impossible to put anything against the hilarious portrayal of Mr Collins in the TV-series. I was wrong.
Mr Collins here is interpreted in a different way that works just as well: He's not slimy in the least this time around, but he makes up for it with his ridiculous sense of self-importance. He's just so very sure of himself and everything he does. So pompous and over-dignified. I enjoyed every single scene with him. *g*
Charlotte (Claudie Blakley)
Love, love, love the changes in comparison to the TV-series.
Charlotte looks plain in the movie whereas in the TV-series she's dressed in a plain way, but still quite pretty, IMO.
The scene where Charlotte explains to Lizzy why she had to accept Mr Collins proposal really touched me in the movie. Much more powerful than in the TV-series.
Lady Catherine De Bourgh (Judy Dench)
She's portrayed by Judy Dench. Which says it all. *g*
p.s. The audience in the CINEMA was great. I'd say 90% were women sighing over Mr Darcy. In fact, the "ooooh"s and "aaaaah"s and sighs from a big part of the audience, made the watching even more fun.
p.p.s. Trivia about me and the friend with who I watched the movie:
She's always identified with Mr Darcy, because she's shy and has problems expressing her feelings. In the past, several people have thought that she's very arrogant and she had some trouble because of this.
I've always identified with Lizzy: The way she makes fun of Mr Collins, tries to rile up Mr Darcy, voices her opinions and is very stubborn, reminds me of myself. And yes, I've had problems with being too opinionated or outspoken. *smile*
I had been very sceptical about there being a film version and had originally not intended to see it. After all, there is the wonderful BBC six-parter that is very hard to top. Well, a good friend of mine had seen it already, had liked it a lot and pursuaded me to come with her to her second viewing.
After seeing the movie version, I have to admit that I was prejudiced *g* and can definitely recommend the movie.
Here are my impressions in
There are only about 2 hours to tell the story, but the screenplay and the pacing work *very* well.
The cuts are achieved by removing some of the characters: Mr Bingley only has one, unmarried sister. His married sister and Mr Hurst do not appear. Of course, also cousin Maria has been cut.
I totally agree with this decisions as these characters are not vital to the plot.
The story is overall told in a fast-paced way, but nevertheless there are many quiet scenes with some beautiful scenic shots.
The movie definitely has a very nice look. Some scenes are extremely beautiful and I'd love to get posters of some of them.
The big difference between the movie and the TV-series concerns the social standings of the Bennets.
I think that the TV-series is more faithful to what Jane Austen had in mind, but the interpretation of the movie makes it easier for modern viewers to understand the story.
In the TV-series, the Bennets are still quite well off.
The girls are dressed in a simple, but quietly elegant way; there hair is always nicely done. They are overall neat and don't talk all the time. The mother is overwrought, but still elegant. When Elizabeth says she only has modest skills in playing the piano, this translates into average abilities. The house is a nice little property that is well maintained, though of course for the times it would have been quite small.
All in all, when we see the family from our modern perspective we get the feeling they are quite well off.
Now the movie moves the Bennets down quite a bit. Maybe they overdid it in parts, but there are many things I love about this new approach.
The girls are dressed in a very simple way most of the time, i.e. homespun clothes which look scratchy and sometimes have been mended. When they dress up, there clothes are still simple. The nicest dresses we see them wearing, are the ones for the Netherfield ball. Whereas I'd really like to get some of the dresses TV-Lizzy is wearing, there's not really anything I'd like to have from movie-Lizzie.
The hair is much more realistic, i.e. you can see that they don't wash it every day. If they want to have nice hairdoes, they have to help one another.
What I enjoyed tremendously was the atmosphere they achieved in the house; it seemed very realistic to me. More so, in fact, than in the TV-series. With five girls in the house, I think things would have been busy. And that's what we get: A house where there always something going on. Mary is playing the piano, Kitty and Lydia run around giggling and get these teenaged shreaky fits. There's also one lovely argument between them with Kitty crying and Lydia rubbing it in that she's the one going to Brighton. There's never any privacy, but always someone present or watching. In one scene, Lizzy yells at them all to leave her alone for once which is totally understandable.
The house they own is quite simple and definitely needs to be repainted. There are pigs and geese and a dog. There's a lot of mud and manure behind the house.
Also the inside of the house isn't very neat. There is stuff lying around, e.g. the father's books, sewing work from the girls, ribbons and many little things that show there are seven people living there and there aren't fifty servants to clean up behind them.
The room of Kitty and Lydia is fun: They put up lots of drawings on the walls which gives it a lovely teenage look. *smile*
In one wonderful scene, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy stop by uninvited and the family only learns about two minutes in advance they are coming. The living room is a mess and everybody is in a bit of disarray. It's hilarious seeing them clean up in the short time they have; when Bingley and Darcy enter everything looks in perfect order and all the family appears as if they've never been anything but neat and proper. *g*
When Elizabeth says she can't play the piano very well, that's the absolute truth. She's horrible. Which makes it very funny when we learn later on that he told his sister that Elizabeth plays the piano
The ball in the Assembly Hall is much more lively than in the TV-series. It's a scene that made me smile, simply because it's so vibrant and joyful. Really liked the music for this scene.
On to the characters/actors:
Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightly)
She's great in this movie, really great. Didn't think she had it in her to pull off such a complex part, but she does it.
I like her as much as Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth.
The introduction of the character is nicely done: In the first scene, we see her reading a book while she's taking a walk. That way, we see early on two things that are part of Elizabeth's character.
Elizabeth and nature are closely interlinked. Most of the beautiful landscape shots also show us Elizabeth. Nature serves as a mirror to her feelings. Nice.
The biggest difference to TV-Lizzy is that movie-Lizzy gets to be a bit more emotional. The TV-version is once again closer to what Jane Austen had in mind, but I do like the movie interpretation as well. As a matter of fact, it makes Lizzy more easily accessible to a modern audience. Compared to truly modern behaviour, Lizzy is still very laid back so the interpretation is not overdone.
Mr Darcy (Matthew MacFayden)
I haven't quite made up my mind quite on this.
Movie-Darcy is a lot less prideful than TV-Darcy which is a bit problematic. In fact, the movie could be called "Shyness and Prejudice". Movie-Darcy has few moments where he's truly arrogant, more often his pride is simply social inaptitude. E.g. when Lizzy asks him at the first ball if he dances, he responds very shortly "Not if I can help it." (or something similar).
It's very clear to the movie audience that he falls for Lizzie very quickly and is from then on in love with her. He has this way of looking at her that makes it quite obvious.
An interesting choice of filming him is that we only see his hands on very rare occasions. When we see them, the shot is very meaningful.
All in all, I prefer Colin Firth as Darcy. Matthew MacFayden is at times a bit too "wet-towelly" for me. Colin Firth plays a more conceited Darcy that actually has to change to win Elizabeth's heart. Shallow as I sometimes am, I also prefer Firth's more manly looks. *g*
Elizabeth & Darcy
They do have chemistry together.
It's obvious that they are drawn to one another from early on. When it comes to their instincts, they are attracted to one another. However, when reason kicks in, they feel that they should not be together.
From Elizabeth's side that's an interesting re-interpretation.
In the TV-series, she truly loathes him when he makes the first marriage proposal and any attraction she might already feel is deeply hidden in her subconscious. In the movie, Lizzy already is attracted to him; in part her anger with him seems to be fueled by her disappointment that he's not worthy of her affection.
As in the TV-series, there are some wonderful moments between them where things are just so, so embarrassing for them both. It's nice to observe embarrassment in others, so relaxing not to have to experience it oneself.
What I liked is that the film does not go super-modern. There isn't any kissing between them, but the scene where Elizabeth accepts his second proposal is all the better for it, IMO. I really liked how they did the scene.
The ending of the movie is kind of abrupt, but it's way better than ending it with a ball or a wedding scene or an epilogue. It's refreshingly unsentimental.
Mr Bennet (Donald Sutherland)
He's more "earthy" than TV-Mr Bennet. He basically always would need to shave. He has a lot of books, but his focus is on nature, i.e. he collects insects.
It comes across that he cares deeply for Lizzy. Especially their final scene together is very intense.
Mrs Bennet (Brenda Blethyn)
Less affectated than TV-Mrs Bennet. She makes up for this by being more vulgar. Not that she uses dirty words, but she has a knack for saying thing one shouldn't say under certain circumstances. TV-Mrs Bennet does this, too, but the movie gives us some special moments of supreme embarrassement.
Whereas TV-Mrs Bennet over-maintains herself, movie-Mrs Bennet would do well to at least take care of her hair a bit more.
There are some scenes that make her more likable than TV-Mrs Bennet, e.g. when she cries over Lydia leaving and Lizzy hugs her or when she tells Lizzy that with five daughter she has to concern herself with them finding husbands.
Lizzy's sisters
Jane (Rosamund Pike) is a classic beauty. She's even more shy than TV-Jane, IMO, and it's really hard to see from the outside that she's in love. She holds her feelings very close to her chest. Cudoes to the actress for giving us tiny hints that, yes, Jane *is* in love and that Bingley withdrawing from her has hurt her deeply.
Lydia, Kitty and Mary are very average looking.
Lydia (Jena Malone) makes up for it by being very lively and forward. I have to admit I prefer TV-Lydia, though. She's just has this very vibrant, passionate air about it. It's much easier to see why Wickham would be interested in an adventure with her.
Kitty (Carey Mulligan) tries to follow Lydia's example. Not much to write here as she doesn't get that much room in the movie.
Mary (Talulah Riley) could be pretty, if she weren't dressing in this very severe way. She's more likeable than TV-Mary, e.g. there's a scene where she bursts into tears after her father admonishes her and he tries to comfort her. She sobs "I hate parties." - something I've felt in the past as well. *g*
Loved it that the actresses of Lydia, Kitty and Mary brought their characters to life by adding tiny details, even when the focus of the scene wasn't on them.
E.g. we see that Mary is very sympathetic to Mr Collins and probably wouldn't mind to marry him.
Or Kitty glances at Wickham in a certain way after he has already married to Lydia. You get the impression that one day in the future, she might have an affair with him. Because whatever Lydia has, Kitty *must* have as well.
Mr Bingley (Simon Woods)
Very cute. Has problem expressing himself due to being accutely in love with Jane. *g*
There's a nice scene that demonstrates that he and Darcy are very good friends.
Caroline Bingley (Kelly Reilly)
Very classy. Very snobby. Doesn't get to say much, but does a good job of making her feelings clear with her eyes, mimic and movements.
Regarding her looks, it's convincing that she's Bingley's sister.
Mr Wickham (Rupert Friend)
I can't say if the actor is very good. IMO, the weakest part of the movie is that Wickham isn't given at least one more scene.
He's good-looking and has a certain charm, but nowhere near has he the presence of TV-Wickham. He's established so briefly that we don't really care when we find out, that, o my god, he has been lying to Elizabeth and is so not trustworthy. Because of this, it's much harder to understand what a blow that would have been to Lizzy.
Mr Collins (Tom Hollander)
I would have said that it's impossible to put anything against the hilarious portrayal of Mr Collins in the TV-series. I was wrong.
Mr Collins here is interpreted in a different way that works just as well: He's not slimy in the least this time around, but he makes up for it with his ridiculous sense of self-importance. He's just so very sure of himself and everything he does. So pompous and over-dignified. I enjoyed every single scene with him. *g*
Charlotte (Claudie Blakley)
Love, love, love the changes in comparison to the TV-series.
Charlotte looks plain in the movie whereas in the TV-series she's dressed in a plain way, but still quite pretty, IMO.
The scene where Charlotte explains to Lizzy why she had to accept Mr Collins proposal really touched me in the movie. Much more powerful than in the TV-series.
Lady Catherine De Bourgh (Judy Dench)
She's portrayed by Judy Dench. Which says it all. *g*
p.s. The audience in the CINEMA was great. I'd say 90% were women sighing over Mr Darcy. In fact, the "ooooh"s and "aaaaah"s and sighs from a big part of the audience, made the watching even more fun.
p.p.s. Trivia about me and the friend with who I watched the movie:
She's always identified with Mr Darcy, because she's shy and has problems expressing her feelings. In the past, several people have thought that she's very arrogant and she had some trouble because of this.
I've always identified with Lizzy: The way she makes fun of Mr Collins, tries to rile up Mr Darcy, voices her opinions and is very stubborn, reminds me of myself. And yes, I've had problems with being too opinionated or outspoken. *smile*
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no subject
Date: 2005-10-27 02:26 am (UTC)The reinterpretation of the relationship between Lizzy and Darcy was what I found most annoying about the movie, especially for the first half. It probably annoyed me more than it should have, since as both you and my sister have said, it still works from a movie point of view. Guess in some ways I'm far to attached to the original work :-)
I was pleasantly surprised by Kiera Knightly, since I have friends who refused to see the movie on the basis that she is in it. And it's nice to see that someone else got the same impression of Mr Darcy (shyness and insecurity, rather than pride) that I did. That said, when MacFayden was able to deliver his lines with emotion rather than reserve, I think he did quite well, and I can see his potential as a romantic lead.
I think the main problem was that Colin Firth is just so perfect as Darcy, and so entrenched in the mind of the public. Thanks to BJ's diary, most people are familiar with him in this role, even if they haven't seen the miniseries.
I agree with most of your opinions on the minor characters, especially they way the actors often brought something small, but special to their interpretations of their role. However, Mr Collins kind of gave me the impression of insecurity along with his self-importance (don't ask me how *shrug*), which I thought made the character quite interesting, although harder to interpret.
You obviously liked the mini-series - am I correct in assuming you've read the book as well?
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Date: 2005-10-27 09:12 am (UTC)Keira Kneightly totally surprised me here. I noticed that her diction is a lot like Jennifer Ehle's. I think that also helped me to accept her very quickly as Lizzy.
Yes, when movie-Darcy is allowed to express his emotions you totally get he's head over heels in love.
But Colin Firth is my personal preference for Darcy. Movie-Darcy is just a bit too modern for me: Shy and deep and sadly misunderstood. *g*
Good observation regarding Mr Collins. Yes, he does seem to be insecure underneath the pompous facade. That's not how Jane Austen would have seen it, I guess, but it's an interesting twist.
I read some reviews of the movie on the imdb.com and there are some people who totally loathed the movie. It all depends on if one can accept a new interpretation of a book or not, I suppose. The TV version is definitely the better version when it comes to being faithful to the novel. But the movie-version is entertaining and touching and will no doubt win new people over to the Pride & Prejudice universe. *g*
Yes, I did read the book several times.
no subject
Date: 2005-10-27 10:00 am (UTC)I checked out some of the reviews afterwards - I was suprised about the fuss over Donald Sutherland's teeth. I mean, I did actually notice them at the end of the movie, but there were so many more important things to nit-pick than the actors teeth. Honestly.
And no-one will every replace Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. Ever.