Pride and Prejudice

Having recently read Jane Austen's wonderful book Pride and Prejudice for about the 8th time, I shall now compare the book to both the BBC TV mini-series from 1995 (starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle) and Focus Features' 2005 movie (starring Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley).

Pride and Prejudice - the ultimate chick-flick - is my favorite of Jane Austen's novels.  For those of you who have never read the book, or seen the mini-series or movie, it is the story of how Elizabeth Bennett overcomes her prejudice against the proud Mr. Darcy and discovers a deep love we can all be envious of.  If you've never read the book, I highly recommend it!  I wish I could find love so perfect as easily as Elizabeth and Jane do..or love at all for that matter.. *sigh*..

Anyways.. back to the movies.  As far as following the novel, the 1995 mini-series (running time: about 5 hours) follows best; however, the 2005 movie (running time: a little over 2 hours) is still really good (I mean, how can it not be with Keira Knightley!).  Personally, I like the actors in the movie better than the ones in the mini-series.  Colin Firth is a great actor, but, to me, he doesn't act as proud and haughty as Mr. Darcy is in the book; Matthew Macfadyen does a great job as Mr. Darcy.  Keira Knightley and Jennifer Ehle both do well as Elizabeth and have similar mannerisms in how they portray her; but I think that Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen have better on-screen "chemistry".  If we could substitute the actors from the 2005 movie into the 1995 mini-series, and perhaps adding a few more scenes, it would be perfect!

-E


Have you ever been reading a book and seen all the characters in your mind's eye and all the scenes played out and just knew that no movie would ever be able to portray your imagination as well as the author played it out for you on the paper?  Of course the answer everybody is shouting at the screen right now is a resounding "YES!"   Now the more difficult question:  have you ever seen a movie "based" on a book and thought, "YES! That's exactly how I pictured it!"  Most people will probably answer something along the lines of "Uh...NO! you idiot.  The books are ALWAYS better!  Duh!"  Well I've got news for you people, if you have read Pride and Prejudice, then you will absolutely love the movie (that is, the 2005 Focus Features movie, I have yet to see the BBC mini series.  That is just five hours of my life that I'm not quite sure I would be able to sit down for, no offense to BBC - I just don't have that kind of determination.)

Pride and Prejudice (the book)
Jane Austin is without a doubt one of the most brilliant authors of British Literature that ever lived.  The way she is able to capture the deepest desires and passions of a character and bring each to life with a flick of her quill (ballpoint pens were not invented until 1888...in case you were wondering) gives me chills.  Every time I read any of her works I feel like the characters are dear friends of mine that I haven't seen in awhile and I am dying to hang on to their every word, convinced what is coming next will be of the utmost importance to my well-being.  You drink in each word you read and flow through the pages with never ending wonder.  Is there anyone out there who could ever write as beautifully as she?  I think not.  Each time you finish one of her books you immediately want to pick it back up and continue your life with the characters because you suddenly feel as though you've lost your friends. 

Will Elizabeth end up with Darcy?  Will she be able to come over her pride to be with a man as rich and pretentious as Mr. Darcy and will Mr. Darcy be able to overcome his prejudice and admit to loving a woman beneath him?  Has he been trying to prevent her sister from getting married?  Is Darcy a horrible man who turns his back on his friends?  I find myself asking these questions every time I read the book even though I know the answer to them, convinced that this time it might not work out because every twist and turn of the book leaves you stunned at the passion and dispassion that exists between the wild web of characters. 

It is books like Pride and Prejudice that keep readers reading.  If you have not read it, you are missing out.  Maybe you don't think you like romantic books.  Maybe period books aren't your thing.  Maybe you have a personal vendetta against all English Literature.  I don't know what your excuse has been up to this point but whatever it is, get over it.  You will not be sad that you read this book.  It might even change your point of view.

Pride and Prejudice (the movie)
This is possibly the best movie based on a book I have ever seen.  Normally after seeing a "based on" movie I leave the theater thinking 'they should really put "loosely based on" instead of "based on" because obviously that SUCKED!'  However, this movie was different.  Every little detail in this movie adds to the story: the lighting, the wardrobe, the score, the camera angle.  This movie is truly a work of art and if the plot doesn't bring a tear to your eye, the editing will.  It follows the book almost verbatim and each character is exactly as I had pictured and the story flows along beautifully leaving you longing to be a character in the film, walking behind the characters, interacting with them.  You almost forget it is a movie you are so convinced of every heated passion that exists between the characters.

As ardently as I  recommend the book, the same goes for the movie.  It is a film to remember, and a love never to forget.

-S