The Task: Watch and write about every movie on my shelf, in order (Blu-rays are sorted after DVDs), by June 10, 2015. Remaining movies: 169 Days to go: 165
Movie #214: Pride & Prejudice
A lot of people have a great deal of loyalty and devotion for the BBC-Colin Firth-Jennifer Ehle miniseries version of Jane Austen’s most famous novel, and I can’t deny it’s excellent. However, I honestly like this theatrical version quite a lot. Keira Knightly is a lovely and charming Elizabeth Bennet. She shines with both intelligence and beauty, she is possessed with a confidence and self-assurance that is attractive and strong, and she has a powerful comfort with herself and loyalty to her friends and family. These are all qualities that are crucial to Elizabeth’s personality so her titular pride (and prejudice) comes across as admirable and understandable (in the early going) instead of off-putting or undeserved.
The other half of that equation is of course Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy. Obviously he is no Colin Firth, but if I’m being perfectly honest I can run hot and cold on Mr. Firth, and I find Macfadyen perfectly encompasses that combination of socially awkward and introverted along with being taxed with a certain set of societal obligations and expectations. He comes from a vastly different upbringing than Elizabeth does and has no doubt been inundated with the responsibilities of his class and station — a fact made obvious when you see the manner of his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourg (Judi Dench). However, you can also see his obvious flustered appearance when he’s near Elizabeth, even as early as their first meeting. Macfadyen does a wonderful job subtly conveying that conflict within him, clearly being drawn to this woman yet arguing with himself over her lower station. It might seem a silly thing to get hung up on now, but England has long been a society with clear class lines, particularly so in the time period of the story.
The most important thing about Knightly and Macfadyen, however, and what makes their pairing work so well, is their crackling chemistry. At various times in the film, they manage to convey thick tension, uncomfortable encounters, vituperative conflict, enveloping warmth and sensuous passion. They bring a vitality to the roles that, while excelling separately, truly sparkles when they come together.
Pride & Prejudice doesn’t rest solely on the performances of their two leads, though. The supporting casting and performances are strong and convincing across the board, whether it’s Brenda Blethyn as flighty and calculating Mrs. Bennet, Donald Sutherland as composed and put-upon Mr. Bennet, Simon Woods as the shy and affable Mr. Bingley (or Kelly Reilly as his snide and manipulative sister Caroline), Tom Hollander as the insufferable Mr. Collins, or any one of Elizabeth’s sisters: Rosamund Pike captivates as reserved beauty Jane, Jena Malone frustrates as the superficial and irresponsible Lydia, Carey Mulligan (in her feature film debut) captures Kitty’s immaturity and longing with verve, and Talulah Riley is hilarious as stone-faced and super serious Mary. Even Rupert Friend in the small but crucial role of Mr. Wickham manages a sexy and captivating enigmatic nature that makes him such a great and compelling mystery. The story itself is an intricate and layered tale, making it so important that the entire ensemble is a successful and cohesive collaboration, and this film — this outstanding cast — really pull that off.
As for the story as a whole, the script is built and structured in a way that preserves the original plot of the novel well. The movie feels complete but not overlong, and also manages not to hurry or cut short any critical elements. And the film itself is beautifully shot, with soft glowing camera work, misty and lush landscapes, and a lovely piano score accompaniment that is infused into the very background in a way that enhances and never detracts or distracts. It’s a gorgeous rendition, all around.
I never read Jane Austen in my younger years, but I’ve been catching up with her of late, and I understand why Pride & Prejudice is so beloved. It’s a classic tale of misunderstandings getting in the way of love — long before it was such a staple of modern romances — and it’s an encouraging example of love being able to conquer those odds, those misunderstandings, those familial expectations and obstacles, and even our own tendencies to sabotage ourselves. It’s a story of hope and optimism, of loyalty and right winning out. In essence, it has all the elements that make romances so enduring and beloved across time, and the film is a solid representation of that. If you’ve only ever seen the BBC version, sidestepping this one because it could never live up to your favorite (or whatever the reason — lord knows there are a wide range of Austen adaptations, of varying quality), give this film another shot. You might be pleasantly surprised. In fact, I quite prefer it.
Viable Option 