Pride & Prejudice
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Movie Reviews of Pride & Prejudice
Movie Review: Love this one!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw the new Pride & Prejudice last night, and just as I hoped it is romantic! Somehow this movie also manages to be hilarious, but in an understated, un-American sort of way.
Keira Knightly did an outstanding job of being her usual independent, outspoken, beautiful self in the part of Lizzy, she certainly re-defined the role from the A&E version, a little less refined and more earthy.
Matthew MacFayden did a fantastic job of minimizing Mr. Darcy's flaws to simply being shy. He hardly ever seems really pompous or prideful and is altogether quite adorable.
Donald Southerland was Mr. Bennett and though I didn't like him quite as much as the father in the A&E version he still did an outstanding job.
One of the flaws in this movie is that everyone but Kiera Knightly is so plain! Even Jane (played by Rosamund Pike - isn't that a beautiful name?), who is my favorite character in the story, seemed like she was trying to look like the A&E Jane. She was very sweet but also silly.
The costumes are extremely well done, each character's wardrobe helps to further define his or her character - for instance moody Lizzy wears earth tones and sweet Jane wears pastels, Caroline Bingly wears fancy dresses made of rich looking material in much brighter colors and sleeker styles whereas the Bennetts wear simple dresses of rougher material.
The cinematography is fantastic, there are several scenes that are just amazing, I'm thinking especially of the scenes after Lizzy has rejected Mr. Darcy, the mirror scene, the walking through the mist scene and the viewing the landscape scene. This movie was filmed at some wonderful locations and we are given a few moments here and there to enjoy it.
Of course when turning a novel into a movie there has to be an enormous amount of editing, paring the book down into a manageable 2 hour long movie, so one or two characters have been cut out (I especially noticed Mr. Bingly's other sister & husband were missing) and others marginalized (Mr. Wickham's character especially) or under-developed (as in Mr. & Miss Bingly) but one would expect that. On the other hand there were some wonderful interpretations of scenes, especially during Mr. Darcy's proposals.
There were also a couple of additional lines that were stuck in as sort of an explanation for modern viewers as to what's going on, like when Miss Lucas accepts Mr. Collins proposal or another time when Lizzy and Mrs. Bennett are together, talking about Lydia's upcoming marriage, Lizzy says "Is that (marriage) all you think about?" and Mrs. Bennett says to Lizzy "Wait until you have five daughters." It was quite comical.
Thankfully, the movie remains pure and honorable. The flirts get themselves into awful trouble, the passive father receives his cupful of due shame, the aggressive silly mother, as silly as ever and never justified. The state of marriage is honored and physical affection between couples are, amazingly, kept sacred - they don't even kiss until after they are married! Marriage and family are honored, rather than belittled, and portrayed frankly but beautifully.
On the whole, this movie is just lovely! My husnbad even watched it with me and enjoyed it. I am sure I will watch it over and over.
Movie Review: Better and Better
Summary: 5 Stars
Is it possible for a film to get better and better with repeated viewings? I originially caught Pride and Prejudice in the theaters when released, and was surprisingly delighted at the adaptation presented before me. Then, I promptly forgot it with the Caoptes and Brokeback Mountains of the world. Upon it's release on DVD, I absolutely fell in love with this movie, and again and again, and now regard it as a mere masterpiece; a cinematic feast.
I'm not an Austen purest. In fact, I shudder to admit on Amazon.com that I have not even read her. So any comparison of the book to the movie would be lost on me. I also have not witnessed the BBC comprehensive version of Pride, to which many compare this movie. So the disruptive ending of the movie, which sometimes seems to upset the Austen purests, and the wonderful performance of Colin Firth, which dominates the BBC version, are unknown to me. I watch this with virgin eyes.
And of course, I delight in what I see. A story of a young woman, one of four girls, destined in early 1800's England to marry, but with strong will and mind of her own. She bristles against the bristle-y Mr. Darcy, hard edged, unsocial (much like me, minus the money), and like flint and steel, tremendously spark and start a fire which burns through the film, brightly, intensely, passionately. The moments of confrontation, and lack thereof, between Elizabeth and Darcy are juicy, palpable, and true, and thus drive this plot honestly.
The performances astound. I've caught all of the leading actress roles this year, and I must say, Kiera Knightly's performance ranks as superior. She is the film; simply put. Should another actress play Elizabeth, the film would have lost its soulforce. By all rights, she should have marched up to the stage to claim her reward (possibly only surpassed by the comparable Felicity Huffman's role in Transamerica). In turn, Matthew Macfadyen's harsh Mr. Darcy melts before our eyes and on the screen before Elizabeth, and the glacial melt is amazing. Where was his nomination? Supporting actors Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn were born to play Elizabeth's honest, supportive parents. And Tom Hollander as the bumbling, ill-fated suitor Mr. Collins almost steals the movie with his comic pathos. Fine performances from all.
Adding to this mix, Joe Wright's amazing, amazing, amazing direction. Most of the film's enjoyment comes from his camera placement and work. Just watch the scene at the second party, where the camera moves throughout the party, and manages to tell several parts of the story seemlessly at once. Wright tells on the commentary how it took hours to set up the shot; the results impress and delight. He shaped this movie, which could have been another bland period piece, into something rich, delightful, multi-layered, and dare I say.... modern?
Pride and Prejudice is a film that in many years, people will be popping into their video players of the future; to study fine filmmaking, to learn from solid performances, to watch young love, and to enjoy the exploits of Elizabeth and Darcy, their machinations of love, and the persistance of desire.
Bravo!
Movie Review: An Intelligent and Romantic Film
Summary: 5 Stars
I must admit I was stunned to read the various scathing reviews of this movie, since I absolutely do not agree with them. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and strongly feel it stood up quite well to the much-lauded 1995 BBC mini-series, even though it seems patently unfair to use another film version (which contained its own fair share of casting mistakes and flaws) as the benchmark to judge another.
First, Keira Knightley gives a remarkably convincing performance (reflected by the fact that she received well-deserved Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for this role) as the "not yet 21 [years old]" Elizabeth Bennet. Knightley was not only physically suited to play the part of Elizabeth, but she absolutely managed to capture some the spirit/petulance that is as much a part of the personality of the Austen heroine as the sharp intelligence and wit that traditionally characterizes Lizzie. Knightley particularly shines in the well-directed rainy scene in which she lambastes Mr. Darcy, following his reluctant marriage proposal to her; Knightley is articulate and passionate in the scene and clearly demonstrates she is not only a photogenic presence on-screen, but has the chops for acting, as well.
I was initially ambivalent about Matthew Macfayden's portrayal of Mr. Darcy, but after watching the movie a second time, I found Macfayden's interpretation of the character to be fresh and compelling. Macfayden's distant, slightly awkward Darcy works well opposite Knightley's fiery Lizzie. The mutual attraction between the two characters is palpable, but clearly hampered by their strong personalities and the proper decorum dictated by the period.
I particularly enjoyed the glimpse into early 19th Century life in rural England that this movie provided. In other film interpretations of Austen's classic novel, the Bennets lived on a lavish (and hence somewhat unlikely), extremely formal and upscale style, which quite frankly, did not seem consistent with the family's alleged circumstances and situation. In this particular film version, all of the Bennet girls looked lovely (for instance) when turned out in style (with curled hair and fresh frocks) to attend the ball at Netherfield; however, when the viewer is permitted a peek into everyday life in the Bennet household, the house itself is not only rather topsy-turvy, the Bennet sisters themselves are slightly disheveled--their clothes are suited for doing light housework and their hairstyles are mussed and flyaway as would be suited to the quiet and unpretentious lives they lead in the country.
The supporting cast is excellent; standouts would include: Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet; Dame Judi Dench as the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourg; and Rosamund Pike who plays, as well as looks the part of Jane Bennet. This movie version of the much-loved Austen classic stands well on it own merits and does not disappoint; it is beautifully filmed on location in various parts of England and is definitely well worth seeing.
Movie Review: A Great and Fun Version
Summary: 5 Stars
First, to all of the Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth lovers (of which, I am one), we will always have that remarkable masterpiece. Therefore, we should be able to judge any new versions freely. Having said that, this version is great!
This movie is quite shorter than what we're used to for P&P adaptations and at first it seemed to me that the dialogue was rushed, but after the first 15 minutes it either slowed down or I ceased to notice it, until Darcy's proposal scene anyway, but it worked quite well there.
This film is also much more of a comedy than the two BBC versions. There were minor changes with dialogue but none of the changes lessened any of the characters or the spirit of the story. Instead, it probably enhanced the feelings the audience shared with the characters. In fact, I think that everything left out of the two previous BBC versions were added to this one so you still get something new from the same story.
One major change is the loss of Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. In a two-hour movie there just isn't enough time to do their characters justice. The rest of the cast is so marvelous though that we barely notice they're missing and it makes the movie flow more naturally.
The actors chosen are wonderful in their parts. I didn't think I'd be able to accept Keira Knightley as Elizabeth but after the first five minutes I was completely taken in by her. She pulls off Elizabeths witty dialogue like, well... Elizabeth and just as Jennifer Ehle added some distinctive traits to Lizzie, so does Keira. She wonderfully manages to show us Lizzie's love of a good laugh without making it seem as though she was a giggling loony and every time she smiles, we smile with her.
I won't critique all the performances but I have to add that Donald Sutherland really does a spectacular job as the head of a household of silly women. The last scene with him and Lizzie had me in tears.
Not to say that this movie was perfect, what adaptation can be without some faults or silly alterations? None are too serious though. The first is at the Meryton ball, when Darcy, Bingley and Caroline walk in, everything stops. The music, the dancing, all conversation and the crowd parts to offer them a path. I thought for a second the crowd had mistaken Mr. Bingley for royalty. It just seemed a bit over the top. But it passed quickly enough. The other was actually Darcy's proposal scene which was done in the rain. I thought it silly that he would follow her outside in such weather to propose, but one can accept that in view of the other changes that turned out so well.
I give this movie 5 stars because I wouldn't want to miss it and I don't think any P&P fan should.
All in all, if you have a good sense of humor and aren't afraid to laugh, like Elizabeth, you will just enjoy the story as it is played out. Remember, afterwards you can always put Jennifer and Colin Firth back in the DVD player.
Movie Review: Excellent!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've watched this movie three times. I've read the novel twice and seen the A&E version (which this film is unfairly compared with). Therefore I am fully aware of the story and characters and all that diddle-dee-do. So I guess I can be considered informed of the material and what it is about.
Now I should mention to people who have this idea that movies based on books should remain faithful to the point of thinking the source as sacred text: the screenwriter did take liberties with the story. A leap in time here. A missing episode there. A sudden visit here. And a hussy fit there.
But it is an "adaptation" and not a "translation" of the original novel by dear Miss Austen. The changes are not drastically uncalled for. They are actually refreshing. As is the mood that the director (Wright) set for the film. The film moves at a swift pace but the mood is always down-to-earth and emotionally focused. Normally when people do Austen adaptations they have this image of the whole movie being focused around drawing rooms with the etiquettes associated with the Regency period. They put so much emphasis into the details of the setting and situations that they neglect the characters humanity and hope that the actors are up to code. This version actually looked at the material in the opposite direction and focused more on the main characters (especially Elizabeth or "Lizzy" as she is well known).
Oh well I must talk about the acting. It was good.
For more info notice the academy award nomination Keira Knightley received for her portrayal of Lizzy. Even though the Academy Awards relativity to cinematic excellence has lessened, please be assured that the notice placed towards Ms. Knightley's performance was well deserved. The whole cast was pretty good with the other standout being Donald Sutherland. But if I must say something more about Ms. Knightley, it is that she fitted who Elizabeth was as a young opinionated woman. She plays Lizzy with the conviction that I felt was missing in other P&P adaptations. It one thing to say the lines, it's another to say the lines like it's something you would actually say.
This movie puts the "passion" aspect into the romance of Austen's creation. A true Romantic (of the literary kind) would think of this adaptation as a triumph. And if dear Miss Austen were alive she would probably giggle (of the hushed kind) with delight at the unabashed joy this movies gives in spades.
Well Recommended
Note: For the strict Austen fans who believe that Austen would spin in her grave at the supposed blasphemy of the movie, I will say this. You forget that Miss Austen (the writer of gothic-satire Northanger Abbey) probably did not think so much of herself that she wouldn't have wanted other people to look at her work in different ways. Stop being narrow-minded. Miss Austen wasn't! Now enjoy the movie.
(Off the soap box)