CAST
Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy
Rosamund Pike as Jane Bennet Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennet
Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet
DIRECTED BY: Joe Wright
CURRENT RATING ON ROTTENTOMATOES.COM
86%
TOP CRITICS: 87%
OSCAR NOMINATIONS:
Best Actress-Keira Knightly
Best Original Score
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
The Circumstance
When I first watched Pride and Prejudice, I was still a senior in high school just trying to get by in my AP English class. Oh god, how I remember the turmoil I felt deep inside my soul in that class. Not that I had any problems with the class itself but the teacher would tear my literature analyses to shreds. But now being a college student writing various papers, I am a better writer because of that class. I can also write more clearer movie analyses for this blog.
Anyways, the only light I found in that class was during the second semester. We were assigned to do a project on a classic novel of our choice. Guess which one I chose?
Correcto mundo!!! Pride and Prejudice!
I was told from a friend at that time that I should read Pride and Prejudice. I was hesitant, at first, not really big on reading classic literature. But I put good faith in her recommendation and picked up a copy at the library. I do admit that, for me, it wasn't love at first read the moment I opened the book. It took some time and patience to pass the first couple of chapters. Once I did, I was in love with the book. So much so that I grabbed the most recent film adaptation and watched it. I was instantly in love with how the film portrayed the novel. I was instantly in love with the film itself.
Because I fell so in love with every aspect of Pride and Prejudice, my AP English class became a little brighter.
The Review
Having just finished reading the novel, I guess I wanted to see thosee marvelous characters come to life. As soon as I got hold of this film adaptation, I saw just that: Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy came to life.
The film begins with the arrival of a Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) in the area which causes excitement to go through the Bennet house especially Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn). Then there is the dance scene which is one of my favorite film scenes of all time. In this scene, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Jane Bennet (Rosamund Pike) are discussing men when Mr. Bingley arrives with his party which includes his sister and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). The dance instantly becomes silent as the three newcomers walk down the hall.
In probably the best moment in all romances although subtle, Mr. Darcy does a double take in Elizabeth's direction before turning away when their eyes meet. A few seconds later you can see the contemplation cross Elizabeth's face followed by a giggle. For this scene/moment, I applaud whoever made it possible. Whether it was Macfadyen's or Knightly's precise execution of their characters or Joe Wright's attention to all details in his directing, this moment could be related to all generations when a man and a woman share an intense attraction with a gaze. Just see in the clip below...
The rest of the scene is filled with witty dialogue from Mr. Bingley's nervous attraction to Jane to Mr. Darcy's and Elizabeth's conflicted personalities trying to convince themselves there is no attraction. This scene brilliantly lays out the seed for their intense relationship throughout the rest of the movie.
Another aspect of this film that transcends through time is the relationship between Elizabeth and Jane. Having a sister myself, I can relate to the scene where Elizabeth and Jane are underneath blankets gossiping about the events at the dance with Mr. Bingley.
I could feel the closeness between the two eldest Bennet girls especially when Elizabeth travels all the way to Netherfield to see her ill sister when dining with Caroline Bingley.
When Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield, you can feel the tension between Darcy and Elizabeth escalate. Macfadyen does a superb job in portraying how Mr. Darcy is totally into Elizabeth with just a look. It's extremely convincing and almost makes you want to say to the screen, "Dude, just grab and kiss her already."
When leaving Netherfield, Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth into the carriage which causes their hands to meet. Another fine execution from Knightly and Macfadyen to express the attraction that is obvious between the two.
The Bennet household is then expecting the heir to the estate, a Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander). He comes to the Bennet household expecting to choose a bride eventually picking Elizabeth encouraged by Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Collins comes off as an extremely awkward gentleman, whether intentional or not; this provides humor in the story that even has Elizabeth trying to contain her laughter at the man during dinner.
We then come across a Mr. Wickham (Rupert Friend) whom Elizabeth meets in town and shares a lustful attraction for. Wickham explains his relationship with Mr. Darcy which puts Darcy in the wrong in Elizabeth's mind.
At the ball at Netherfield, Elizabeth searches for Wickham but dances with Mr. Darcy in the end. This is yet another scene that is masterfully written and portrayed that intensifies the relationship between the two. Just see the clip below...
After the ball at Netherfield, Mr. Collins asks for Elizabeth's hand in marriage. This is probably the most humorous scene in the movie showing Mrs. Bennet's obsessive need for her daughters to marry as well as Mr. Bennet's love for his daughters as Elizabeth watches her parents with a slight smile.
Shortly following the scene, Mr. Bingley sends a letter stating that he is leaving. Heart broken, Jane also leaves to visit her aunt and uncle to forget her jilted love with Mr. Bingley.
The rest of the scenes that follow include many moments with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth that intensifies their relationship as she visits her friend Charlotte who is now married to Mr. Collins.
This all leads to probably the most romantic scene of all times as Mr. Darcy confuses his love for Elizabeth in the rain. Macfadyen and Knightly have such a strong chemistry that the audience can believe that they are the characters they are portraying. Just see the clip below...
This movie is absolutely breathtaking with its scenery and costuming as well as it fine performances from Knightly, Macfadyen, and the rest of the cast. This adaptation of the novel is well written with witty lines coming from Elizabeth to counter Mr. Darcy and the likes. Absolutely one of my favorite films of all times.
The Analysis
When first analyzing "Pride and Prejudice," the first thing that should cross your mind is "Why is it called Pride and Prejudice?" If this didn't cross your mind, then this movie may not be for you...go and watch a movie that requires less brain work like "Dumb and Dumber" or "Animal House."
Who is the pride and who is the prejudice? Or are they both a mixture of the two? It is clear from the very beginning of the film that Elizabeth and Darcy held an attraction for each other but what causes them not to pursue that attraction? Of course, Elizabeth wouldn't have done anything since the guys were the ones to make the first move back then....wait a minute or did Elizabeth try to make the first move? I clearly remembered her asking Mr. Darcy if he would dance with her. Then why did he reject her offer if he was clearly attracted to her? The answer is simple: his pride.
Let's fast forward to the scene where Mr. Darcy makes his first proposal in the rain. He tells Elizabeth that against his better judgment, her rank, and yadda yadda he loves her. So to tie this in with the scene where they first meet, Mr. Darcy is too proud of his rank to consider associating with someone of her rank. Of course, his attraction definitely won out in the end.
As for Elizabeth, she places prejudices against Mr. Darcy without hearing his side of things. Such as Mr. Wickham's story against Mr. Darcy and hearing that Mr. Darcy was the reason that Mr. Bingley left Jane.
Although it is clear the Elizabeth represents prejudice and Mr. Darcy represents pride, they both also exhibit the other vice. Elizabeth is proud to admit that she has feelings for Mr. Darcy especially since everything that she has heard about him while Mr. Darcy places prejudice on Jane stating that she showed indifference to his friend.
Of course, both of them overcome their pride and prejudices to finally realize their everlasting love for each other especially highlighted in the last scene of the film (absolutely love that scene to my very core). There are other themes presented in the film such as love vs comfort/protection and yadda yadda but who cares about that with a hero and heroine like this?
I totally recommend this film especially if you're a girl...guys watch it to see how guys should be but maybe not with your girls (it might make you uncomfortable how they will swoon for Darcy).
The Rating
What else did you think I would rate this?
Until next time...
