CORPORATE LINE: The glorious world of Jane Austen is at last brought back to the big screen in all its romance, wit, and emotional force in Pride & Prejudice. Faithful to the setting and period of the beloved novel and filmed entirely on location in the U.K, this is the first movie version of the story in 65 years.
The classic tale of love and misunderstanding unfolds in class-conscious England near the close of the 18th century. The five Bennet sisters – Elizabeth, or Lizzie (Keira Knightley), Jane (Rosamund Pike), Lydia (Jena Malone), Mary (Talulah Riley), and Kitty (Carey Mulligan) – have been raised well aware of their mother’s (two-time Academy Award nominee Brenda Blethyn) fixation on finding them husbands and securing set futures. The spirited and intelligent Elizabeth, however, strives to live her life with a broader perspective, as encouraged by her doting father (two-time Golden Globe Award winner Donald Sutherland).
When wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) takes up residence in a nearby mansion, the Bennets are abuzz. Amongst the man’s sophisticated circle of London friends and the influx of young militia officers, surely there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bennet sisters. Eldest daughter Jane, serene and beautiful, seems poised to win Mr. Bingley’s heart. For her part, Lizzie meets with the handsome and – it would seem – snobbish Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), and the battle of the sexes is joined.
Their encounters are frequent and spirited yet far from encouraging. Lizzie finds herself even less inclined to accept a marriage proposal from a distant cousin, Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), and – supported by her father – stuns her mother and Mr. Collins by declining. When the heretofore good-natured Mr. Bingley abruptly departs for London, devastating Jane, Lizzie holds Mr. Darcy culpable for contributing to the heartbreak. But a crisis involving youngest sister Lydia soon opens Lizzie’s eyes to the true nature of her relationship with Mr. Darcy.
The ensuing rush of feelings leaves no one unchanged, and inspires the Bennets and everyone around them to reaffirm what is most important in life.
THE REVIEW: Pride and Prejudice appears on the surface to be a chick flick—and for the most part it is. However Pride and Prejudice is such a good film that even a real man can be absorbed by the wonderful story.
The book Pride and Prejudice has so many characters and sub-plots that it couldn’t have been translated to film without the movie lasting five hours. Director Joe Wright made the right decision of cutting out many chapters and getting right to the meat of the story—Lizzie and Mr. Darcy.
The interactions never feel hokey or contrived. It’s easy to take sides and love and hate certain characters—which is important in a film that needs viewers to have an invested interest. As lovely and serviceable as Keira Knightley comes to be—it is Matthew Macfadyen who brings down the film with his lack of emotion. Characters like Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander) and the mother Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) are the oddest and most colorful characters.
THE EXTRAS:
The commentary by director Joe Wright is the most insightful and interesting featurette on the entire disc.
“A Bennet Family Portrait” – An intimate look at each of five vibrant Bennet sisters and their parents.
“Jane Austen, Ahead of Her Time” – The history of a revolutionary storyteller and a very private woman.
“Behind the Scenes at the Ball” – A behind-the-scenes look at this lavishly stunning new version of the classic romance
“HBO First Look: Pride & Prejudice, A Classic in the Making” – Complete with talent and filmmaker interviews, this feature takes an extensive look at the making of the film
FRANKLY: If you haven’t read the book than you might find occasions of being lost in the language. Pride and Prejudice is a lovely romance and most definitely a chick flick. Surprise your significant other with your romantic side and rent or buy it.
+ Charlie Craine
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