"Pride and Prejudice" may have found its roots back in 18th century England, but since then, the entertainment industry has worked hard to preserve its memory. Laurence Olivier and Colin Firth both brought their own versions of the tight-lipped Mr. Darcy to life onscreen in previous renditions, Bollywood dreamed up their own rendition in 2004's "Bride and Prejudice" and director Joe Wright's 2005 version proves that the Jane Austen tale never gets old.
For those who escaped high school English class without leafing through Austen's timeless classic, "Pride and Prejudice" centers on the Bennets. They are a farming family that brags more estrogen than it does monetary wealth. The story focuses on its relationships with members of the upper class, the newest addition to the area, Mr. Bingley and his companion, the seemingly proud Mr. Darcy.
Life in the Bennet household is anything but simple, with six women living under one roof. The ringleader is Mrs. Bennet, a busybody who incessantly discusses the importance of being "handsome." To Mrs. Bennet, marriage seems more of a business transaction than one of deep emotions and she is hell-bent on finding husbands to provide financial stability for each of her unique daughters. The eldest, Jane, is held as the beautiful, shy sister, who typically catches the glance of male suitors, while Lizzie unwaveringly expresses her opinions and remains skeptical of the institution of marriage, Mary submerges herself in her music and education and the immature Lydia and Kitty pass their time giggling and fawning over soldiers.
Naturally, when the wealthy Charles Bingley takes a special interest in Jane, Mrs. Bennet could not be more thrilled. However, to Bingley's friend and family, love is not enough of a reason for marriage to someone of the Bennet's class. Mr. Darcy and Charles' sister Caroline throw their best efforts into disrupting the union. However, the same Darcy who discusses a need to marry a true woman, who is well-read, musically and artistically talented, hardly takes his own advice and soon finds himself in a predicament similar to his close friend, when he acquires a liking for her sister Lizzie.
Blending, gorgeous scenery, a perfectly assembled cast and effective cinematography, the latest version of "Pride and Prejudice" draws audiences into the social and emotional struggles between the characters in each scene.
The film begins with a dewy sunrise in an English pasture and continues to display the lush countryside and groomed gardens throughout, effectively contrasting the social classes with the use of the surroundings. The audience gains a glimpse into the, fairly simple lifestyle of the Bennets, as farm animals scurry about their muddy backyard and clothing is hung out on the line to dry, but is also drawn into the sterile, sophisticated living of the upper class through the rooms of statues and paintings in Mr. Darcy's estate.
The actors also effectively bring this social contrast to life. Interestingly, due to her looks, Joe Wright initially had apprehensions about casting Keira Knightley ("Domino") as the outspoken Elizabeth Bennet; however, Knightley's performance shows she is more than just a pretty face. She displays an air of confidence in the role and delivers her dialogue with unrelenting ferocity, similar to her literary counterpart. Although many point to Colin Firth as the quintessential Mr. Darcy in his portrayal in the award-winning 1995 mini series, this time around, Matthew MacFayden's ("The Reckoning") Darcy provides a perfect complement to Knightley's Lizzie. He is able to establish a great sense of arrogance and coldness about his character in the beginning, but also transitions into the warm, caring gentleman that will do anything for the person he loves.
The great acting continues in the side characters as well. Dame Judi Dench ("Die Another Day") provides a harsh sense of the social reality in her portrayal of Lady Catherine de Bourg, Mr. Darcy's aunt, who will stop at nothing to ensure her nephew does not follow his heart into an unsuitable marriage, while Donald Sutherland ("Cold Mountain") sports a lush pair of mutton chops and helps provide a voice of reason as the head of the Bennet household.
The film's cinematography also helps build the romantic feel by making minor details significant. Director Joe Wright uses close-ups of the touching hands of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, or focuses on nearby candles before panning to images of the characters to show further illustrate the growing chemistry between their characters. Perhaps the most effective use of this technique occurs in a dance scene that starts out as a full, packed room of socialites. The crowd soon fades away to display Darcy and Elizabeth as the only people existing in the scene, symbolic of the pair's growing attraction, although the two banter and outwardly appear to dislike one another.
In just two hours, "Pride and Prejudice" holds true to its literary predecessor and provides a heart-warming tale that anyone, well-read or not, can enjoy.
Grade: AB
