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Kiera Knightley
Matthew Macfadyen
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Genre
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Fiction
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Media
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DVD
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Studio | Universal Pictures Video | ||
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Reviewer
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Gareth
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Description
This version of Jane Austen's fiercely beloved novel has the daunting task of living up not only to the classic book, but also to the excellent 1995 miniseries of the same name. Yet 2005's Pride and Prejudice is up to the task, thanks to lively pacing, a witty script, an excellent cast, and clever direction from British newcomer Joe Wright. The surprisingly still-relevant story follows the five Bennet sisters as they deal with suitors and love, as their mother desperately schemes to marry them off advantageously. Sweet-tempered beauty Jane (Rosamund Pike) develops feelings for the equally amiable and extremely wealthy Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods), but forces conspire to keep them apart while Lizzie (Keira Knightley) finds herself first appalled by, but gradually drawn to, Bingley's aloof, intelligent, and socially awkward friend, Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFayden). The movie, at just over two hours, is forced to cut and condense a number of the book's subplots, and at times it tries to heighten the drama of certain scenes. But, for the most part, it's as faithful to the spirit of the original as time and cinematic convention allow. The tremendous supporting cast includes Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet and Donald Sutherland as her wry, withdrawn husband; Jena Malone as teenage twit Lydia; Judi Dench, effortlessly haughty and imperious, as Lady Catherine de Bourg; and Tom Hollander, who steals every scene he's in as the ludicrously pompous and awkward Mr. Collins. The movie's script, adapted by Deborah Moggach, manages to be proto-feminist without becoming anachronistic and, like the novel, it is incisive about the class politics and gender inequalities of the day.
Review
I'm not a romantic at heart - or at least I didn't think I was. I've never read Pride & Prejudice, nor have I seen the much applauded BBC drama so I was able to approach this film afresh. I thought I knew what to expect - a slushy romance; a period piece; a pretty workmanlike affair with static camera's and stitled, repressed, thoroughly English film. I can happily say that I couldn't have been more wrong.
Right from the first tracking shot of Lizzie (Keira Knightley) running through the fields to her home: the camera following her through the courtyard before taking its own path through the house; I knew that I was going to love this film. Why? How can I know that?
It's the attention to the details; the little things that can, for me, make or break a film. This is an opening shot worthy or Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese or Brian De Palma -but it's not flashy nor does it draw attention to itself; it feels absolutely right. This attention to detail assures me that nothing in this film is going to be for it's own sake - it has its own purpose. In that opening shot we're being shown more about the Bennett family than 5 pages of dialogue could even dream of.
Another scene that further illustrate this: Mr Darcy (an excellent Matthew MacFayden) dances with Lizzie in a crowded - the conversation strained; politeness hiding a multitude of emotions that neither party are fully aware of - and all of a sudden they are dancing alone. The ballroom has mysteriously emptied and it's just the pair of them - this is a completely subjective shot and again speaks volumes. For me it shows that, for them, no one else exists at that moment -and isn't that what it's like? When you share a magical moment like that the rest of the world seems to disappear.. But the beauty of this film is that they are scarcely aware of their feelings which adds another layer to this scene.
Keira Knightely is a joy to watch, she brings light to the screen and fills every scene with her presence. I know that if I ever read the book I will be always be picturing her as Lizzie -and MacFayden as Darcy. It was also a wonderful surprise to see Donald Sutherland play Mr Bennett - he always adds a sparkle and an authenticity to whatever part he plays.
The cinematography was breathtaking and the final scene with Darcy walking on the moors to Lizzie held me spellbound. Of course, I can't very well review Pride & Prejudice without mentioning the script. I found it held the perfect mix of romance; slight comedy and also quite illuminating, as it is able to bring in all sorts of issues such as feminism; class elite-ism and gender inequalities without making it too obvious (there are no blatant axes to be ground here.).
So having seen it in the cinema (twice, I think), and now owning it on DVD I may have to change my opinion of myself as being a romantic after all. (just don't tell anyone!)
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