“Pride and Prejudice” (Focus Features)
Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice” has seen many incarnations as an entertainment piece. The six-hour BBC adaptation was supposed to be the ultimate portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, with Colin Firth reaching teen idol status. So the initial reaction to a new film version of this story is “who needs it”
The answer to that question is “everyone.” The new film version of this story is amazing. Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen reach personal bests in their acting careers as the star crossed lovers Elizabeth and Darcy. She is sprightly and full of spunk, while he is dark and dreary until she lights up his life.
Elizabeth Bennet is one of five daughters in the Bennet household. There are no sons. Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) is always on the look for a suitable suitor for her girls. When she hears that the eligible and wealthy Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) is visiting nearby, she makes her family available to attend a neighbor’s ball. She is certain he will be there, and he is. He is accompanied by his sister Caroline (Kelly Reilly) and their friend Mr. Darcy.
Bingley’s eye is drawn to Jane Bennet (Rosamund Pike) but both are shy and don’t let their true feelings follow through. Elizabeth is rather attracted to Mr. Darcy but his cold manner and blunt words soon change her mind.
If this movie was just about these possible romances it wouldn’t be anything special, but it isn’t. It does follow this storyline but does it with extras; which are superb acting from a letter perfect cast, inventive photography, and music that will set your soul on fire. All of these elements combine to make “Pride and Prejudice” one of the best movies of the year.
Jena Malone is at her silliest and most annoying as Lydia Bennet, one of Elizabeth’s sisters. Rosamund Pike is glowingly beautiful as Jane. Claudia Blakely is heartbreakingly plain as Elizabeth’s best friend Charlotte.
Donald Sutherland is warmly gruff as Elizabeth’s father and the scenes between Knightley and him are perfectly choreographed to gain the most emotion from the story. This father and daughter are obviously alike in humor and temperament, and their similar mannerisms are also subtly shown.
Like Malone, Blethyn creates a character who is silly and annoying; but it shows everything about Mrs. Bennet we need to know. Judi Dench makes an appearance as Lady Catherine and she is haughty, regal and cold as ice. Tom Hollander adds comic relief as the overly admiring Mr. Collins.
The film is rated PG but there is nothing in the film that would offend anyone. Small children would simply have no interest in this type of story.
Everything about this movie is done to perfection and it all adds up to a wonderful way to be entertained. “Pride and Prejudice” may not be everyone’s cup of tea but for those who enjoy moviemaking done with care and extreme talent, this is a movie to treasure.
If you have a romantic bone in your body then rush to see “Pride and Prejudice.”
I scored “Pride and Prejudice” a classic 9 out of 10.
