|
| Movie Review: Pride and Prejudice Alternate Title: Been There Done That
Story: Those of you that can
remember all the way back to the mid 1990's there existed a mania of
Jane Austen adaptations with Emma, Sense &
Sensibility, Persuasion and the BBC's hard to beat version of Pride
& Prejudice. Did we need another big screen version of P &
P? Well, why the heck not? Director Joe Wright delivers
a delightful (while not quite true to Austen) version of P & P.
It is a sweeping, beautiful to look (though somewhat superficial) picture
of Austen's England replete with class distinctions, rights of inheritance
and the role of women in society. The screenplay is by Deborah
Moggach (with an uncredited nod to the always amazing Emma
Thompson). Quickie primer for those not in the know about
Austen novels - a perky, defiant young woman fights for her rights in
class conscious Britain. A higher class man enters the story, the battle
of wits and quest for love begins and so on and so on. Should you see this film? If you like period pieces and sumptuous film
making than check it out. If you are a stickler for the original than
simply read the novel. Acting: Keira Knightley is everywhere.
She is the flavor of the month. She plays Elizabeth Bennet with spunk
and dazzle. I had to get over her natural pouty expression and similarity
in looks to Wynona Ryder to enjoy her performance. Once I accomplished
that feat, I believed he character. Matthew MacFadyen
was an interesting choice as Mr Darcy. He was quiet (at times numb)
but overall he was a fine Mr. Darcy and who could not fall head over
heels for him as he emerges from the countryside fog to proclaim his
love for Elizabeth wearing a long duster type coat. Donald Sutherland
was wonderful as the father as was ditzy Brenda Blethyn
as the mother. The rest of the cast worked too.
Predilection: I like Jane Austen and I like period
pieces.
Critters: Horses, chickens, a parrot, a pig and dogs.
Food: Lots and lots of food, glorious food.
Visual Art: Wonderful detailed sets of the difference
in class conscious England.
Theater Audience: A handful of Austen fans in a huge
stadium seating theater. Sappy Factor: It is Jane Austen. You know what you
are going to get.
Drift Factor: I confess to looking at my watch a few
times into the second hour.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Soap Box: My movie buddy was appalled at the artistic
license that was used in this production. She is a stickler for the
original. But we both like Mr.Darcy.
Big Screen or Rental: If you like
this type of movie than the big screen is for you. It is a sumptuous
look at Jane Austen's countryside. For some of Keira Knightley's
other films try renting: Domino, King Arthur, Love Actually, Pirates
of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Bend It Like Beckham.
Length: A bit over two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
|