 Movie
Reviews
with Evelyn Gough
Pride and Prejudice (G)
Directed by Joe Wright
Mirror mirror on the... dresser? Is Kiera Knightly the fairest of them all?
I'm not a huge Jane Austen fan but I just may be a convert after enjoying this lavish production of Pride and Prejudice starring one of today's hottest stars, Keira Knightley.
Knightley plays Lizzie Bennet, the strong-willed, beautiful second daughter of Mr and Mrs Bennet (Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn). The Bennets have been blessed (or cursed!) with five daughters and being that this is the late 18th century the race is on to find husbands and security for all of them.
This is no easy task and most of the family are over the moon when wealthy bachelor Mr Bingley (Simon Woods) moves into the neighbourhood mansion. He's obviously attracted to Lizzie's older sister Jane (Rosamund Pike) but Bingley's pompous best friend Mr Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen) quickly puts an end to the blossoming romance, breaking Jane's heart and infuriating Lizzie. Meanwhile, Lizzie is having relationship problems of her own. She is being courted by a distant cousin, Mr Collins (Tom Hollander) whom she cannot stand, much to her mother's despair.
Most people are familiar with the recent television production of Pride and Prejudice starring a smouldering Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. The last time this classic tale appeared on the big screen was in 1940 starring Laurence Oliver and Greer Garson.
So, do we really need another one? Before seeing this 21st century version I would have said no but I really loved this production. It's absolutely gorgeous to look at, the acting is exemplary and the story is as timeless as ever. The language is a trifle impenetrable and requires some concentration.
Initially I did have a problem with Matthew MacFadyen - he would not have been my first choice to play the crucial role of Mr Darcy. But I did warm to him as the film progressed. The fact that he's not stunningly handsome or charismatic makes him more believable, more human.
And no period piece would be complete without the wonderful Judi Dench. She plays he snobbish Lady Catherine De Bourgh to perfection.
The filmmakers have done a terrific job at recreating the grittiness of life in the very class-conscious late 18th century and lovers of Jane Austen should be more than happy with this adaptation.
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