Pride and Prejudice (2005)

The most recent adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was in 2005, in a well-received and Oscar-nominated film by Joe Wright. I've seen this film now three times, and this time it was interesting to view it in context with having read the book and seen previous adaptations. After seeing a nearly six-hour version, I marveled at the economy of the script by Deborah Moggach, which manages to hit on almost every plot point, yet barely exceed two hours, even while allowing for quiet, contemplative moments.

The story is the same. This time Elizabeth is played winningly by Keira Knightley, who received an Oscar nomination. Some thought her too attractive to play Lizzie, who is not as beautiful as her sister Jane (here played by Rosamund Pike, and as to which of these women is more attractive is a question that requires much more study), but Knightley perfect captures Lizzie's sparkle. She isn't her father's favorite for nothing. And as her father, Donald Sutherland almost steals the show as Mr. Bennet. His scene with Knightley, at the end of the picture, when he realizes that Lizzie is in love with Darcy, is very moving.

As Darcy we have Matthew Macfadyen, who is younger than Colin Firth was and while perhaps not as Byronically handsome, is more realistic. Also unlike Firth, he doesn't last as long in his attempt to conceal his love for Lizzie--he's a goner early on. He also doesn't appear to be as rigidly misanthropic as Firth. This is either a problem or not, depending on your point of view.

Also in the cast are Brenda Blethyn, more restrained the most, as Mrs. Bennet, Jena Malone as the flirty Lydia, Carey Mulligan in an early role as the weepy and giggly Kitty, and Judi Dench as the imperious Lady Catherine.

What Wright appears to be doing here, in a truncated version of the novel, is to merely enjoy the romance. The photography by Roman Osin emphasizes the English countryside and the music by Dario Marianelli almost swoons with romantic tidings. In the old days, and even today I guess, this would be called a women's picture, as Pride and Prejudice itself is considered a women's book, but I enjoy it for its almost singleness of purpose--to celebrate how two people come together in happiness. It's a nice break from the rest of life.