Pride & Prejudice
(2006)
Rated G
My Rating 3 Stars
Keira Knightley
Matthew McFadyen
Brenda Blethyn
Donald Southerland
Tom Hollander
Rosamund Pike
Jena Malone
Judi Dench
There were few things I actually liked about this film:
1: Keira Knightley.
2: Some of the photography and scenery was absolutely gorgeous.
What I didn't like is more numerous:
1: The film feels modernized. The acting, the costumes, the lines, the houses, the story... I didn't appreciate not getting the feel of the era the film was supposed to be set in.
2: The actors. Some were fine for the characters they played but even Keira, as good as she is, didn't make a good Lizzie. It could have been the script or director, since Keira is a phenomenal actress.
3: The way the movie was filmed felt very choppy to me. It did not run it's course smoothly.
4: The balls/parties were not organized or have the touch of the gentry from the 16th century.
5: Mr. Darcy was just arrogant and ignorant. He didn't have his pride or family bearing.
6: Many of the details that make A&E's production of P&P so marvelous were simply gone. If I hadn't watched the latter before I watched this version, I would have not understood the story and implications.
7: Some of the instances between Lizzie and Darcy in this film would not have been considered any more appropriate than Lydia's running away with Mr. Wickham.
8: Mr. Collins' (accidental) sexual reference. It didn't help the film at all, only took away from the little it had to stand in front of.
There is much debate on which P&P film is the best. I haven't watched the b&w version (from the 40's) but from the clips I've seen, the costumes are not accurate. So I must say, I like A&E's version best and that is the one I will always watch before the others. :-)
If you would like a summary of the basic story of Pride and Prejudice, take a look at my other review... or simply google it. :-) Lots of great sites out there. Also, there are lots of clips on You Tube that will give you a glimpse into all the films.
