Like 2002’s overlooked NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, which successfully pared down an epic novel into a two-hour film, PRIDE & PREJUDICE does a stellar job of doing the same. Star Keira Knightley (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM) proves that she is not just another pretty face, but a real actress. She brings wit and humor to the central role of Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter of the moderately poor Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (Donald Sutherland, KLUTE, & Brenda Blethyn, SECRETS & LIES).
She has a bit of snobbery for rich people, but this doesn’t stop her from encouraging her shy older sister Jane (Rosamund Pike, DIE ANOTHER DAY) in her courtship of Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods, TV’s CHARLES II: THE POWER AND THE PASSION). However, she cannot stand Mr. Bingley’s seemingly arrogant and snobbish Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen, THE RECKONING). Other key characters include Elizabeth’s flirtatious sister Lydia (Jena Malone, SAVED!), stuffy preacher Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander, THE LAWLESS HEART), Mr. Darcy’s rich aunt Lady Catherine de Bourg (Judi Dench, MRS. BROWN), dashing soldier Mr. Wickham (Rupert Friend, forthcoming THE LIBERTINE) and Elizabeth’s best friend Charlotte (Claudie Blakley, GOSFORD PARK).
Though the structure of Jane Austen’s novels can sometimes seem similar, the underlying emotions that keep characters apart or bring them together are different. As for all the major recent Austen adaptations, I’d rank this one second only to the Oscar-winning SENSE & SENSIBILITY. Emma Thompson even gets a thanks in the credits for polishing the screenplay.
As is typical for a period piece, the sets, costumes and cinematography are wonderful. But what makes this particular film come alive is the acting. Knightley deserves the Oscar buzz she is getting. Her and MacFadyen bring a lot of chemistry to the screen. Blethyn, Dench and Malone are good as usual and Sutherland, in one closing scene, proves why he is a legend. It’s a wonderful love story that is filled with beauty, heart and intelligence. What else can you ask of romance?
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
