Film Review - "Pride and Prejudice"

Cathy Corker
Dr. James Hepworth
English 150 - Intro to Lit
14 December 2009 - Drama Review

Pride and Prejudice
(A film review)
http://clcorker.blogspot.com

This film is an A&E production of Jane Austen's classic novel published in the 1813; one of the best remakes in this viewer's opinion. It is a wonderfully romantic film released for BBC in 1995. While it lacks the high action, high violence sequences so popular today, especially with the male viewer, it has enough twists, turns, and spellbinding scenes to capture the interest of both sexes - young and old. This film takes over five hours to watch (not inclusive of the wonderfully informative bonus disc) but holds the viewer's rapt attention from start to finish. I would suggest you get your snacks in the ready prior to starting the movie.

This interpretation of the novel was written by screen playwright Andrew Davies with music by Carl Davis. Choreography was done by Jane Gibson and assisted by Jack Murphy. Film editing was done very well by Peter Colson and script editing was performed by Susie Conklin. Great attention was paid to dialect to ensure that it was not only easily spoken by the cast, but correct for the time period. Costumes, makeup, settings, and mannerisms were closely monitored to reflect accurate depictions of personas, social classes, and the era. Some female cast members actually commented about their inability to wear makeup during the filming as the ladies of the age did not adorn themselves with such vanities other than minimal lip color or light rouges for special occasions. Director Pip Short and Production Manager Paul Brodrick conspired to relay a vision of the age in this story that is both accurate in its depiction and compelling in its content. Many of the sets were actual estates found in England, still reminiscent of the time period in which this film is staged - the late 16th century. The wonderfully scenic landscapes and lavish manors were instrumental in portraying the correct atmosphere for this film. Even the dances performed on film were meticulously researched and mandated to be performed perfectly.

The story takes place in the country of rural England during the late 16th century. It portrays the social standing of a family of gentry and their lack of a highly sought after fortune. The family consists of husband, wife, and five daughters - the Bennets. With no male heir, the family must either marry money or lose their estate to a male cousin, Mr. Collins, in the event of the father's death. Mrs. Bennet, portrayed very well by Alison Stedman, is determined to remain in the family home and knows only too well that to do so, she must secure prominent marriages for her daughters. Her mission is not an easy one due, in part, to the family's lack of social standing and inherent wealth. During this time period, wealth and status were of the utmost importance when arranging betrothals. According to my interpretation, this social standing is the basis for the "prejudice" included in the title. The daughters are keenly aware of their stature in life and are in acceptance of it as being simply the way things are. Even with this acceptance, the two older sisters are adamant about marrying for love rather than money. Their "pride" places barriers to the successful marriage arrangements, especially for Elizabeth, the second oldest sister. Smitten with Elizabeth's demeanor, Mr. Darcy, a very well to do bachelor, is rebuked by Elizabeth whose pride had been injured during their introduction.

The story line is filled with misconceptions, wrongdoings, displays of arrogance and pride and yet is truly a love story liken to a fairy tale. This film rendering holds to the literary excellence of the classic novel, Pride and Prejudice while also enabling the viewer to relate to
caricatures like rebellious teenagers, scorned lovers, lusters of wealth, and seekers of prestige to modern times.

Works Cited
Pride and Prejudice. Dir. Simon Langton. Perf. Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth. A & E, 1995