I should admit up front that I was predisposed to dislike the new version of Pride & Prejudice. My well-documented feelings for Ms. Knightley notwithstanding, I had some serious doubts going into it, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Some people are going to be predisposed to dislike the film simply because it’s not the much-loved 1995 BBC mini-series.
Some people are going to be predisposed to dislike Matthew McFadyen simply because he’s not Colin Firth.
Some people are going to be predisposed to dislike Keira Knightley simply because she is Keira Knightley.
I was concerned that the original trailer billed it as being “from the producer of Love Actually and Bridget Jones’ Diary,” which had me imagining an overly-episodic affair, bouncing back and forth between sixteen individuals’ stories all being told in parallel.
Another concern was that there was nothing on director Joe Wright‘s resume that would give you any indication that he was capable of pulling something like this off. (The same could be said for screenwriter Deborah Moggach.)
And at only 127 minutes, it was bound to be awfully “Cliff Notesy”.
Well, since I don’t have time to write a proper review, let me just throw out a few random thoughts to start the discussion:
First of all, I loved it. From beginning to end, top to bottom, left to right. It’s not a perfect film, by any means, but there is so much about it that is perfect that I’m willing to forgive its shortcomings.
In a packed theater of over 500 people, I think I was the only lone male. And it was obvious from the faces of some of the gentlemen in line that they were not happy to be there.
In fact, before the show started I made a quick trip to the bathroom, and as I was standing at the urinal, two men came in and and took up positions on either side of me. The one on my left let out a big sigh and said to the one on my right, “Chick Flick! What did we do to deserve this?”
But his masculine protestations might have carried a little more weight if he hadn’t been wearing a “Yanni World Tour 2005″ T-shirt.
Keira Knightley is absolutely stunning in the film. Again, I’ll admit to a certain pro-Knightley bias, but she’s absolutely stunning in the film.
You’ve got to hand it to anyone who is brave enough to take on the role of Elizabeth Bennet…period. Everyone who has read the book has their own vision of what Elizabeth Bennet should be, and it would be practically impossible for anyone to live up to those expectations.
I think Jennifer Ehle benefitted from the fact that nobody (at least on this side of the pond) knew who she was. She was a blank slate upon which people could project their own preconceived vision.
But since Ms. Knightley comes with some previous baggage <ahem>, you’ve got to admire her for taking the risk. (I admire her for other reasons, too, but that’s a topic for another discussion…)
Well…speaking of those other admirable qualities, there will be some who will contend that she’s too attractive to play Elizabeth Bennet, but as far as I can tell, the only person in the book to intimate that Elizabeth is “no beauty” is Caroline Bingley.
And even if she’s “not half so handsome as Jane,” as her mother says, when you’ve got Rosamund Pike playing Jane, that’s not much of an insult.
I was a little concerned that Ms. Knightley was going to be too modern for the role, but she’s not at all. And it will come as a relief to many to know that Ms. Knightley’s was able to keep her habitual lip-pursing in check for the duration of the filming.
And, finally, did I mention that she’s absolutely stunning in the film?
I think the entire Bennet family had a fantastic chemistry. There’s a familial sense of humor underlying all of their scenes together that’s really nice.
Keira Knightley and Judi Dench in the same room? Pinch me!
The thought occurred to me as I was typing her name just then: Pride & PreJudiDench?
Tom Hollander is the best Mr. Collins yet.
Claudie Blakely is the best Charlotte Lucas yet.
Rupert Friend, who plays Mr. Wickham, looks like Orlando Bloom’s weedy younger brother.
Though somewhat “Cliff Notesy” by necessity, the script was excellent. (It apparently benefited from an uncredited sprucing up by Emma Thompson, though she does get a “Special Thanks” at the end of the credits.)
I thought the camera work was brilliant, but did anyone think that the recurring spinning theme (during the dance, on the swing, etc) was too much?
[SPOILER ALERT] Delaying Lizzy and Darcy’s first kiss until the final frames of the film was a brilliant strategic move. By the time they actually locked lips, the women around me were literally humming with anticipation.
I would be interested getting the female perspective on Mr. McFadyen’s Mr. Darcy. I think there are going to be some who really don’t care for him at all, but I actually liked him better than Colin Firth. (Heresy!)
Anyway, what are your thoughts? Am I completely out to lunch on this one?
51 Comments
Okay. I’m going to have to go see it tomorrow. I’ve been looking forward to it, so I’m glad that you loved it.
By the way, you needn’t have been a LONE male… There are several reputable escort services in the yellow pages of the Salt Lake City phone books (which I own) and I would have been HAPPY to take the time from my PACKED social schedule to select for you a very nice Keira Knightley/Claire Forlani hybrid. I realize it could be embarrassing to do that in the first person.
Anyhoo, no matter what, Colin Firth is still a sexy hunk o’ man (speaking of heresy, is it heresy to say that about someone so holistically BRITISH?).
Kate, I would have availed myself of those “services,” but I was afraid that my “escort” would spend the entire film smacking her gum and complaining about the lack of entrepreneurial initiative shown by the Bennet daughters:
Ha! It looks like the [SPOILER ALERT] kiss between Lizzy and Darcy at the end of the film is only in the American version of the film. According to USA Today:
And the purists aren’t pleased either:
But some British filmgoers are feeling left out:
While I normally disapprove of pandering to American audiences, I will make an exception in this case for reasons of public safety. Again, based on the reaction of the women around me, I’m pretty sure that if they hadn’t included the [SPOILER ALERT] kiss at the end of the film, there would have been looting.
I haven’t yet seen the movie (the husband’s out of town and I don’t think my 8-year-old and 3-year-old would fully appreciate the romantic tension, social commentary, or witty banter), but I imagine the birth of another Mr. Darcy is much like the birth of another child.
As a soon-to-be-parent-for-the-second-time, you’re nervous: How will I ever love my second child as much as my first? But of course, somehow your heart makes room for every child who comes your way.
And my heart, I’m sure, will make room for every Mr. Darcy who makes his way onto the screen. When I was in high school, I fell in love with the brooding Laurence Olivier and the way his eyes fluttered whenever Greer Garson made him uncomfortable. (No, I’m not that old! I rented “Pride and Prejudice,” weekend after weekend, from Goodtime Rentals–remember Goodtime?) I fell in love with Colin Firth everytime he cast a glance saturated with admiration/gratitude/longing toward Jennifer Ehle. And I know I’m going to fall in love with Matthew McFayden. Somehow, someway, my heart will make room. It’s one of those mysteries of the universe. Sigh.
YES! I’m SOOOOO excited to see this! I didn’t realize it was already out! I thought I had to wait until Saturday (because Friday is Harry Potter).
I definitely loved the 1995 movie, and I was worried when I first saw this was coming out, especially with Keira Knightley and Matthew McFayden. But with your review, I’m very excited! And I saw a clip on The Daily Show and suddenly I was super excited. Thanks for the in depth review! Can’t wait to see it!
Oh, no. Now I’m afraid you’re all going to raise your expectations to the point that you’re bound to be disappointed. Perhaps the only reason I liked it so much was that I wasn’t expecting to.
So, using Christopher Lynn’s Movie Review Redo methodology:
Alright, so we just got back (told you I was excited!), and my expectations were completely fine, because Jonathan and I LOVED this film! You were so right with Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen! I was so pleasantly surprised!!!
I loved Mr. Bingley. He was so great. So friendly.
I did not think that Colin Firth could ever be replaced in any way, but this guy gave him a run for his money!
And you’re right, Keira was stunning. She was quite natural and real, whereas Jennifer Ehle was a bit formal all the time. It was a nice change.
I loved Donal Sutherland as well.
The romance was fantastic. The tension/attraction between them was so great.
And Grettir, you will be happy to know that we were sitting next to a lone male in the theatre as well.
Bravo for a fantastic Pride and Prejudice!
As much as it hurts me to say this, I must agree that the A&E 1995 smooch is seriously lacking in the dy-no-mite department.
I’ve reviewed it a thousand times, and to me it still looks like the first painful play-practice kiss between two awkward romantic leads who haven’t even kissed anyone in real life yet. (Believe me: I have participated in several of these onstage kisses before, and therefore am quick to recognize similar anguished, awkward smooches.) I agree that, were this story REAL (please, no one shoot me), Elizabeth and Darcy most likely would have felt like above-mentioned inexperienced leads themselves, because they most likely would have been the above-mentioned inexperienced leads.
However, I hope that I am not alone when I say that none of us finds true romantic fulfillment in viewing the painful reinactment of one of our own “life’s most embarrassing moments.”
Personally, I’m looking forward to a little mush! Some macaroni-and-cheese kissy noises! Time’s a-wastin’!
Looks like you’re not the only one who feels like the camera-spinning is a bit much.
I haven’t seen the movie yet. And, by all accounts, its sounds like a winner, so I really can’t wait to go see it.
But…one thing has really been bothering me about the trailers I’ve seen:
Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth, although obviously a stunning person, seems to have very greasy bangs. I can’t get over it either. I just can’t justify the greasy bangs. Is this a time period sort of costuming choice? Did they not have soap back then! WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER BANGS! And Mr. Darcy’s hair is looking rather damp too. What’s the deal with that? Does English air make you damp and greasy?
I’m done now. And never fear: I’m still going to go see the movie. I’ll just have to wash my hair again afterwards.
Pam, one of the only issues I had with the A&E version was the men’s hair. I realize they didn’t have texturizing shears back then, but my gosh! All of the men looked like something feral had nested on their cheeks and heads. I wouldn’t have been surprised to see hair start sprouting spontaneously from their nostrils and ears and up from under their collars. Maybe in an effort to steer clear of all that hirsutiness (is that a word?), the new production went for limp and fine.
On a somewhat related tangent, I want to know why every time Joseph Smith is portrayed in a movie, the actor looks like he’s sporting an Eva Gabor wig? (To be fair, I haven’t yet seen any of “The Work and the Glory” movies.)
Maybe I’ll make a second career as a men’s hair consultant on movie sets, specializing in period pieces set in the years 1800 to 1840.
The English air does make you damp and greasy! At least it did me. Compared to the desert air here it’s like walking around in a Turkish bath, without the Vick’s VapoRub. Unfortunately it caused my hair (“The Grandest Wig of Them All!”) to defy gravity and every law of nature by kinking up like a quillion Slinkys.
But not in a good way.
My face was like an oil slick the entire time I was there, which would explain Keira’s nasty bangs. And they bathed, what, three time a year back then?
So, to disagree with the Jane Austen Society accross the pond, I’m not, like, all knowy-knowy of the story, but from what I remember, isn’t the whole point that all the danged, stodgy formality finally breaks down to a smooch? I remember feeling dramatic release in the A&E version, and yet as I think back on it I don’t remember feeling YEAH! Maybe the eventual ideal version (‘cuz hey, we’ve got eternity, so this will obviously be remade infinity times until it’s perfect) will start like an inexperienced first kiss – and then go something like quite mad.
Jenny, I never knew that Irish Step Dancers had so many wigs available to them. In fact, I had no idea that there were wigs targeted to Irish Step Dancers at ALL. And though it’s still a puzzlement, I shall simply recite, “You learn something knew every day.”
Jenny: I really think I might have just wet my pants I’m laughing so hard at your “Grandest Wig of Them All.” Where do you find such things?!
Thank you!
Ha, ha, ha! I just noticed something else. There’s a note on the wig page that says:
“NOTE: This is a very full wig.”
Ha, ha, ha! Really?
I have a hernia now, and my mascara is dripping down my face from laughing. This is not good.
Wigs? What wigs?
**Slight Gasp…***>
***Understated, repeated sighs.***
I have no idea who you are – I found your blog when I googled pride and prejudice…but I agree with absolutely everything you said! I saw the new movie tonight for the second time…I have yet to see the Colin Firth version, unfortunately – I haven’t had 5 free hours in a while. I love it. I love the book, and I wish I could meet Jane Austen and hug her. Or curtsy, I suppose that would be more proper. I like Keira Knightley, but I loved her in this movie. And Matthew McFayden just made my heart stop a couple times. I think Colin Firth is more handsome, but Mr. McFayden does not disappoint. I completely share your opinion of Mr. Wickham…the whole movie I just kept picturing Orlando Bloom in his place. The dancing – and swinging – made me a bit dizzy, too. And I love it when directors put the kiss at the end…it really closes the story, I think. If only more guys like you existed!
I have seen the movie now 3 times. (one by myself, and two tagging along with other pride and predjudice fans) I think that this rendition (which it is) of the novel is excellent. I loved the cinematography and the difference shown between Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s stations in life. Her relative poverty compared to Darcy’s was never really made so apparent in film before. I was impressed with how humbly the Bennett women dressed… even Mrs. Bennett with her out of style fashion, for the time. I am not sure if the Mrs. Bennett in Jane’s novel would be so caught out of style. I liked this aspect of the movie.
i do consider the Colin Firth /Jennifer Ehle cinematic version of P&P the yard stick from which all other renditions are measured. On that yard stick I would place the Keira Knightly /Matthew McFayden version as a close second or 2 feet 6 inches for these reasons.
Keira Knightly was the best Lizzie so far. She had the bright, energetic, quick witted nature that I imagined Jane’s Lizzie to have when I read the book. To me, she is now the definitive Elizabeth.
Matthew McFayden has not unseated Colin Firth as the definitive Darcy, but he is a close second only because he is “dead handsome” He was lovely to look at and played being in love well but he missed Firth’s brooding cynacism and arrogance of “countenance” McFayden looked merely shy and in love rather than falling in love inspite of his values. Knightly/McFayden had wonderful chemistry together though. The kiss was not too much at the end. But consider my thoughts about McFayden…..
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett in this movie were too loving, so the desire of the Bennett children to marry for love rather than more “material concerns” was lost. Perhaps this is a minor complaint considering Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn were so wonderful!
The movie was abbreviated for sure, but was not too “Coles Nntes ish” The strength of all the excellent acting, and story line to focus on Lizzie and Darcy the most, made it a fabulous movie to watch.
I loved the “dance scene”!!! It was so crowded, rowdy and fun. It was how I imagine country dances to be! I thought the movie was beautifully filmed.
Anyway.. an entertaining message board,, I will keep reading.
After I saw the movie I went out and bought the book. I went to see the movie again. Iam married with 3 kids. Who knew my heart could still skip a beat!!!
I need season ticket for this film. I just have to go again.
I went to this movie with Grettir’s literal plethora of annoying Kiera ["My Love"] Knightly praises ringing hollow in my ears, and with the official Lynn Movie Review Redo tucked firmly under my arm.
Now, I like Kiera Knightly. As a person. As a spirit child of our Heavenly Father. But I find her usual pouty, cheekbone-inducing paparazzi pose supremely irritating—-so irritating in fact that I cannot think of her without feeling irrationally chafed. I went expecting to feel resentful because she was playing the part which nearly every woman who has ever read/watched “Pride and Prejudice” wishes she were playing. (i.e. I always wanted to play the part of Liesl in “The Sound of Music.” Every time I saw a production of this play I’d became so jealous that by the end of “Sixteen Going On Seventeen” my face would turn a bright puce, and steam would begin to spew from my ears.) I entered the theater mentally chanting, “If you mess up this movie, if you ruin this sacred piece of literature for me I will exact a terrible revenge.” Exactly what that terrible revenge would have been I do not know, but it would have been…terrible.
But from the first few minutes I was completely this movie’s slave. I loved the score. I loved the lighting. I loved the camera angles. I loved the sets. I loved the costumes. I loved the screenplay (and can see where Emma Thompson may have worked some of her Austin-condensing magic). I loved the chicken poo and the sweat and the dirt and the constant ribbon-washing. And yes, I loved Kiera Knightly. She was wonderful: smart, but not brittle; sweet, but not cloying; brilliant, but just vulnerable enough. A perfect balance.
And I loved Matthew MacFayden, too. Though I dearly love Colin Firth and wish someday to bear his children (perhaps a bit of an exaggeration), I felt like MacFayden’s complex portrayal of Darcy’s insecurities, social awkwardness and vulnerability was absolutely fabulous. Suddenly, so many of the lines that had before seemed simply breathtakingly pompous were reasonable and deserving of empathy. It was like two cogs suddenly clicked, and the things that he did and the things that he said suddenly made sense together. And Grettir was right: Charlotte was the perfect mix of warm best-friend-ness and almost heartbreaking intelligent practicality under duress; and Collins was an earnestly non-cartoony social klutz. Brilliant.
Anyway, enough mush. Suffice it to say that as I sat watching this film, I found myself wishing repeatedly that it wouldn’t end. It’s just hard to do Jane Austen justice, darn it! The 1999 version of “Mansfield Park” was a tad whiny modern-feminist, and the 1983 version so mind-bogglingly slow and dry that even I, who sat patiently through all 227 sandy minutes of “Lawrence of Arabia” as a tot, finally just packed it in and gave up in a fit of hopeless lethargy. 1995′s fabulous “Persuasion” made Gwyneth Paltrow’s 1995 “Emma” look like “It’s a Small World”. And Emma Thompson’s “Sense and Sensibility” was a joyous surprise. But I’m afraid that at least for now, my heart belongs to 2005′s “Pride and Prejudice.”
I have to admit I am amused by all the comparison to Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy. There were two films that predated his stint as Mr Darcy.
I am no purist either, books and film are completely different mediums and you can not compare them.
That said, I was apprehensive about seeing Matthew McFayden as Mr Darcy. I didn’t know if he could pull it off. But he was amazing. Part talen and part how the director took the story, I loved the more passionate Mr Darcy. The scene where he proposes was inspired. Totally not the book but a very interesting a touching take on the characters relationship. It was more fulfilling that any other scene about the proposal, including Colin Firths. I felt his love and desperation much more and when she mentions Wickham, felt the jealousy. That scene truely floored me
I finally saw this yesterday, going as a lone male because I couldn’t convince my wife or eldest daughter to come along. I’ve seen the other versions and read the book maybe 8-10 times in the past 20 years. I thought the BBC P&P was excellent because it was so true to the original. That said, I found the new one even better because it added to the original. I was particulary taken by the outdoor shots (as well as the indoor sets) that contrasted the Bennetts’ estate with Darcy’s Pemberly and Lady Catherine’s Rosings. Wow.
As for the acting, I have little of substance to add, but I found Keira Knightly both adorable and lively–definitely someone poor proud Darcy could fall for against his better judgment. And I appreciate this interpretation of the complementary oppositeness of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, who became much less a figure of derision than a loving mum who gets carried away. Mr. Collins also seemed less ridiculous (clownish?) without losing his comic obsequiousness.
So Ames, have you seen it yet?
My roustabout husband is finally back from ye olde country, and we’ve got a babysitter for Friday. Here’s hoping our family doesn’t reenact that delightful Even Stevens episode “Influenza: The Musical” between now and then. Fingers crossed.
If you want my opinion about this fabulous movie that in 128 minutes managed to echo the incredible essence of Jane Austen’s words, read the New York Times review. I could have written it if I was as elouquent. The film had more sensuality in one frame than the entire filming of any of the bodice ripping, naked body romping movie. My hats off to such a rare ablility of saying more while showing less. The art of suggesting rather than showing it all is missing in today’s movies. I think filmakers have forgotten that option. And I’m not just talking about sexuality. After all it’s more difficult to solicit our emotions with the use of sublter tactics, but the results are truly more intense (scary movies are much more scary, e.g. Alfred Hitchcock). As for the kiss, I loved it. How unfair not to finally show what was building for over 2 hours!
P.S. I am totally gaga over Matthew McFayden who has definitely kicked Colin Firth out of the running in my mind and heart. One of my New Year’s resolutions (that I won’t have trouble keeping) is to see his other films.
I loved this film! best ive seen all year. My brothers loved it too.
Matthe Macfadyen ( why is everyone spelling his name wrong?) was absolutely gorgeous too.
Wow, ok, I was completely confused for a while…I saw this movie in Paris, were there is NO KISS. I did not realize there are two versions of the ending, how weird! But it’s funny, because I was talking with my girlfriends afterward about how much restraint the filmmakers showed in NOT having the hero and heroine kiss, and how much more romantic it seemed. Yes, I wanted, even expected a kiss, but the forheads touching in the mist seemed somehow to suffice and make the characters all the more respectable and loveable. But I must confess, I cannot wait to watch this on DVD in the USA when I return to the states.
As for Ms. Knightley, I too went into this movie with a very pessimistic attitude…”how dare they let this actress play my most beloved heroine of all time? If she screws up Elizabeth, I will never give her another chance!” But I was pleasantly suprised with her performance, and as you all have said, she kept the strange grimacing to a minimum. Her timing was good, the emotion seemed real…she was the most Elizabeth could have been in 2 hours time. Bravo. But yes, her bangs were gross. As were the other girls. And their faces were shiny. Yuck Minor details in comparison to the acting.
As to Matthew MacFadyen…he. was. perfect. I could sing his praises all day long. Just the darcy I’d always imagined. Don’t get me wrong, I love Colin Firth, but Mr. MacFadyen is and will always be to me, Mr. Darcy. The sarcasm, the akward bumbling haughtiness, the falling in love despite himself. Oh be still my heart, I love this man! I had never seen him before, but he will not be easily forgotten!
All in all, the music, the scenery, the acting, all of it represented Ms. Austen as well as could possibly be expected of a feature length film. I didn’t want it to end! Cannot wait to see it again.
I almost forgot…Mr. Collins, yes, the best ever! The complete snivelling name dropper I always imagined!
P&P is my favourite book of all time and I have read alot of books
The minute I heard a new P&P movie was being made “I was so there!”
Keira Knightley…I know not many people here seem to like her that much but I think she did a great job as Elizabeth Bennett. She was passionate, witty, beautiful and well basically I think she did a terrific job. Matthew McFayden captured my heart as Mr Darcy. True nobody can EVER beat Colin Firth, but he came close. I was so…engrossed in watching him that I think I may have missed a line or two
So I’m going to have to see it again (not that thats a bad thing!)
Being Australian (and living in Australia DUH) I was convinced I’d missed the kiss scene because I’d read about it on the web and not actually seen it. Having the scene only in America is CRAZY! I was hanging out for it the entire movie and it didnt happen. Sure it didnt happen in the book but come on…the tension was like at the climax and all I wanted (and I’m sure others did to) was a kiss between them!
Anyway I loved this film. It wasnt 100% P&P…it was minus alot of the Bingley/Jane and Lydia/Whickham action but for a 128min film it was excellent focusing on the main plot line Elizabeth/Darcy. Teriffic chemistry between the actors, great filmography, soundtrack and the actors were all great!
i have just seen the latest pride and prejudice i have to say some of the acting apart from judi dench and donald sutherland is terrible the 1995 is far superiour than this adaptation there can be only be one mr darcy and that honour belongs to colin firth and allison steadman was brilliant as mrs bennett
I enjoyed reading all of the comments about the new P & P movie and agreed with many of them. I, too, loved the 1995 version and didn’t think this would compare, but it was so good that I’ve just bought the DVD. It was news to me (living in Canada) that we saw a different version. I’m very glad they kept the kiss in, it doesn’t disappoint!! The only thing I didn’t like about Keira Knightly (and, like many, I did have my reservations!) was that she wore too much make-up. I’m sure they hardly wore any, if any, back then and her eyes were far too made up. In that wonderful scene were Darcy first proposes and they show her close up after she’s just said she’d never be prevailed upon to marry him, she looked like the corpse bride (no offense). Too much lipstick and eyeliner! Other than that, loved the movie, LOVED Matthew Macfayden. I only wished it was 5 hours long like the ’95 version!!
Matthew Macfayden is the best. I never buy DVDs, but he got me to run out and buy this one. I can’t find his other films in the U.S., boo hoo.
HI!! Do you know how can I see the american version??? Any site, or something like this maybe…
I loved Pride and Prejudice I think Keira and Matthew did a great job together; their chemistry was perfect. Matthew was a great Mr.Darcy his facial expressions depicted everything he was feeling. The scenary, music, and all the theatrical affects made the movie even more dramatic. And the ending of the film was perfect and the best one i’ve ever seen. Matthew is drop dead gorgeous especially when he was wet during the rain scece. I loved the way they showed him walking towards elizabeth near the end of the film the morning after lady catherine went to Lizzy’s house. The sun rising at the end when they finally hooked up was perfect. I can watch that movie a million times and never get tired of it.Oh and Keira Knightly was a perfect Elizabeth she played the character well.
Hello everyboy again, can someone answer me where can i find the amican version to downloed because im not from USA and i want to see the american ending, please? I really want to see it, the american version has 8 minutes more than the british, no?
So, I know it’s way too flipping late to be reading a blog, but in answer to Andréia’s questions about a site to download the American version, I found this great site for that.
i’m from the Philippines and saw the movie through dvd. there was no kiss, which i actually thought real good since there never was in the book. In my opinion, not kissing in the end was all right. It shows that not all romantic movies have to end in locked lips to show a brilliant ending. Although it makes me curious to see the US version because i did not know it had two endings. I never saw the miniseries since those are rarely sold here, but heard of the characters Colin and Jennifer. I loved Colin Firth in BJ Diary that I thought it could be difficult another actor that portrays Darcy comes along. However Matthew did just great, so did Keira Knightley. Actualy I think Colin Firth likes the fact that his “Mr. Darcy” effect on people would die down and could pass on to Matthew (I read this once on the net, don’t remember where).Another thing, I loved how lizzy and jane laughed and smirked in the movie, how they let out a little noise then burst out lauging, its just so funny. ^_^
All in all, a good movie.
I’m wiling to watch it again, along with the miniseries *sigh* maybe someday when i actually get a copy =(
Hello everyone
Well i thought that this movie was BRILLIANT. i loved the chemistry between Macfadyen and Knightley and i thought that Macfadyen did an amazing job. He had alot to live up to in taking on the role of Darcy and de didn’t disappoint. His portrayl was fresh and new. He wasn’t trying to mirror Colin Firths portrayl, he made it his own. All throughout the movie my heart went out to him. You could see his pain, his pride and his growing love for Lizzy. And Kira’s portrayl and chemistry with Macfadyen just made it more enjoyable to watch.
All in all a magnificant adaption.
In answer to Andréia’s question, I am an aussie and do not have the kiss on the Australian release also. What did i do, i bought the dvd online from Ebay. I bought the American, Canadian Region 1 version which has the kiss on the balcony and the extra 8 minutes.
Haven’t received it yet but it will be well worth the wait.
Me again. Oh, and I’ll be sure to let you all know what i think of the ending when i get the dvd from the US.
The British (Region 2) version of the DVD includes the kissy bits as one of the special features, so that’s an option for those of you in Europe, Japan, South Africa, and the Middle East.
And rumor has it that the Region 4 (Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America) version has the same set of special features as the UK version…
Matthew McFadyen is the perfect Darcy and one of the finest actors I have ever seen…the combination of he the beautiful Keira Knightley is magical and makes you want it all to be real
must say — Darcy as per Macfayden was spot on. I always felt Darcy as per Firth — while Hotttttt — was a bit off key.
I’ve seen both Colin Firth and Matthew MacFadyen adaptions to the movie, and I actually prefer MacFadyen as Darcy. Like most, I watched with small expectations but by the end of the movie, I was in LOVE with Matthew. He’s even more perfect for the role than Firth, and he’s certainly more handsome.
I was totally in love with Matthew McFadyens Darcy by the middle of the movie. I have not seen Colin Firth in the role, but I couldn’t imagine anyone doing it better.
Agreed! I think he was an absolutely perfect Darcy.
Matthew Mcfayden played an absolutely gorgeous Mr Darcy I like Colin Firth but Matthew was the tops!!!
I so loved Pride and Prejudice 2005, that I bought it and have watched it about 5 or 6 times so far. I even went out and bought the 1995 Colin Firth version because I had heard that it was superior. Well, although I am a Colin Firth fan, I definitely preferred Matthew MacFayden as Darcy. I played the DVD, fast forwarding to the parts with Darcy and Elizabeth, and paying special attention to Darcy/Matthew’s reactions to Elizabeth/Keira, and I loved the longing and vulnerability in his face. Even when he first sees her at the ball, you can see his understated double-take. The scene where he proposes was filled with a full spectrum of emotion. Even as Kiera was spewing her angry retorts at him, you could see her soften a bit as he came closer after she had mentioned Wickham and he responded. The tension between them was electric. I loved Keira as Elizabeth; she truly was stunning. Matthew and Keira looked gorgeous together and the kiss at the end was very satisfying. Matthew MacFayden in this part has affected me the same way as Daniel Day Lewis did in The Last of the Mohicans. I was totally mesmerized and captivated by the romance.
I realize you don’t know me, but I am embarassed to admit that I have been obsessively watching this movie virtually every night since I first purchased it…and I’m puzzled by something — am I the only person who has realized in the raining/gazebo scene, after Elizabeth’s brutal I’ll-never-marry-you speech, that Mr. Darcy WHISPERS something to her (which is what caused her expression/demeanor to so dramatically change)? So….does that mean I’m the only one who knows what he says??? Good grief, it took ages to decipher and is my second favorite part of the movie! Happy rewinding/playing/rewinding/playing……. ;o)
Hi Murph,
I have become so obsessed with this movie that I went looking for anything I could find about it and especially Matthew Macfadyen on the internet. I found a great MM forum on topix.net (go there and type in Matthew Macfadyen) and what he whispers has been a topic of discussion. I personally have not been able to hear it. Also there’s a great video Darcywil made to the song “My Confession” by Josh Groban that has all the good parts. Just type darcywil in the google search box and you should be able to find it. I just watched the movie again…sigh…I never get tired of it.
Thanks, Kathy; at your suggestion, I have (obsessed) visited some sites….still haven’t found what I was looking for, though (confirmation by someone else of the 7 words I am virtually positive he says)….the only reference I found was to his first word – “please…”. But thanks for pointing me in a new direction.
)
Matthew mcfadyen made the best Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. He is a great actor and can act any role. He has a beautiful voice. It is easy on the ear. The chemistry between him and Knightley was brillant. The eye contact was so well done in some of the scenes. It was a pity Matthew was not in more scenes in the movie. It was a brillant film and it is one I will watch over and over again.