Happy Jane Austen January! Lisa from Boondock Ramblings and I are hosting a month long blog event that centers around Jane Austen. Together, we are focusing on four movies, and we will be posting non-movie related content independently as the month goes on. We would love it if you participated as well! Book reviews, movie reviews, or as Joy has already posted, a post about the places that you can visit from Pride and Prejudice! You can find Lisa’s thoughts on Pride and Prejudice here.
So for this week, our movie was Pride and Prejudice, the 2005 version. When Lisa and I were discussing our movie choices back in December, we had a hard time deciding which version to choose. Our hearts wanted the mini series and Colin Firth, but when we looked at the other factors, mainly the length, we decided to go with the 2005 Keira Knightley and Matthew McFayden version instead.
I have to admit, at first I was a little bummed. I had watched the 2005 version before, but only the one time, and I couldn’t recall it too well. And I thought I remembered not being super excited about Matthew McFayden as Darcy. (Sorry Matthew) But as we lie there watching it (because I always watch these movies all snuggled up in bed, plus it was arctic cold out) I came to the realization, that I did in fact, like it very much. Just because it wasn’t my “favorite” version, doesn’t mean that it was terrible. Such growth.
For one thing, this movie is fantastically beautiful in my opinion. The shots and cinematography to me are just gorgeous. There are two scenes that stand out in my mind. The first Joy actually mentions in her post too, and thanks to her post, I have a name for where this shot was filmed! Stanage Edge, Peak District. It’s the shot where Lizzie is standing on the cliffs, and her dress is just billowing around her, and it is just so vast and unbelievable, that it is a real place. I mean my goodness. It’s so dramatic and otherworldy.
The next scene is the one where Lizzie and Darcy are dancing at the Netherfield Ball. It’s a long scene, and the particular shot I am going to refer to is about halfway in at 5 minutes, but the two pause to banter, and you see all the other dancers continue dancing around them. Time has stopped for them, in that moment it seems – and then the whole room falls away. They pick up the dance and … the shot is just them, there are no other dancers because to them, they are all that matter, even though in this scene they do not seem to like each other very much at all. They dance, the dance concludes, and everyone is back, the moment is passed. I just loved it.
I think I like Sense and Sensibility better because Lizzie and Darcy are sort of bratty. Both of them, in their own way. I mean, Pride and Prejudice, right? I did really like Charlotte; she has a good little head on her shoulders and looks at life realistically. I loved her scene where Lizzie scoffed and was mean to her about marrying Collins, but Charlotte kind of straight talked her in a scolding fashion, and it was perfect. Lizzie really needed to hear it. I think the scene sort of shows just how immature in many ways Lizzie is, as she swings about and Charlotte schools her on reality.
I also love this actress, Claudie Blackley. She plays a main character, with just as much conviction and common sense, in the show Lark Rise to Candleford.
Things happen, I won’t go into them all because, spoilers, but I think we all know how these movies end. This is the perfect Enemies to Lovers trope by the way, if you are into that. I did really love the Sixteen Candles style ending – and that iconic line, about being completely, perfectly, incandescently happy.
I am so glad that we chose to watch this one after all. I loved it far much more than I remember, and Matthew McFayden isn’t a terrible Darcy at all – and his voice, so swoony! Oh and the scene where he walks out of the mist over the meadow… that was also so swoony…
This was a great movie to watch and I felt super cozy and happy afterward. Maybe not completely, perfectly, incandescently happy, but you know, like a normal level of happy.
Next up – Emma (1996) starring Kate Beckinsale
We would love to have you link up with us with any Jane Austen-ish post you would like! You can always find my linky at the top, but here it is again.
I haven’t seen this version but I do like MacFayden and Knightly and I’m sure it is just beautiful. I think we are all Colin Firth fans, though so it’s a shift but not a bad one. I also liked the 40s version with Greer Garson as Lizzie but these just feel more accessible to contemporary audiences. This does look just lovely.
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Colin Firth will forever be my Darcy. But Matthew didn’t do too bad. 🙂 I guess he is the Darcy for the younger generation. Lol.
I should watch the 40s version as well!
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This part: “Maybe not completely, perfectly, incandescently happy, but you know, like a normal level of happy.” So, so funny.
We both liked the dance scene and didn’t even talk about it beforehand. Also funny and cool.
And yes, I love that scene with her on the cliff. I’m going to go read Joy’s post about it.
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Lol I read that in your post too and thought it was so funny we both loved that scene! It was so well done.
Yes! Joy’s post is neat!!
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It really is a cool scene. I love Joy’s posts and look forward to them and what little tidbits she will offer.
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The 2005 version is one of my favourite movies! I watched it today and I was mesmerized by the cinematography. And Matthew McFadyen is my favourite Darcy. But I do love the 1995 miniseries too!
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He is a pretty good Darcy. The cinematography is fantastic. Visually stunning movie.
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I really need an entire weekend to just watch the movies you and Lisa review! Perhaps tucked up in a nice little hotel with nothing to do but order room service and watch movies! Sounds perfect, right? I wish…
Have a wonderful weekend, Erin!
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Oh my gosh I dream about a weekend in a hotel room by myself all the time. LOL. I always tell Billy I am going to do it. He is like do it! But then I don’t.
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I LOVE the mini series and remember being down on this one the first time I saw it. But then it showed up on cable for awhile and I’d catch long stretches of it and realize that it gave me just enough of a Lizzie and Darcy kick. I’ve since gone back and watched it once or twice in its entirety. A movie that grew on me for sure, especially once I stopped expecting it to do what the mini series did.
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Yes! That is exactly how I felt. Like I poo-poo’d this version – and then with this rewatch I realized I was being a bit “prejudiced” against it, and that it actually was really good!
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I’m glad that you grew to love this movie, too. So beautiful and I really enjoy Keira Knightley in it.
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I saw this in the theater when it first came out and remember enjoying it – especially Kiera Knightly as Lizzie. Little meh on Mr. Darcy too but do agree about the dreamy voice. I will have to rewatch this one. I think I would really enjoy the Charlotte/Lizze scene now.
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