‘Pride and Prejudice’ Movie Review (2005)

When it comes to Jane Austen there are people out there that just don’t feel as if it is material that should be messed with in any way, shape or form. Fortunately, I have never read a Jane Austen novel or even seen a single adaptation of her works… until now. Pride and Prejudice is a magnificent story and this film is equally impressive.

I went into this screening knowing full well Focus already had intentions of pushing Keira Knightley for a Best Actress nomination for her role as Elizabeth Bennet and based on Keira’s body of work and performances as of late, such as Domino and The Jacket, I didn’t see how a nomination could be possible. While I still don’t think this will be her year for a nod, this is certainly her best work to date, but this movie is so much more than an appreciation of Knightley as an actress. This is an ensemble film that fits the bill at every turn.

Pride and Prejudice is a class-conscious romance pitting a world of royalty amongst a world looking for a better way of life. At the center of the story is the Bennet family, most importantly the merry band of sisters that make up the bunch. Obviously the most telling of the bunch is Lizzie (Keira Knightley) then you have the lovely Jane (Rosamund Pike), Lydia (Jena Malone), Mary (Talulah Riley) and Kitty (Carey Mulligan). All of these actresses turn in excellent performances along with Knightley and most notably those of Rosamund Pike and Jena Malone. These two actresses embody their characters with the grace, bite and flavor necessary to create a world of conflicting emotions and ideals, all wrapped up in one chaotic family.

At the head of the table is Mr. Bennet played by Donald Sutherland, whose role is limited in screen time, but not in power. Father Bennet is trying his best to make it in a family of five daughters and a tenacious mother (Brenda Blethyn) and he holds up his end magnificently as the rock keeping the family together as his wife anxiously awaits appropriate suitors to marry her daughters.

The gentlemen coming to the door are led by most importantly Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) who may not appear as the pretty, boy band type of character expected to play the role, but that is what makes it so great. Director Joe Wright made a point to cast actors he felt fit their respective roles as opposed to casting only beautiful people you may see gracing magazine covers. For instance he almost didn’t cast Keira because he felt she may be too beautiful for the role, and while her beauty is undeniable, it is also undeniable that he made the right choice in keeping her.

Pride and Prejudice is a romance at heart, but it is also an excellent example of intelligent filmmaking. While there are the moments you expect with the ever lasting kiss and the fateful knock at the door, the dialogue elevates it above a traditional romance and I hope Austen fans will be proud at every turn.

GRADE: B+

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