Film Review: Pride & Prejudice

Director: Joe Wright

The classic book by Jane Austen has been endlessly reprised as a play and as a film, English director Joe Wright being the latest to take on the tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. The genre of period dramas is my blind spot, I have never found them particularly interesting and so have generally avoided watching them at all costs. I was implored to watch this adaptation of the classic and decided it was only fair to give it a chance and its fair to say I was right to.

The Bennet Sisters

Naturally the dialogue is of its time but doesn't generally get in the way and the acting is actually very impressive from the leads Keira Knightley who plays Elizabeth and Matthew McFadyen as the renowned Mr. Darcy. Beyond this the relationship between the Bennet sisters is genuine and fun to watch, including a turn from a young looking Carey Mulligan. The setting around the Chatsworth estate in the Peak District is beautiful culminating in an emotionally charged proposal from Mr. Darcy that is flatly refused by an angered Elizabeth over a lake.

The short timeframe for one film does mean there is a lack of depth to the entire proceedings but the film is still better at its current length than trying to squeeze out one three hour plus epic. The comparisons between McFadyen and Firth in the roles of Mr. Darcy will probably endlessly by argued but McFadyen still takes up the role well. Between the beautiful camera work and surrounding countryside along with a strong acting core, it went some way to softening my dislike for period dramas and that is saying a lot.

3/4 Enjoyable, light take on the Austen's classic