Alright, I've been pretty transparent with my most recent posts, so I'm going to admit something that I've only ever told a few people. I absolutely adore the movie Pride and Prejudice. I am man enough to admit that I enjoy romantic movies. I can appreciate absolutely any type of movie as long as it makes sense, has a solid story, and is well made in a technical sense (directing, cinematography, acting, etc). This movie delivers in spades on all accounts. At least for me. I have a group of movies that, when I'm bored, I will go back and re-watch my favorite scenes from. Some have childhood memories associated with them. Some just get me pumped with the perfectly choreographed fight scenes. And some, such as Pride and Prejudice, make me giddy like a 12 year old school girl who just got asked to the 7th grade dance by her long time crush. Let me take it step by step to explain why this movie is so incredible.
Writing/Story: I love the story. I actually have read the book as well, but luckily after I had already fallen in love with the movie. There are obviously deviations from the original story within the movie adaptation, but I approve of most all of them. There are some changes to critical lines and character interactions that attempt to add more drama, but they all made sense to create a compelling 21st century movie. The book was published in 1813; times were very very different back then, so obviously things had to be amended at least a bit.
The story is compelling though. There is a nice ebb and flow between humor, drama, and plenty of complex romantic interactions. I find seeing all of the misunderstandings and issues that arise throughout the story so enjoyable, because, although the story was written over 200 years ago, they are still the sort of stupid problems we all get ourselves into with romantic endeavors. Plenty of over-analysis, ignorant assumptions, and calculated wooing. The dialogue works in every instance. I adore well written and believable dialogue in movies and TV shows. The best part however is that the characters express themselves in the most eloquent and alluring way imaginable. Many lines are written in such a way that it sometimes takes a second to realize if they said an insult or a compliment. Plus, their British accents don't hurt either. Here is one of my favorite lines in the movie as an example of what I mean:
"And those are the words of a gentleman. From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry."
Cinematography/Acting: The movie is beautiful to look at. Every shot has beautiful sprawling landscapes of English countryside or some beautiful villa. The use of natural light is so expertly done. It creates such a genuine look that allows you to truly suspend reality and feel as though you are in the 19th century with these characters.
The casting works perfectly for each character. There aren't any Megan Foxes or Zac Efrons just thrown in to bring in the little middle school fan girls or boys. Each character looks the part and delivers perfectly with their performances. The chemistry and electricity between each character is practically palpable and is an absolute pleasure to watch.
Music: To me, the music of a movie is incredibly under-appreciated by the average movie watcher. This acute art within film making makes its mark by subtly ushering the audience into the intended emotions of a scene without being overbearing. The best music within movies goes unnoticed until later when you realize tears are welling up in your eyes or you have a stupid grin from ear to ear. It's like a soft breeze that flows through a house that you can't find the source of, but you can still feel its effect. The music in Pride and Prejudice accomplishes this beautifully in my opinion. I could listen to it without the movie and still feel the emotions within the composition. Here is my favorite song from the movie, and it's one that pops up repeatedly throughout. Dawn - Dario Marianelli
Final Words: I realize that I possess some amount of bias towards movies made in Britain, since I've long loved England. Blame it on my longtime obsessions with both Harry Potter and the English Premier League! It really is a fabulously made movie though. It didn't revolutionize the art of movie making, and it won't leave you with great philosophical questions that will cause you to toss and turn at night considering them. It is a prototypical romantic movie that differs by not falling prey to the cheesy and obvious cliches that most movies within this genre succumb to. I know this movie is not for everyone, and many wouldn't appreciate some of the subtle aspects that I do in this movie. But it still makes me happy when I go back and watch those favorite scenes of mine. So, if even one person who reads this ends up going to watch Pride and Prejudice and enjoys it half as much as I do, then this post and my admission as a closet romantic will be completely worth it.
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