This Is My Last Pride and Prejudice Post

Last night we watched the first installment of the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice (courtesy of Netflix). Next to the film version, which I really enjoyed, it was rubbish.

Colin Firth played Mr. Darcy as a sociopath. His glowering wasn't the least bit sympathetic. Even anti-heroes need a glimpse of humanness, and this Darcy didn't possess any endearing qualities. (It didn't help that he looked utterly dorky. I don't care if sideburns are authentic, they look stupid.)

Mathew MacFadyen's Darcy was much more vulnerable, even at the height of his churlishness. I just wanted to give him a hug, and maybe a little talking to, while I found myself wanting to hurl the remote at Colin Firth. And not in a good way.

And Brenda Blethyn gave Mrs. Bennett a much more rounded personality, as well. (My daughter got up and walked out when the BBC's Mrs. Bennett first started whinging, and I can't say I blame her. I found myself reaching for the remote during her squealing.)

I also wondered why Jennifer Ehle, as Lizzie, grinned so much. I would have liked a bit more sauce, even a mysterious look or two.

So if you're one of those people who think the BBC version is the definitive Pride and Prejudice, I fear your affections have been misplaced.

Consider this an invitation: Let the Pride and Prejudice battles begin.

Although, as Jane herself said,

"One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other."

(Claire at Esprit de L'Escalier has a great review of the film version of P&P. Hers is much better than mine.)

Comments

[Vol Abroad]

I've never got the Colin Firth attraction. He's icko. He was a lousy Mr Darcy - not at all the one I had in my head. Some men can carry those authentic sideburns and look dashing - not Firth.

[Diane]

I saw the new P&P today, and it is pretty obvious where the extra scenes were added. They were in the places I kept thinking a good cut would be helpful.

Having said that, I'll add that I thought it was an excellent film. I haven't read P&P for many decades (it's on my "re-read" list, but since I can't get to my "read" list...), so I can't critique the film in terms of the book. But in terms of the general Austen attitude, it seemed to me to be a good job.

[KathyF]

Glad you liked it! I haven't read the book in a long time either, but I'm not one of those people who demand strict adherence to a novel. I even liked the Mansfield Park adaptation, which took some liberties.

[Lance Mannion]

Kathy, brave of you to admit to despising Firth's Darcy. I'd be afraid of legions of Bridget Jones fans showing up on my front lawn some night brandishing pitchforks, torches, and tar and feathers.

[Claire]

Hi Kathy--
I feel like I'm coming out of a Colin Firth-induced stupor, and I just totally agree with you about that version. I was once one that thought it was untouchable and Firth too perfect, but I know now I was wrong. I chalk it up to a bunch of school girl silliness. Perhaps this is an example of me maturing? Who knows. Thanks for the link, though.

--Claire

[KathyF]

Lance, I always thought Bridget should have gone for Hugh Grant.

Claire, I'm glad you've gotten over Colin/Darcy. Although I'd never seen it, I took it as a given that he was da man, based on all the hype.

I cancelled the Netflix queue for the next two installments I was so disappointed.

[Hannah]

Kathy, you never SAW Bridget Jones! Now that was a book they took some liberties w/ the movie version. And I've not even seen it.
MOM we had show and tell in photo-class today. We brought in things we like. It was fun!
Tell Anisha she can come.

[Hannah]

Yeah and the BBC P&P mom was REALLY stupid, and the older sister- what's her name? Whoever. She looked like the Mona Lisa all she DID was STUPIDLY grin! Yeah lots of dumb stuff. Kiera Knightly has too much eyebrows.

[KathyF]

Hannah, I did too see Bridget Jones. I was underwhelmed.

But when did you see the BBC P&P? With your other mom?

[Hsien Lei]

I know I'm here 2 years too late but HaHaHAhAHAha

For the record, I still like Colin!! :D