Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by TAFKA Steve (A) on December 04, 2005 at 07:29:07

I admit that I laughed a lot and had a good time seeing the newest version of "Pride and Prejudice." But make no mistake, it is not at the same sublime level as the BBC miniseries version. The new version is a concession to younger viewers' modern tastes, with sexual innuendo and passionate exposition that is out of time and place. Knightley's Lizzie Bennet and especially McFayden's Darcy are way too unreserved in their expression of emotion. Colin Firth's Darcy was a much "tougher nut to crack"--and, consequently, the meat was sweeter. I also think Keira Knightley and Matthew McFayden are too good-looking to play Bennet and Darcy. I prefer Jennifer Ehle's older, wiser Lizzie Bennet. So if you've got only 2 and 1/2 hours to kill, the new version is fine. But you'd be much richer for spending 6 hours with the BBC miniseries version.