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Tag Archives: pride and prejudice
The Cast of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – 1995 vs 2005 (The Bingleys and the Darcys)
I love the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie staring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen so much that it took me a while to warm up to the 1995 TV series starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. Now, I’ll have to say I love both equally.
In a previous blog entry, I compared the performances of the 1995 and 2005 cast for the Bennet family and chose the ones I liked better. I kept a tally (which I will continue here) to see which adaptation wins for me in terms of individual cast performances.The final tally for the Bennets showed 3 votes for 2005 (Jane, Lizzie and Kitty Bennet) and 4 votes for 1995 (Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Mary and Lydia Bennet). Now, I will move on to the Bingleys and the Darcys, and will keep the running tally as well to include the Bennets.
CAROLINE BINGLEY
Anna Chancellor (1995) vs Kelly Reilly (2005)
I got distracted watching Kelly Reilly because I kept trying to remember where I saw her before (I checked IMDB afterwards and found out that she was Mary Morstan in the latest Sherlock Holmes movie). My only problem with her is that I thought she was a little too openly mean, which makes it very obvious for anyone who’s watching that she detests the Bennets. Anna Chancellor was a bit more sly.
TALLY for Bingleys/Darcys – 2005: 0, 1995: 1
RUNNING TALLY (including Bennets) – 2005: 3, 1995: 5
CHARLES BINGLEY
Crispin Bonham-Carter (1995) vs Simon Woods (2005)
I liked both of them a lot, but I felt that Simon Woods’ Mr. Bingley felt rather flat to me (though he is more handsome). To be fair, there wasn’t enough time to flesh him out in the span of two hours of course, so this is not his fault. I really really liked the scene where he is practicing his proposal with Mr. Darcy, especially when he bowed to Mr. Darcy and said, “Miss Bennet” and Mr. Darcy bowed back and replied, “Mr. Bingley.” Despite this, I still thought that Crispin Bonham-Carter did a better job.
TALLY for Bingleys/Darcys – 2005: 0, 1995: 2
RUNNING TALLY (including Bennets) – 2005: 3, 1995: 6
GEORGINA DARCY
Emilia Fox (1995) vs Tamzin Merchant (2005)
Tamzin Merchant wins this one for me without a doubt for three reasons: first, she looked like she’s really 15 (the age of Georgina Darcy) while I thought Emilia Fox looked older; second, she showed personality and life, even though she had probably less than 5 minutes of screen time; and third, she did her own piano playing – and she’s really good. I wish I could play “Georgiana” on the piano(forte) too.
TALLY for Bingleys/Darcys – 2005: 1, 1995: 2
RUNNING TALLY (including Bennets) – 2005: 4, 1995: 6
FITZWILLIAM DARCY
Colin Firth (1995) vs Matthew MacFadyen (2005)
This is definitely the hardest one I had to judge. I know that one of the criticisms for Matthew MacFadyen’s portrayal was that his Mr. Darcy was too mopey and had very limited facial expressions, but then we must consider that the movie only spanned two hours, which is considerably less time to flesh out the character as compared to what Colin Firth was able to do in six hours. I do think that Colin Firth is a genius and he was able to really portray the agony of Mr. Darcy. However, though I liked both of their performances very much, I will have to give this to Matthew MacFadyen mainly because of his intensity in the proposal scene in the rain.
TALLY for Bingleys/Darcys – 2005: 2, 1995: 2
RUNNING TALLY (including Bennets) – 2005: 5, 1995: 6
As a summary, I liked the 1995 Bingleys and the 2005 Darcys, so we end with a tie. However, since the 1995 was one vote ahead of the 2005 for the Bennets, the 1995 is still currently in the lead in my running tally.
The Cast of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – 1995 vs 2005 (The Bennets)
Like a lot of people, I saw the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie before I saw the 1995 adaptation. Since I was so blown away by the 2005 movie, it took me a while to begin appreciating the 1995 TV series. Now I love both – the 2005 movie for its unbelievable soundtrack (I’m currently learning to play “Dawn” on the piano) and breathtaking cinematography, as well as the intense chemistry between Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew MacFadyen’s Mr. Darcy; and the 1995 TV series for its length (6 hours! quite enough to bring to life a lot more of the story) and faithfulness to the novel.
In this blog entry, I will try to compare the performances of the cast, and pick the one I liked better. Since there are so many of them, I will start with the family from Longbourn, the Bennet family.
MR. BENNET
Benjamin Whitrow (1995) vs Donald Sutherland (2005)
Much as I like Donald Sutherland as an actor, I think Benjamin Whitrow was able to capture the crustiness of the character in general. But there was one line by Donald Sutherland that I particularly loved. This was when he said, “How happy for you, Mr. Collins, to possess the talent of flattering with such (pause) delicacy.”
TALLY – 2005: 0, 1995: 1
MRS. BENNET
Alison Steadman (1995) vs Brenda Blethyn (2005)
They were both able to portray the cringe-enducing character of Mrs. Bennet, but I prefer Alison Steadman because she was shriller and a lot more over the top and ridiculous, adding a bit of comic relief.
TALLY – 2005: 0, 1995: 2
JANE BENNET
Susannah Harker (1995) vs Rosamund Pike (2005)
I thought Susannah Harker looked a little too old to play the part of the lovely Jane Bennet. I also thought she was a little too passive and beatific, so I guess it’s safe to say Rosamund Pike wins it for me. She was not only incredibly lovely, she was also very composed and kind.
TALLY – 2005: 1, 1995: 2
ELIZABETH BENNET
Jennifer Ehle (1995) vs Keira Knightley (2005)
This was the easiest choice for me. At first, I couldn’t get myself to watch the 1995 adaptation because Jennifer Ehle did not meet my idea of Lizzie – except for her dark hair. She was, once more, a little too old and a little too smiley for my taste. And I got distracted by the fact that she had a resemblance to Meryl Streep. I’m sorry. I guess it’s just that I thought Keira Knightley played the role of Lizzie extremely well.
TALLY – 2005: 2, 1995: 2
MARY BENNET
Lucy Briers (1995) vs Talulah Riley (2005)
Both of them didn’t have much screen time, but I’m going for Lucy Briers because she was more plain-looking and had more of a touch of conceit about her accomplishments and wisdom. I actually thought that Talulah Riley was quite pretty and had a nice voice.
TALLY – 2005: 2, 1995: 3
KITTY BENNET
Polly Maberly (1995) vs Carey Mulligan (2005)
This is a very tough call for me since both didn’t have much screen time either. However, I particularly liked Carey Mulligan’s highly excited plea to Mr. Bingley – “Oh, do have a ball!” – when she went with her mother and sisters to Netherfield. Just for that line alone, I’ll have to choose Carey Mulligan though I really liked Polly Maberly as well.
TALLY – 2005: 3, 1995: 3
LYDIA BENNET
Julia Sawalha (1995) vs Jena Malone (2005)
So the tie-breaker goes to the youngest Bennet. This is another tough call for me because I thought they were both sufficiently irritating and insufferable. The only problem was that I was quite distracted trying to remember where I saw Jena Malone before (it was “The Ruins,” as I found out later on by checking IMDB). I loved Jena Malone’s evident silliness when she said excitedly, “Officers! As far as the eye can see!” However, I would give this win to Julia Sawalha simply for the scene where she was seductively rubbing Mr. Wickham’s back with her toe.
FINAL TALLY – 2005: 3, 1995: 4
For the cast of the Bennet family, the 1995 adaptation wins!
My Favorite Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Scenes from Pride and Prejudice (Part 2 of 2)
My favorite movie at the moment is the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice directed by Joe Wright. I’ve only seen this movie for the first time more than a week ago (11 June 2010 to be exact) but have since watched it more than 15 times. Here is the second part of my list of top 10 favorite Mr. Darcy and Lizzie scenes in reverse order. Check out the first part here.
# 5 – Proposal at dawn
Though this must be the top favorite of a lot of Pride and Prejudice fans (after all, this was the proposal where Lizzie finally said yes), there are scenes that I enjoyed more. Of course, it’s quite hard to refuse a slightly disheveled looking Mr. Darcy saying “You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.” though I’m not even sure if that was a stutter or if he was repeating himself for emphasis. But it was so lovely all the same, and such a perfect way to end the story.
# 4 – And so he smiles.
How can I not love the only scene where Mr. Darcy actually smiles? While Georgiana is playing so well on the pianoforte, Lizzie and the Gardiners arrive. Mr. Darcy seemed much more relaxed and open than we’ve ever seen him before, which is either because of the presence of his sister, or his growing love for Lizzie, or probably a combination of both. I particularly love how proud he seemed to be of his brother, and how so many smiling looks were exchanged between Mr. Darcy and Georgiana, Mr. Darcy and Lizzie, and Georgiana and Lizzie. Such a nice happy family-to-be.
# 3 – The most awkward call of all time
While Lizzie is settled down alone at the Collins, Mr. Darcy storms in and stands fidgeting, looking most awkward and out of his depth. He glances around with a slightly panicked expression on his face, and when it was quite obvious that Lizzie was waiting for him to say something, the only thing he could come up with is, “This is a charming home.” When he hears the arrival of Mrs. Collins, he hurriedly departs with the words, “It’s been a pleasure.” We echo Charlotte’s astonishment when she asked, “What on earth did you to do to poor Mr. Darcy?” and Lizzie replies with equal astonishment, “I have no idea.”
# 2 – Surprise, surprise
Lizzie is visiting Pemberly with her Aunt and Uncle, and she strays away accidentantally and spies Georgina in a room, playing on the pianoforte. This is interrupted by the sudden arrival of her brother, Mr. Darcy, who looks up and sees Lizzie. She tries to run, much embarassed by having been seen by Mr. Darcy in his own estate. He follows her, quite obviously very surprised (though pleased) to see her. His demeanor has already changed much from his stiff and formal attitude before, and you could see how he wanted to stay there talking to her for a longer time. However, she hurries off and turns down his offer to see her back to the village.
# 1 – “I love you. Most ardently.” (a.k.a. the trainwreck proposal)
Without a doubt, this is my favorite scene in the entire movie. Mr. Darcy proposes to Lizzie in the rain by saying that he loves her most ardently, and yet unwittingly insults her in the process. I love this intense scene so much that I better just transcribe the whole conversation here:
Mr. Darcy: Miss Elizabeth. I have struggled in vain and I can bear it no longer. These past months have been a torment. I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you… I had to see you. I have fought against my better judgment, my family’s expectations, the inferiority of your birth by rank and circumstance. These things I am willing to put aside and ask you to end my agony.
Lizzie: I don’t understand.
Mr. Darcy: I love you. Most ardently. Please do me the honor of accepting my hand.
Lizzie: (after a pause) Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through, and I am very sorry to have caused you pain. Believe me, it was unconsciously done.
Mr. Darcy: Is this your reply?
Lizzie: Yes, sir.
Mr. Darcy: Are you… are you laughing at me?
Lizzie: No.
Mr. Darcy: Are you rejecting me?
Lizzie: I’m sure that the feelings which, as you’ve told me have hindered your regard, will help you in overcoming it.
Mr. Darcy: Might I ask why, with so little endeavor at civility, I am thus repulsed?
Lizzie: And I might as well enquire why, with so evident a design of insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your better judgment.
Mr. Darcy: No, believe me, I…
Lizzie: If I was uncivil, then that is some excuse. But I have other reasons, you know I have.
Mr. Darcy: What reasons?
Lizzie: Do you think anything might tempt me to accept the man who has ruined, perhaps forever, the happiness of a most beloved sister? Do you deny it, Mr. Darcy? That you separated a young couple who loved each other, exposing your friend to the censure of the world for caprice and my sister to its derision for disappointed hopes, involving them both in misery of the acutest kind?
Mr. Darcy: I do not deny it.
Lizzie: How could you do it?
Mr. Darcy: Because I believed your sister indifferent.
Lizzie: Indifferent?
Mr. Darcy: I watched them most carefully and realized his attachment was deeper than hers.
Lizzie: That’s because she’s shy!
Mr. Darcy: Bingley too is modest and was persuaded she didn’t feel strongly.
Lizzie: Because you suggested it!
Mr. Darcy: I did it for his own good!
Lizzie: My sister hardly shows her true feelings to me. (silence) I suppose you suspect that his… his fortune had some bearing…
Mr. Darcy: No, believe me I wouldn’t do your sister the dishonour, though it was suggested…
Lizzie: What was?
Mr. Darcy: (after a pause) It was made perfectly clear an advantageous marriage…
Lizzie: (enraged) Did my sister give that impression?
Mr. Darcy: No, no! No, there was, however, I have to admit, the matter of your family…
Lizzie: Our want of connection? Mr. Bingley didn’t seem to vex himself about that…
Mr. Darcy: No, it was more than that.
Lizzie: How, sir?
Mr. Darcy: It was the lack of propriety shown by your mother, your three younger sisters, and even, on occasion, your father. (thunderclaps are heard, Lizzie is obviously hurt) Forgive me. You and your sister I must exclude from this.
Lizzie: And what about Mr. Wickham?
Mr. Darcy: (moves closer) Mr. Wickham?
Lizzie: What excuse can you give your… your behavior towards him?
Mr. Darcy: You take an eager interest in that gentleman’s affairs.
Lizzie: He told of his misfortunes…
Mr. Darcy: Oh yes, his misfortunes have been very great indeed.
Lizzie: You ruined his chances and then you treat him with sarcasm.
Mr. Darcy: So this is your opinon of me? Thank you for explaining so fully. Perhaps these offences might have been overlooked had not your pride been hurt…
Lizzie: My pride?!
Mr. Darcy: …by my honesty in admitting scruples about our relationship. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your circumstances?
Lizzie: 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.
Mr. Darcy: (leans in, looks at Lizzie for a long time as if about to kiss her) Forgive me, madam, for taking up so much of your time.
My Favorite Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Scenes from Pride and Prejudice (Part 1 of 2)
My favorite movie at the moment is the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice directed by Joe Wright. I’ve only seen this movie for the first time more than a week ago (11 June 2010 to be exact) but have since watched it more than 15 times. Here is the first part of my list of top 10 favorite Mr. Darcy and Lizzie scenes in reverse order. Check out the second part here.
# 10 – Barely tolerable
This is the scene where Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were talking to Mrs. Bennet, Jane and Lizzie in the ball. In passing, Lizzie mentioned that poetry had the power to drive away love, to which Mr. Darcy replied, “I thought that poetry was the food of love.” Lizzie replied that it may be the case if it’s a “fine stout love,” but not if it is merely a “vague inclination,” at which point a poor sonnet can be counted upon to kill it outright. Mr. Darcy replied, “So what do you recommend to encourage affection?” probably unconsciously planning to file the information for future reference, should he wish to encourage Lizzie’s affection. Lizzie quickly replied: “Dancing. Even if one’s partner is barely tolerable.” then stalked off. This must have suprised him since it shows that she heard his earlier comment that she was “barely tolerable,” and she had the guts to call him to it.
# 9 – No false modesty here
This is the scene where Lizzie is playing piano rather poorly, and Mr. Darcy walks towards the piano to watch her. Lizzie says, “You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all your state to hear me, but I won’t be alarmed even if your sister does play so well.” To which Mr. Darcy replied, “I am well enough acquainted with you, Miss Elizabeth, to know that I cannot alarm you, even should I wish it.” I love his look filled with subdued longing after their full exchange, as he gazes at Lizzie.
# 8 – May I have the next dance?
Charlotte and Lizzie are chatting cheerfully, when they are suddenly accosted by the always formal Mr. Darcy, who gravely asked, “Miss Elizabeth, may I have the next dance?” To which Lizzie replied in an equally formal tone, “You may.” Mr. Darcy gives a slight bow before walking off. If you didn’t know that he was already in love with her at that point, you would think he was the most difficult man to get along with.
# 7 – Electrified
Lizzie curtsies stiffly at Mr. Darcy, then bestows a friendly smile and curtsy to Mr. Bingley before she climbs the carriage on the way home. Unexpectedly, it is Mr. Darcy who helps her up, and after exchanging a fleeting look, we get a close up of Mr. Darcy’s hand, which looked as if it was electrified by the touch of Lizzie’s hand.
# 6 – A world of their own
The first time they danced (and their conversation) was so intense that it was as if they were on a world (or on a hallway) on their own. Of course, there are still such witty conversation such as Mr. Darcy asking Lizzie, “Do you talk, as a rule, while dancing?” and Lizzie replying, “No… No, I prefer to be unsociable and taciturn… Makes it all so much more enjoyable, don’t you think? ”
Complete Song List from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
This is the most difficult song list I’ve ever tried to make, since the soundtrack contained instrumental music. I had to really familiarize myself with the melodies before I could begin making the list.
1. DAWN (track 1)
– Played at the beginning of the movie while the opening credits are showing. Lizzie is walking home and we first get a glimpse of the Bennet’s household (with Mary conveniently playing on the piano).
2. MERYTOWN HALL (track 4)
– Played during the ball, with Kitty and Lydia dancing while Jane, Lizzie and Charlotte were chatting. The song suddenly stops midway at the entrance of Mr. Bingley, Ms. Bingley and of course, Mr. Darcy, and resumes once they are at the other end of the hall.
3. ANOTHER DANCE (track 11)
– Played during the same ball while Jane and Mr. Bingley were dancing.
4. STARS AND BUTTERFLIES (track 2)
– Played while Lizzie was walking to Netherfield to visit Jane.
5. THE MILITIA MARCHES IN (track 5)
– Played while Lydia, Kitty and Mrs. Bennet were watching the officers marching into Merytown.
6. ARRIVAL AT NETHERFIELD (track 7)
– Played while the Bennets are preparing for the ball at Netherfield until they get there.
7. CAN’T SLOW DOWN (track 14)
– Played while Lizzie is dancing with Mr. Collins.
8. A POSTCARD TO HENRY PURCELL (track 8)
– Played in the very intense scene where Lizzie is dancing with Mr. Darcy.
9. LEAVING NETHERFIELD (track 10)
– Played while Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy were, well, what else… leaving Netherfield.
10. THE SECRET LIFE OF DAYDREAMS (track 12)
– Played while Lizzie is on the swing after Charlotte just told her that she was engaged to Mr. Collins, until Lizzie arrived for a visit to the newlyweds.
11. DARCY’S LETTER (track 13)
– Played when Lizzie first found out (at church) that Mr. Darcy was responsible for separating Mr. Bingley and her sister Jane, until the scene where she is running on the bridge, soon to be followed by Mr. Darcy in what has now become the famous proposal scene in the rain. After the proposal, the second part of Darcy’s Letter plays again when Mr. Darcy came over to give his letter of explanation to Lizzie. It is once more played when Lizzie and the Gardiners are on the way home after finding out about Lydia running away with Mr. Wickham (or was it “Your Hands Are Cold”?).
12. LIZ ON TOP OF THE WORLD (track 9)
– Played in the glorious shot of Lizzie standing on the cliff, looking at her surroundings, while she is traveling with the Gardiners.
13. THE LIVING SCULPTURES OF PEMBERLY (track 3)
– Played when Lizzie and the Gardiners were inside the Pemberly estate.
14. GEORGIANA (track 6)
– Played while Georgiana and Mr. Darcy are waiting for Lizzie and the Gardiners to arrive. It was also played in the hilarious scene where Mr. Bingley is practicing his proposal with Mr. Darcy.
15. YOUR HANDS ARE COLD (track 15)
– Played when Mr. Darcy proposed once more to Lizzie at dawn in the meadow.
16. MRS. DARCY (track 16)
– Played while Mr. Darcy and Lizzie went to talk to Mr. Bennet about their plans to get married.
17. CREDITS (track 17)
– Played during (where else?) closing credits.
Sunny Feels 