Pride and Prejudice
Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFayden, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland and Judi Dench.

Rating: 5

IS THERE a limit to the number of film adaptations that can be made of classic literature before it becomes too stale? Admittedly, of the four previous translations, two – the 1985 and 1996 versions – were straight-to-television BBC features and one – the 2003 US version – attempted a modern take on the classic Georgian story and was such an incredible failure it hardly warrants a mention here.

That leaves the 1940 classic starring Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson and this, the 2005 adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in the leading roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy.

Cards-on-the-table time – I don’t like romances and I’m not a big fan of Georgian-era English high-society films. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed Pride and Prejudice, as it addressed my major criticisms of both the aforementioned film types.

The trouble with romances is it’s plainly obvious that the couple are perfect for/madly in love with each other long before the characters are permitted by the script to do anything about it. The problem with films representing English society from several centuries ago is that, in trying to accurately represent the era, the dialogue lacks a sense of spark and the actors run through their lines with all the emotion and personality of a 15-year-old reading Shakespeare.

By cleverly casting and guiding very talented actors, and a willingness to adjust some of Jane Austin’s original writing, Director Joe Wright has created a period romance that shines above the rest. The dialogue is witty yet accurate to the period and believably portrayed. At the beginning of the film, Mr Darcy is snobbish and flat, and Elizabeth seems a little girly and ignorant, but the characters reveal more about themselves and grow on you throughout the film. Just when you desperately want them to finally get together, they do.

The supporting cast provides far more than mere period wallpaper to the story. Donald Sutherland is amusingly cynical and tired as the fatherly Mr Bennet and Brenda Blethyn is a confusing, jittery and hilarious mother to the five sisters, each of whom has a unique and thoroughly entertaining personality. Wright has brought all members of his cast to life by devoting equal attention to developing their characters.

Pride and Prejudice is well worth a look, provided you’re not a purist who will insist on the film being a paragraph-by-paragraph adaptation of the original novel. Guys, taking your girlfriend/wife to this movie will score you serious points, but don’t settle in for a discreet nap as soon as the curtains part; give it half-an-hour or so – you may be pleasantly surprised.

– PTE John Wellfare.