Permanent links
Daily links
Journal sitefeed
Movies sitefeed
del.icio.us sitefeed
RSS
16 October 2004
Pride and Prejudice, Redux
Over the week, I watched BBC's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice yet again. It has often been said that each of us can identify with a character in Pride and Prejudice -- such is the richness of Jane Austen's work. To bring this intricate fabric of characters from a long-forgotten era into television must have indeed been a daunting and insurmountable task and that is why I am so much in awe of director Simon Langton, writer Andrew Davies and producer Sue Birtwistle who not only dared to envision this project but also overwhelmingly succeeded in achieving so rare a oneness of portrayal that it is pure enjoyment, nay bliss, to glide between the book and the adaptation endlessly back and forth with nary a jarring moment of betrayal or disappointment. I have scarcely seen such harmony in an author's vision and that of the filmmakers wishing to adapt it. But the credit is only partially theirs to take, for the onus of depicting in true colour and faith the characters of Austen under the cruel, scrutinising and harsh glare of her fans is entirely upon the cast though it must be acknowledged that even the casting is immaculate beyond conception. Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet conveys in such beautifully subtle shades how her initial revulsion for Mr. Darcy gradually transforms to the highest affections and adoration for him and Colin Firth is majestic and solemn as Mr. Darcy himself (though a trifle handsomer). Through such minute contortions in the lines of his face and the vexing of his steady brow, Firth vitalises Mr. Darcy's aura, his hurt ego and his undying love for Elizabeth. It is such a pleasure to watch two great character actors making love to each other with their glances and curtsies. Alison Steadman as Mrs. Bennet could just as well have been Mrs. Bennet brought forth mysteriously from the invisible pocket of fiction to play herself. I was determined to find fault with even a twitch that did not square with the book's rendition and miserably failed in my mission.I have not finished gushing effusively (and foppishly, I admit) about this work of perfection and have decided to post my recollections in episodes every time I revisit the series.
