Bevan, T. & Feller, E. & Webster, P. (Producers) & Wright, J. (Director). (2005). Pride and Prejudice [Motion picture]. United Kingdom: StudioCanal and Working Title Films.
Plot Summary: At the turn of the 19th century in rural England, The Bennet family is eager to make successful marriages for their five daughters. However, daughter Elizabeth is convinced that she shouldn’t marry unless compelled by true love. A wealthy bachelor, Mr. Bingley, moves to town and introduces the family to his friend, Mr. Darcy. Bingley is enchanted with her sister, Jane, while Elizabeth takes an instant dislike to Darcy. Throughout the novel, Elizabeth and Darcy spar, as Elizabeth believes Darcy has dissuaded Bingley from marrying Jane and has mistreated his own stepbrother, Wickham.
When she visits her friend’s estate, she encounters Darcy again and meets his rich snobby aunt, Lady Catherine. He pursues a greater interest in her but she rebuffs him when they argue and he insults her. Both are angry and confused. Later, Darcy gives her a letter apologizing for his misjudgment of Jane’s affection and explaining Wickham’s disgraceful behavior towards his family.
On another trip to a relatives’ estate, she encounters Darcy again and they get along more amicably as she learns more about his life. She is distraught over her younger sister’s disgrace at having run away with Wickham and later learns that Darcy sought out his stepbrother and paid for a legitimate marriage to save the Bennet family reputation. After she returns home, Bingley and Darcy visit the Bennet home again. Jane accepts Bingley’s proposal and despite Darcy’s aunt’s interference, Elizabeth accepts Darcy’s proposal. They both recognize how their own pride and prejudice have prevented them from developing their true love.
Critical Evaluation: Jane Austen is a classic book often required for high school assigned reading. This recent film adaptation of the book is sumptuous, with beautiful settings, stunning costumes and popular young actors who add an element of glamour to the story. Keira Knightley, who was nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award for her role, is sparkling as the spunky, clever and headstrong Elizabeth. The romance developed between her and Matthew Mcfadyen’s Darcy is well matched. He depicts the right amount of insecurity and arrogance that befits Darcy’s sullen character. One of the best film renditions of this novel that I have seen.
Reader’s Annotation:
Elizabeth is sure Darcy is a jerk. Darcy thinks she is beneath him. The two assume all sorts of bad things about each other, until they discover that neither one if so bad after all. In fact, they might even love each other…
Information About the Director:
Joe Wright is the director of the film. He was born in 1972 in London to theatrical parents. He started making films at a young age and studied at the Anna Scher Theatre School and Camberwell College of Arts. He received his fine art and film degee from Central St. Martins. During the 1990s, he became known for his music video productions before he made the transition to feature films. Pride and Prejudice received numerous accolades, including four Academy Award nominations and six BAFTA nominations. Wright won the BAFTA for most promising newcomer.
Genre:
Contemporary Life: Romance
Historic Novels: 19th century (1800-1820)
Curriculum Ties: English class, Book clubs, Social clubs, Filmmaking class, History class, Psychology class
Movietalking Ideas:
• The role of social class and family reputation during this era
• Elizabeth’s spirited yet sometimes defiant character
• Examples of pride and prejudice exhibited by Elizabeth and Darcy
• Filmic techniques to progress the plot and enhance the story
• Why Jane Austen is considered a classic of English literature
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 13 - adult
Challenge Issues/Defenses:
Potential Challenges: Jane Austen books are often required reading in high school curriculums as age appropriate material, so there usually isn’t challenges to the story content. But if there is anything questionable in the storyline to be challenged, it might be:
• Portrayal of a disreputable male character who elopes with a Bennet sister and damages her good reputation
• Portrayal of an improper female character who elopes with the rascal and is presumed to have engaged in premarital sex
Defense Strategy:
• Provide advisory reviews for parents about issues of this movie’s age appropriateness and content:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/Pride-Prejudice.html
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Refer to awards granted to this movie by reputable organizations:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_&_Prejudice_(2005_film)#Awards_.26_Nominations
• Provide a link to movie reviews by actual viewers on a publicly accessible website:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/#comment
Why This Book Was Included: For teens who like Jane Austen, this movie will probably confirm their interest and provide an updated interpretation of the novel. For those who might be indifferent to faded classic stories, this movie’s contemporary aspects will hold better appeal and convey Austen’s literary genius in an accessible, entertaining way.
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