Pride & Prejudice (2005-film): Movie Review

This blog task is assigned by Megha Trivedi Ma'am (Department of English, MKBU).

{getToc} $title={Table of Contents} $count={false}

Pride & Prejudice is a 2005 historical romantic drama film directed by Joe Wright, in his feature directorial debut, and based on Jane Austen's 1813 novel.

Pride & Prejudice is a 2005 historical romantic drama film directed by Joe Wright, in his feature directorial debut, and based on Jane Austen's 1813 novel. Title page of the first edition, 1813

Directed by	Joe Wright
Screenplay by	Deborah Moggach
Based on	Pride and Prejudice 1813 novel by Jane Austen
Produced by	Tim Bevan Eric Fellner Paul Webster
Starring	Keira Knightley Matthew Macfadyen Brenda Blethyn Donald Sutherland Rosamund Pike Jena Malone Tom Hollander Penelope Wilton Judi Dench
Cinematography	Roman Osin
Edited by	Paul Tothill
Music by	Dario Marianelli
Production companies	Universal Pictures StudioCanal Working Title Films Scion Films
Distributed by	Focus Features (United States) Mars Distribution (France) United International Pictures (International)
Release dates	11 September 2005 (TIFF) 16 September 2005 (United Kingdom) 11 November 2005 (United States) 18 January 2006 (France)
Running time	127 minutes
Countries	United Kingdom United States France
Language	English
Budget	$28 million
Box office	$121.6 million

Pride & Prejudice (2005-film) Trailer: Click here.

1. Introduction

The 2005 film 'Pride & Prejudice,' directed by Joe Wright, offers a distinctive adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved 1813 novel. With Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy, this film introduces a fresh take on Austen’s social critique, while capturing the romantic tension and complex societal expectations central to the original text. However, as with any adaptation, Wright’s cinematic rendition takes certain liberties, distinguishing it from Austen’s narrative both in tone and execution. This review examines the thematic elements, character portrayals, and notable departures from the novel, exploring how the film reinterprets the social and emotional depth of Austen's work.

2. Thematic Analysis

2.1. Marriage, Morality, and Misconceptions

At the heart of 'Pride & Prejudice' lie the themes of marriage and social class, and these themes are faithfully retained in the film. The central question—whether marriage should be based on affection or social stability—plays out through the relationships of Elizabeth, Darcy, and the supporting cast. Mrs. Bennet’s singular focus on marrying off her daughters underscores the urgency for financial security through marriage, aligning with the social norms of Austen's time. The film brings this urgency into focus through the family’s estate, Longbourn, depicted with a “muddy hem” authenticity that enhances the portrayal of their modest, somewhat precarious, financial standing​.

Wright’s direction, along with Deborah Moggach’s screenplay, also stresses Elizabeth’s journey through misunderstanding and prejudice toward Darcy. In the film, Elizabeth’s first impression of Darcy as

“the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world”

is accentuated through dialogue and lingering camera shots that capture her frustration. Elizabeth’s eventual realization of her own prejudices, reflecting Austen’s broader commentary on self-perception, remains central to the narrative. This theme resonates across social classes, bridging the 19th-century and modern audiences who relate to the complexities of misjudgment and personal growth.

3. Character Development and Performances

3.1. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy

Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet captures her character’s wit and independence, embodying Austen’s “fearless, strong-minded” heroine​. This Elizabeth is spirited, charming, and unapologetically opinionated, often confronting societal expectations with her wit and intelligence. Knightley’s nuanced performance emphasizes Elizabeth’s emotional transformation, making her love for Darcy emerge as a balance between pride and vulnerability.

Macfadyen’s Darcy contrasts with the more traditionally aloof interpretations. His portrayal is one of internal struggle; Darcy’s reserve and haughty exterior gradually dissolve, revealing genuine kindness and affection. This softer portrayal humanizes Darcy, aligning with Wright’s vision of a more accessible, empathetic male protagonist. Particularly memorable is Darcy’s “hand flex” gesture—a subtle but powerful indication of suppressed desire and respect—during a carriage scene with Elizabeth, a cinematic touch that highlights Darcy’s emotional restraint and vulnerability.

3.2. Supporting Characters and Ensemble Performance

Wright’s adaptation also shines in its treatment of secondary characters, each contributing to the film’s social commentary. Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet infuses humor into the character’s single-minded pursuit of advantageous marriages for her daughters, while Donald Sutherland’s Mr. Bennet offers a balance of wit and gentleness, underscoring his role as Elizabeth’s emotional anchor. Tom Hollander’s Mr. Collins epitomizes Austen’s satirical take on clerical ambition, and Judi Dench’s formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh adds gravity to the plot’s social dynamics, her disapproval of Elizabeth’s “inferior” rank highlighting the rigid class structures of the time.

4. Cinematic Elements

4.1. Cinematography and Set Design

Roman Osin’s cinematography immerses viewers in the English countryside, contrasting the serene, natural beauty of Pemberley with the more modest Longbourn. This visual juxtaposition subtly reinforces the social divide between the Bennets and the Darcys. The use of extended shots, such as the sweeping scene at the Netherfield ball, brings a visceral energy to social gatherings, emphasizing the constraints and heightened emotions inherent to Austen’s world.

Furthermore, the natural lighting and muted colors enhance the film’s romantic yet grounded atmosphere. Wright’s decision to avoid overly polished Regency aesthetics creates a raw and immediate feel that aligns with the Bennet family’s rural lifestyle, grounding the story’s social realism while preserving its romantic undertones.

4.2. Music and Score

Dario Marianelli’s score, with its rich piano compositions, serves as an emotional undercurrent that amplifies the narrative’s romantic tension. The music aligns closely with the character arcs of Elizabeth and Darcy, often creating a dialogue between their evolving feelings. For instance, the iconic piece “Dawn” plays during Elizabeth’s visit to Pemberley, heightening the awe and newfound admiration she feels for Darcy, subtly shifting her perceptions through music’s evocative power.

5. Comparison with the Novel

5.1. Plot Alterations and Character Adjustments

While Moggach’s screenplay remains largely faithful to the novel, the film condenses certain plot points and reimagines character dynamics. Notably, Wright chose to set the film in the late 18th century instead of Austen’s Regency-era setting, adding elements reflective of that period’s rustic aesthetic and class anxieties. One prominent change is the omission of certain subplots, such as Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s extended role, which reduces some of the social and familial context but keeps the focus firmly on Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance.

Another significant alteration involves the portrayal of Elizabeth and Darcy’s proposal scenes. The first, conducted in a rain-soaked gazebo, deviates from Austen’s restrained drawing-room setting but intensifies the emotional confrontation between the characters. This change emphasizes the rawness of Darcy’s proposal, highlighting the unresolved tension and misunderstandings that have plagued their interactions thus far.

5.2. Strengthening or Diminishing Austen’s Themes?

Wright’s adaptation makes Austen’s themes more accessible, though sometimes at the expense of the novel’s subtlety. The film heightens Elizabeth’s “modern” qualities, potentially sacrificing the nuanced social critique in favor of a more universal romantic appeal. For instance, the boldness with which Elizabeth rejects Lady Catherine may appear more fitting for a 21st-century audience than for a character deeply enmeshed in 19th-century social codes. Yet, this portrayal serves as an empowering moment for contemporary viewers, demonstrating Elizabeth’s independence and commitment to personal integrity.

6. The Legacy of Austen and Adaptation Choices

6.1. Honoring Austen’s Cultural Significance

Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice' endures as a seminal exploration of class, gender roles, and personal growth. Wright’s film honors this legacy by reimagining these themes within a visual medium, allowing viewers to witness the complexity of social interactions and evolving identities. Wright aimed to reach younger audiences by incorporating relatable, emotionally resonant moments, such as Darcy’s vulnerability and Elizabeth’s intellectual assertiveness.

6.2. A Cultural Shift in Romantic Cinema

Pride and Prejudice is a six-episode 1995 British television drama, adapted by Andrew Davies

In contrast to the faithful 1995 BBC miniseries, which offered a more detailed and “clean Regency” depiction, the 2005 film provides a less restrained portrayal that speaks to contemporary sensibilities. By emphasizing realism, raw emotions, and naturalistic settings, Wright’s adaptation redefines the “heritage film” genre, infusing it with youthful energy and intensity that resonate beyond the confines of Austen’s original readership​.

7. Conclusion

The 2005 film 'Pride & Prejudice' invites viewers into an emotive, visually captivating world that remains true to Austen’s core themes of love, class, and self-awareness. While Joe Wright’s interpretation takes certain liberties, it also revitalizes Austen’s characters for a modern audience, offering a version of Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance that feels immediate and accessible. Though some critics argue that these changes oversimplify Austen’s social critique, the film’s emotional depth and aesthetic innovation have solidified its place in the cultural legacy of 'Pride and Prejudice.' For audiences old and new, Wright’s adaptation bridges the 19th-century narrative with present-day ideals, embodying the enduring appeal of Austen’s insights into human nature and societal expectations.

Movie Clips

Click here to watch the full playlist of Pride & Prejudice movie clips.

References

1. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Project Gutenberg, 2024, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1342/pg1342-images.html.

2. Grandi, Roberta. “The Passion Translated: Literary and Cinematic Rhetoric in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (2005).” Literature/Film Quarterly, vol. 36, 1, 2008, pp. 45–51. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/43797397.

3. Neckles, Christina. “Spatial Anxiety: Adapting the Social Space of ‘Pride and Prejudice.’” Literature/Film Quarterly, vol. 40, 1, 2012, pp. 30–45. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/43798812.

4. Pride and Prejudice. Directed by Joe Wright, Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Working Title Films, Scion Films, 2005.

Thank you!