Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
. I guess, I should say, you've read it if you're female.This is not one of my favorite books (let the flogging begin) but there's no escaping that it's a very popular story. You would think for all the hoopla about this book, it would have been made into a movie at least 400 times by now. But, really there have been only two major makings of this film. The first is, of course, the BBC mini-series
from 1995 and the second is the Kiera Knightley version
from 2005. If you are LDS (as I am) you probably also saw the LDS version in 2003 (because in today's world, only Mormon kids could think they are practically engaged after only meeting a few times!)For comparison's sake, I am only going to focus on the first two; the BBC mini-series and the Keira Knightley version. The LDS version is 1) less popular and therefore not likely to engender much discussion and 2) set in today's environment, thus the characters had to change accordingly, making an unfair comparison.
There's a popular saying that "I blame Mr. Darcy for my impossibly high standards in men" and I know a LOT of women hold Mr. Darcy in very high regard. He was played in 1995 by the ineffable Colin Firth and then in 2005 by Matthew Macfadyen.
I know that I am going to take a lot of flack for this, but Colin Firth's entire performance looks exactly like this:
Although, Matthew Macfadyen's performace seems to be entirely based upon this image:
And this scene:
OK, I'll be honest. That scene is biggie. You almost can't lose with that, right?
Almost.
However, I do have a problem in general with Macfadyen's costume and appearance in this film. The hair? Ugh. The strangely clothed, um, nether region. (oh, please, with that kind of draping, everybody notices it). He feels kind of hopeless in this movie. Like Elizabeth is going to spend the rest of forever trying to comb his hair out of his eyes or get him to button his shirt properly.
And, you have to give Colin Firth a little bit of credit for playing not only this Mr. Darcy:
|
| Not kidding- his only facial expression. |
but this Mr. Darcy, as well:
Back to Matthew Macfadyen, he won one award (Character and Morality in Entertainment*) and was nominated for another (Best British Newcomer) for this role.
Colin Firth was nominated for two awards (BAFTA and UK TV) and won another (Broadcasting Press) turn as Mr. Darcy.
I think that comes down to Colin Firth winning. That can't be right. One facial expression, and he wins? OK, you tell me. Who wins? Your votes will decide the winner of this weekend's showdown.
*Um, how cool is it that they give awards for Character and Morality?
Agree? Disagree? Post your thoughts in the comments?
Images: Google Images
