“Confession: I have read Pride and Prejudice about 200 times. I get lost in the language; words like thither… mischance… I’m always in agony over whether Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are really going to get together. Read it, I know you’ll love it!”
Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail
Hi, my name is Ellie, and I love Jane Austen. All Jane Austen. Even her unfinished works. It’s true … and sad … and I am sure that they have a group somewhere for people like me [sound of my husband laughing hysterically], but that’s not the point of my thoughts today.
This last week, I was watching A&E’s Pride & Prejudice and was struck again by how good it is. And how no other version can compare. My apologies, Keira.
So, why should you watch A&E’s Pride & Prejudice and not the newest adaptation?
Here are my top five complaints about the film made in 2006:
- “The A&E version is 5 hours long and takes too much time out of life which is why the 2 hour version is so much better!”: If you’re going to take the time to invest in classic British literature, do it right! 5 hours, baby! Grabbing the newer version and saying you “get it” is like buying store-bought cookies or the woman who says she was in labor for 45 whole minutes. No pain, no gain. You CAN do this!
- Mr. Darcy’s aloof quality really stems from his shyness: Nice try, Mr. Matthew MacFadyen.
Please try again. Mr. Darcy was proud and slightly prejudiced. We get a big, fat hint on this one in the title! - Mr. Bennett was a farmer: Say what? At no point is this mentioned in the book, and in fact, in Elizabeth’s great and dramatic argument with Lady Catherine in regards to her parentage, she expresses that: “In marrying your nephew [Darcy] I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter: so far we are equal.” I’d love to know who thought up the farming idea. Really.
- Mr. and Mrs. Bennett’s total want of propriety in some way stems from alcohol: Untrue. In fact, this is the cringing “I can’t look away from the train wreck!” aspect of the story.
Elizabeth’s parents are actually that embarrassing SOBER. - Wickham is in some way misunderstood and isn’t as bad as you think: Oh, he is that bad. And probably worse. This was potentially the biggest omission of the new film – the development of Mr. Wickham’s character. If the powers that be took the time to let the audience know about Wickham’s predilection for girls of 15 and their fortunes, you would not be left wondering at the distress of the family when Lydia runs away with him.
I could go on, but I’ll stop. … about Regency style and behavior, how Elizabeth wasn’t an early feminist interested in throwing off propriety, how there wasn’t an instant connection between Elizabeth and Darcy … stop it! [pulling myself together]
So, in case I haven’t mentioned it … go find the A&E version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle! 
Signed,
The Snob*
*who is neither a literary or movie critic
**my apologies for all the images … I just can’t help myself. As a matter of fact, I don’t know that there are really enough … Okay, I’m done now.
Ellie, I just watched the A&E Pride and Prejudice this last week, too! And I heartily agree that it far surpasses the 2006 adaptation. So many things frustrate me about the 2006 film, but perhaps nothing more than the point when, after Lady Catherine deBourgh visits, Elizabeth has a temper tantrum and screams to her family, “would you (all) just leave me alone for once!” I always feel like Keira stepped out of character and acted like…Keira, but certainly NOT Elizabeth Bennet. But, the music and scenery is beautiful, so it does have that going for it. Anyway, I just enjoyed your post and wanted to sympathize. Blessings sister!
And the worst part is… whenever she watches the 5-hour version of P&P (which is about once every 2-3 months), I am subjected to it as well.
Much love,
Bob
I think you meant to say, “The BEST part”…Because that movie, and the book, is fantastic. True story.
::M::
You speak truth. 🙂
Andrea, it IS so frustrating! You’re absolutely right though, the setting is beautiful! …hey, it’s even a pretty good movie on it’s own, but it just shouldn’t be called “Pride and Prejudice”. Blessings! Can’t wait to see you! I’m being asked about Joy being here every few weeks now. 🙂
Bob, wait … I don’t get to moderate your comments? Come on! 😉
Yes, you’re a wonderful guy to put up with this sort of spousal torture and yes, you undoubtedly win the A++ husband award … or a nice steak …
I’m with you as well!! Nothing compares to the A&E version. I loved the book and I loved this version. The 2-hour version was entertaining but it definitely did not do the book justice…for so many reasons!!
So…I also have to add…I cringed when I watched the whole scene with Kiera telling Darcy, her aunt, and her uncle about the letter she received from her sister. In addition to the “temper tantrum” scene after Lady Catherine’s exit, I thought this scene was very poorly portrayed. Jennifer and Colin did an excellent job with this scene. Just loved it.
And yes…I could watch this movie (and read the book) many times over and not get tired of it. That is not typical for me. Most times, once I know the ending, I have a very difficult time repeating a book or movie…but this is a wonderful exception!
And hey, Bob…consider yourself blessed! Thanks for posting, Ellie. Great read.
He SHOULD consider himself blessed, shouldn’t he? 😉 I agree with you that this is the exception to the rule. I really never tire of this story.
Oh, Ellie, you are spot on!! Thank you for this. I first saw P&P (never having even read the book) with some Wheaton friends when I was a sophomore. We got the VHS tapes from WEPL, but the fourth or fifth tape (just after Elizabeth rejects Darcy) was RUINED. And I had to wait a whole week or so before someone turned in another copy for me to borrow. I was in hysterics all week. (Ridiculous me.) I remember watching the newer version (which I was subjected to by my former roommate) and thinking, “Wait, what??” The A&E version wins out in every aspect, and how can anyone resist Colin Firth as Darcy? I mean, seriously? Thanks for posting!
P.S. I haven’t yet subjected my husband to the movie but am getting up the courage.
Saralynn, work up that courage! I’m sure your husband can handle it! 🙂
Let’s be clear: This is not a “feminine” story, it is a romantic story. And as such, respectable people from both genders should be able to appreciate it. If you’re a dude and can’t enjoy P&P, it’s not because it’s too girly, it’s because you can’t see a good story when it slaps you in the face! 🙂
That said, my affections for the BBC version are well-known. Colin Firth’s take on the character is what all imperfect men should hope to be. However, I’ve seen a few other versions and just chalk them up to being adaptations meant for different types of audiences. I don’t think the Kiera version was attempting to surpass the BBC version. There’s not enough time to go into the depth needed when you try and produce it for the fairweather johnson viewer. But it was okay for what it was.
Come on Bob. Get on board. 🙂
::M::
Haha! I think Bob’s aversion has little to do with the story (he gets sucked in every time we watch it) and more to do with how OFTEN he’s asked to watch it.
Michael, good points though. This is really much bigger/better than a “chick flick” and should be viewed as such. My only concern for the fairweather johnson versions are that some of the storyline gets flushed. (see my point on Wickham) I saw the 2006 adaptation in the theater with people who literally had no clue what the big deal was (and these weren’t stupid people). There has to be a way to convey the social/historical significance in whatever time the producers have given themselves, or it doesn’t make sense. As I said though, I’m just a snob. 🙂