Pride and Prejudice - MGM, 1940, starring Greer Garson

[bronnyelsp]

I understand there are some people who were introduced to Austen through this film, and as a result have loved it ever since. If you are one of those people, my views may not be to your taste!

Comments

[eyelid]

I have only caught bits of that version and even in those bits I was massively put off by the portrayal of Lizzie. The lack of propriety! :o

I hate almost all Jane Austen adaptions, though. I don’t even like the BBC versions. So I may just be impossible to please.

I did like the Emma Thompson version of sense and sensibility.

[bronnyelsp]

Goodness, did you? Over 1995 P&P? Also, have you seen the 2008 BBC S&S? I actually think I like it just about as well -- each has pluses and minuses for me.

[eyelid]

you know it was so long ago that I saw S&S that I would probably want to watch it again to compare.

In general, I find the plots of the books less compelling than the writing - I mean, I like the plots, but the fun is how tongue-in-cheek she is, and how she describes people's actions in a way that completely and amusingly explains the character. So that might be part of the problem.

But also, I think a lot of her characters are subtle, and moviemakers don't like it. Like, none of them are ever going to get Fanny right in MP. They try to make her all self-assured and assertive, because they want us to like her or at least be interested. I think S&S works best for the screen because the characters AREN'T so subtle and the plot is shorter.

BBC P&P, idk, I really didn't like how they did Jane. just none of it thrilled me, honestly, idk why.