Pride and Prejudice

[fujiko1601]

This is probably the most popular of Jane Austen's novels and I'm unoriginal enough to favour it to the others. So it happened that I saw four different versions (two series and two movies) and read the book. I don't know how I'll ever manage to fit it all in one post, but I'll try

Comments

[hungrytiger11]

I really like the format in which you presented all this information, and am likewise very impressed that you did go and watch all those different versions too!

It does seem strange that Bridget Jones (which is to P&P as clueless is to Emma, tht is a modern remake) would be mentioned on the backcover of one of the greatest piece of literature of all time.

I mostly agree with you too on all the movies. Normally, I actually really like Golden Age Hollywood films. However, period dramas with love stories, with the possible exception of Gone With the Wind, is not their strong point. I find the musicals or screwball comedies, or war stories or noir films are much better than their horror or period films. And the 1940's P&P didn't even have the correct period of clothing

[fujiko1601]

Wow, three comments from you. I'll try to answer one at the time. I'm glad you liked the format, I was afraid it will get tedious after a while

[hungrytiger11]

Um, I'm just going to spam comment you because I love talking about Austen.

For some reason she (Mrs. Bennett inteh 2005 version) is shown more than once sitting somewhere her legs dangling over the edge I noticed this too! The commentary for the movie sort of explains this. It is essentially the same reason they seem so much like a family in the 2005 movie. The director and cast worked very hard to make it seem like they lived there and lived in those clothes, rather than the sometimes stiff feeling some period pieces had

[fujiko1601]

I'm glad to see how much thought they put into such scenes even if her dangling feet were funny

[hungrytiger11]

Ramsgate did not seem to affect the 2005 Georgia much; you are right. And really, that would affect a person.

Sorry I misunderstood about Lady Catherine!

There were too many people, I think at these balls. They ate with 24 families (and, persumably these families would likely have a number of kids though whether all of them being of an age to go into society is small). It was strange. I thought all the people wearing just white at the 2005 Netherfield ball was strange too. I guess they could just say something in a invitation, but clothes were expensive then! Seems weird.

[hungrytiger11]

Wow, you really can tell, even though it is a period drama, when all the movies were made, just by the costumes! The 1940 version looks like a strange hybreed of 1850s, 1900s and 1940. The 2005 version, as I mentioned before, was actually set in the 1790s, which accounts for some of the differents, specifically the hairstyles and the lower waists. The director chose that time because it was A) Austen wrote the first version of the novel and B) he felt that the lower waists of that era were more flattering to women. You will notice in that version Miss Bingely is very fashion-foward as she is the only one to regularly where the high waist, though a few other have them at Bingley's ball. The men all have longer hair, and Lady C, as mentioned before, is wearing things fashionable in an earlier time. Technically, then, the 2005 is set before the regency (which started when the King was declared unable to rule due to being mad and the prince regent was given the power to rule). The 1980s and 1995 look the most like the regency/turn of the

[fujiko1601]

he felt that the lower waists of that era were more flattering to women and here is the reason you can so easily tell. Gorgeous period dress I guess. Have you noticed that in 1980 women have more of this fuzzy look to their hair which 1980s loved and 1995 has definite curls? Both versions try to depict similar era yet so many 1980 dresses look ugly in modern eyes and the 1995 ones much prettier.

Ramble away, I'm glad you are enthusiastic about it. Don't mind the icon, I'm not bored with you. XD

[helike]

You can call me a prejudiced person, but... I like 1995 version the most. I only saw two versions (1995 and 2005), but the latter is nowhere near to 1995 version. Nice comedy in some moments, but nothing more.

[fujiko1601]

You are a prejudiced person. :P

Some comedy and some interesting atmosphere, but sadly no 'pride and prejudice'. 1940 was very off. 1980 was faithful to the book, but came off dry and reserved and made the main leads unlikeable to me, so there really is no competition for which version is the best. :)

Don't mind the icon. I'm not bored with you.