Romancefest 2016: Pride & Prejudice

What better way to end Romancefest 2016 than with an adaptation of a classic, Jane Austen's PRIDE & PREJUDICE. This is the 2005 movie from Joe Wright. I realize the TV movie has a big following but for Romancefest we're sticking with theatrical films. Unless I ever did a non-theatrical flick in the past in which case... I dunno. Sorry.

Joe Wright went on to make ATONEMENT, which is amazing, and then some other flicks that weren't quite as amazing, but PRIDE & PREJUDICE is basically the perfect flick: it's beautiful to look at, wonderfully acted, funny and dramatic. What more could you ask for?

The movie stars Keira Knightley as the second eldest daughter in a family of five daughters, all of whom the family matriarch (Brenda Blethyn) wants to marry off before the family patriarch (Donald Sutherland) kicks off so they can keep their hands on some property. Sounds grim, but it's not. The flick takes place at the end of the 18th century which is a change from the early 19th century of the original novel but to be honest I never would have noticed if I hadn't read some trivia.

Right around the time mom's trying to unload her daughters, several rich bachelors descend on the area, including Simon Woods and his buddy Matthew Macfadyen as the now-famous Mr. Darcy. Woods has the hots for Knightley's older sister (Rosamund Pike). Macfadyen and Knightley strike up an instant dislike for each other, trading sarcastic barbs at every opportunity.

Is PRIDE & PREJUDICE the origin of the bickering lovers? Everyone knows if two hot singles hate each other's guts at the beginning of the movie they'll be in love by the end. But did Jane Austen create that? Looks like it.

There are other potential suitors, including Rupert Friend of HOMELAND fame (what a badass) but the meat of the story is with the battle of wills between Knightley and Macfadyen.

I've already said this adaptation is beautifully shot and well acted. There's great scenery and lovely music. But it all works because of Knightley. Even though her very name conjures up visions of elegant costume dramas, here she's kind of the antithesis of the romantic lead. Yes, she's beautiful and plucky and all that kind of stuff, but Austen has not penned a typical Victorian character. Knightley is quick to share her opinions, and holds her own on screen. If you need any proof, just be aware that Judi Dench shows up as Macfadyen's formidable (and wealthy) Aunt. The moment Dench shows up, she commands the screen and there is one scene in particular in which she goes toe to toe with Knightley where you really see Knightley's power. It's not any actress who could convincingly back Dench down, and Knightley does it.

I'd say that's the best scene in the flick except for one thing. When Knightley and Macfadyen finally get together towards the end of the movie, it's one of the most beautifully realized "get together" scenes I've ever seen. Again, beautifully acted and gorgeously shot, Macfadyen approaches Knightley across the moors at sunrise, the music swells and.... well, that's what Romancefest is all about.