Pride and Prejudice: 1995 vs. 2005 Adaptations
- David Sanchez
- Sep 1, 2014
- 2 min read
The Great Debate among Pride and Prejudice fans is over which on-screen adaptation is better--the 1995 BBC TV movie starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, or the 2005 Hollywood film production starring Keira Knightley and Mathew Macfadyen. But my question is, why choose? I adore both adaptations equally, but for different reasons. The 1995 version is, without a doubt, the more accurate of the two. In fact, it is one of the most accurate book-to-movie adaptations I have ever witnessed. I especially love the accurateness of the dialogue--some of my favorite quotes that were overlooked in the 2005 movie were front-and-center in the 1995 version. I love the fact that we were able to keep an eye on Wickham and Lydia from Mr. Darcy's point of view while Elizabeth was at Longbourn. And, of course, the scene where Darcy emerges from the lake is unmatched by any other. The 2005 Pride and Prejudice is much more theatrical. The use of natural light, the breathtaking scenery, the costume design, the music, and the long overhead shots as well as the close-ups are what make that film an instant classic. Personally, I prefer the 2005 Netherfield ball to the 1995 ball, for the sole reason that when Darcy and Elizabeth are dancing, everything in the room around them fades away. It is that kind of artisitc brilliance that makes this movie just as classic and riviting as the TV movie made ten years before. (Whoever imagined that Netherfield scene in the writers' room deserves a medal!) I can make dozens of other comparisons (the 2005 Georgiana Darcy was better, the 1995 Wickham was more accurate, etc.) but it honestly wouldn't make a difference. I feel that both movies are equally brilliant, as they both do justice to the original novel written by the esteemed Jane Austen. But by all means, watch both movies and decide for yourself! Curl up in front of your TV and take a side in the Great Debate that has captivated Janeites for the last, oh, nine years or so. Happy Austen-ing!
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