Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is one of the greatest romantic classics ever written. In fact, it’s so popular that it’s been made into four different film/TV versions, with one more on the way in 2016. And why not? Why deprive us of the romance between the feisty, intelligent Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, who likes to go traipsing through meadows or swimming in ponds (depending on which version you watch)?
However, there has been some disagreement between the die-hard Jane Austen fans as to which version of Pride and Prejudice is the better film or mini-series: the 1995 or the 2005 adaptation?
First, the 1995 BBC mini-series is up for analysis. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle star as the lead roles of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Colin Firth is viewed by many Jane Austen fans as the definitive Mr. Darcy – proud, dark-haired, moody, haughty, handsome, etc. And of course, he likes to swim in the pond at Pemberley. If you’re not aware of the scene I’m referencing, go watch it. That moment is a very important one in the history of film romance. Jennifer Ehle plays a very intelligent and more gentle version of Elizabeth, although she certainly has her fiery moments. She also demonstrates Elizabeth’s tendencies to wander around the countryside. The tension between Darcy and Elizabeth builds continually throughout the five and a half hours of screen time.
Moreover, this version demonstrates the everyday life of the Regency Period through its little moments in the parlor, out in the village, or at home. The running time of the mini-series gives plenty of opportunities to show what life was like in Jane Austen’s novels. The set is beautiful; the English countryside welcoming. But the biggest argument for the 1995 adaptation? Other than Colin Firth’s alleged perfection as Darcy, it’s the accuracy to the book. Scenes are done with extreme detail to lines and emotions. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth occurs in a parlor, with Elizabeth sitting and trying to maintain her composure while Darcy paces. It’s very realistic and lifelike, if a little slow at times.
On to the 2005 Joe Wright film version. Where the BBC mini-series is nearly six hours long, Wright’s film is closer to two. Understandable, since a feature film has to be shorter than a mini-series. In this adaptation, Matthew McFadyen and Keira Knightley play Darcy and Elizabeth. Since the film was released ten years ago, Matthew McFadyen has undergone some criticism for his portrayal of Darcy. His character is slightly more puppy-eyed and perhaps a little less brooding. However, his portrayal also gives Darcy a little bit more awkwardness and perhaps relatability. He doesn’t like “conversing easily with people he has never met”; in fact, he is almost portrayed as being shy. One important thing to remember is that just because 2005 Darcy isn’t Colin Firth doesn’t mean he is a bad interpretation of Darcy – just a different one.
Where Jennifer Ehle is a quieter but subtly witty version of Elizabeth, Keira Knightley is spirit and fire. Her Elizabeth walks across a muddy field to Netherfield (so does book Elizabeth) and confronts Darcy for his behavior to her and her sister. Keira’s Elizabeth is more flawed and impetuous than Ehle’s, but she has a good heart and cares for her family and friends. She is clearly growing in character throughout the film. And as for the chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth in this version? Spot-on. Yes, it’s definitely different (not to mention shorter), but McFadyen and Knightley's romantic story arc is just as good as Firth and Ehle's.
And now we come to the big question. Which version is better? The answer is: Neither.
First of all, though both versions are filmed, they are two different mediums: television and feature film. Obviously, a mini-series is going to have more room for accuracy. And obviously a feature film will have to cut some things out. I personally love the 2005 version. The actors are wonderful, and the cinematography? Stunning. But the bottom line is that both versions get Jane Austen’s point across, and they do it beautifully.
So choose your own favorite, defend it, and watch it every fall with a cup of hot chocolate. Pride and Prejudice is absolutely beautiful whether you choose the mini-series or the feature film, and there’s a reason we love this classic so much.
