Pride and Prejudice 1995: A Review of the Beloved BBC Miniseries
Introduction
Pride and Prejudice, written by Jane Austen in 1813, is one of the most famous and beloved novels in English literature. It tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and intelligent young woman, who clashes with Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and proud gentleman, as they overcome their prejudices and fall in love. The novel has been adapted many times for stage, film, and television, but one of the most popular and acclaimed versions is the 1995 BBC miniseries, starring Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth and Colin Firth as Darcy.
Why is this adaptation so well-loved by fans and critics alike? What makes it stand out among other adaptations of Pride and Prejudice? How does it capture the essence of Austen's novel and bring it to life on screen? In this article, I will review the miniseries and answer these questions.
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Plot summary
The main characters and their relationships
The miniseries follows the plot of the novel closely, with some minor changes and additions. The story revolves around the Bennet family, who live in Longbourn, a country estate in Hertfordshire. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Mrs. Bennet is anxious to marry them off to wealthy suitors, while Mr. Bennet is more concerned with his books and his peace of mind.
The arrival of Mr. Bingley, a rich bachelor who rents Netherfield Park, a nearby mansion, sparks Mrs. Bennet's hopes of finding a match for Jane, her eldest and most beautiful daughter. Bingley is accompanied by his sisters, his friend Mr. Darcy, and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. Bingley soon falls in love with Jane, but Darcy disapproves of their relationship because of Jane's low social status and her vulgar relatives.
Darcy also develops an attraction to Elizabeth, who is witty, lively, and independent-minded. However, he conceals his feelings because he thinks she is beneath him. Elizabeth dislikes Darcy for his pride, his interference in Jane's happiness, and his mistreatment of Mr. Wickham, a charming officer who claims to have been wronged by Darcy in the past.
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Their relationship changes when Darcy proposes to Elizabeth at Rosings Park, where she is visiting her friend Charlotte Lucas, who married Mr. Collins, a pompous clergyman and Mr. Bennet's cousin. Elizabeth rejects him angrily, accusing him of being arrogant, selfish, and ungentlemanly. Darcy writes her a letter to explain his actions and reveal Wickham's true character.
Elizabeth realizes that she has been prejudiced against Darcy and that he is not as bad as she thought. She begins to see him in a new light when she visits Pemberley, his magnificent estate in Derbyshire. There she meets his sister Georgiana, who is shy but sweet, and his housekeeper Mrs. Reynolds, who praises him as a kind and generous master.
However, their budding romance is threatened by a scandal involving Lydia, who elopes with Wickham and puts her family's reputation at risk. Darcy secretly helps to find them and persuade them to marry, saving the Bennets from disgrace. He also convinces Bingley to propose to Jane, who accepts him joyfully. Elizabeth learns of Darcy's involvement from his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who tries to prevent their marriage because of Elizabeth's inferiority. Elizabeth stands up to her and declares her love for Darcy. Darcy proposes to her again and she accepts him, making both of them happy.
Analysis
How faithful is it to the novel?
The miniseries is widely praised for its fidelity to the novel, as it follows the original plot, dialogue, and characters closely. It also captures the tone, style, and humor of Austen's writing, as well as the themes and messages she conveys. The miniseries is divided into six episodes, each about an hour long, which allows it to cover the novel in detail and avoid omitting or altering important scenes or events. The miniseries also adds some scenes that are not in the novel, but are consistent with the story and the characters. For example, it shows Darcy's perspective on some occasions, such as his first proposal to Elizabeth or his search for Lydia and Wickham. It also shows some scenes that are implied or mentioned in the novel, such as Darcy's visit to Longbourn after Lydia's elopement or Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley with her aunt and uncle.
How does it portray the historical and social context?
The miniseries does a great job of portraying the historical and social context of the novel, which is set in late 18th-century England. It shows the contrast between the different classes and regions of the country, such as the rural and modest life of the Bennets in Hertfordshire, the urban and fashionable life of the Bingleys and Darcys in London, and the aristocratic and grand life of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Rosings Park. It also shows the customs, manners, and values of the time, such as the importance of marriage, reputation, and family connections, the rules of etiquette and decorum, and the expectations and limitations for women and men. The miniseries also depicts the historical events that influenced the novel, such as the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the rise of industrialization.
How does it use cinematography, music, and costumes to create the mood and atmosphere?
The miniseries uses cinematography, music, and costumes to create the mood and atmosphere of the novel, as well as to highlight the emotions and personalities of the characters. The cinematography uses natural lighting, wide shots, and long takes to show the beauty and realism of the landscapes and settings. The music uses classical instruments, such as piano, violin, and cello, to create a romantic and elegant soundtrack that matches the tone of the story. The costumes use authentic fabrics, colors, and styles to reflect the period and the status of the characters. For example, Elizabeth wears simple but elegant dresses in earthy tones that suit her natural beauty and lively spirit. Darcy wears dark and formal suits that emphasize his wealth and pride.
Evaluation
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the adaptation?
The miniseries has many strengths that make it a successful adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. One of the main strengths is the casting and the acting of the main characters, especially Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, who deliver outstanding performances as Elizabeth and Darcy. They have great chemistry and convey the complexity and depth of their characters, as well as their evolution throughout the story. They also capture the subtle expressions, gestures, and tones that convey their emotions and thoughts. Another strength is the script, which is faithful to the novel and preserves the wit, irony, and dialogue of Austen's writing. The script also adds some original lines and scenes that enhance the story and the characters, such as Darcy's famous dive into the lake or Elizabeth's playful teasing of him at Pemberley. A third strength is the production design, which creates a realistic and immersive world for the story. The locations, sets, props, and costumes are carefully chosen and designed to reflect the period and the mood of the scenes.
The miniseries has few weaknesses, but some critics and viewers have pointed out some flaws or limitations. One of them is the length of the miniseries, which some may find too long or slow-paced. The miniseries has a total running time of about six hours, which may be daunting or boring for some audiences who prefer shorter or faster adaptations. Another weakness is the lack of diversity and representation in the cast and the story. The miniseries follows the novel's depiction of a predominantly white and upper-class society in England, which may not reflect the reality or the diversity of the time or the present. The miniseries also does not explore or challenge some of the problematic aspects of the novel, such as the gender roles, the class system, or the colonialism.
How does it compare to other adaptations of Pride and Prejudice?
The miniseries is widely considered to be one of the best adaptations of Pride and Prejudice ever made, and it has influenced many other adaptations that followed it. It has been compared to other adaptations of Pride and Prejudice in terms of their fidelity, quality, and popularity. Some of the most notable comparisons are: - The 1940 film adaptation, starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier, which is praised for its charm and glamour, but criticized for its changes and inaccuracies to the novel. - The 2005 film adaptation, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, which is praised for its cinematography and romance, but criticized for its modernization and simplification of the novel. - The 2012 web series adaptation, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, starring Ashley Clements and Daniel Vincent Gordh, which is praised for its creativity and innovation, but criticized for its lack of historical context and depth.
What are some memorable scenes and quotes from the miniseries?
The miniseries has many memorable scenes and quotes that have become iconic among fans and viewers. Some of them are: - The scene where Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth at Rosings Park, where he declares his love in a passionate but arrogant way, and she rejects him in a furious but eloquent way. - The scene where Elizabeth reads Darcy's letter at Hunsford Parsonage, where she learns the truth about Wickham and Darcy, and realizes that she has been mistaken about both of them. - The scene where Elizabeth visits Pemberley with her aunt and uncle, where she admires the beauty and elegance of Darcy's estate, and meets him unexpectedly, finding him more polite and friendly than before. - The scene where Darcy dives into the lake at Pemberley, where he emerges wet and shirtless, and encounters Elizabeth, who is embarrassed and flustered. - The scene where Elizabeth and Darcy dance at the Netherfield ball, where they exchange witty and sarcastic remarks, while feeling a growing attraction to each other. - The scene where Elizabeth and Darcy confess their love to each other at Longbourn, where they overcome their pride and prejudice, and agree to marry. - Some of the most memorable quotes from the miniseries are: - "In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." - Darcy to Elizabeth - "You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever." - Darcy to Elizabeth - "You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you." - Darcy to Elizabeth - "I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry." - Elizabeth to Darcy - "I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine." - Elizabeth about Darcy - "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me." - Darcy about Elizabeth - "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." - Narrator
Conclusion
Pride and Prejudice 1995 is a masterpiece of adaptation that faithfully recreates the novel by Jane Austen and enhances it with superb acting, writing, and production. It is a captivating and charming story of love, humor, and social commentary that appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It is also a timeless and universal story that resonates with modern viewers and readers who can relate to the characters and their struggles. Pride and Prejudice 1995 is not only one of the best adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, but also one of the best adaptations of any novel ever made.
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about Pride and Prejudice 1995 or Jane Austen's novels, here are some recommendations for further viewing or reading: - Watch the 2007 film adaptation of Becoming Jane, starring Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy, which is a biographical drama about Jane Austen's early life and romance with Tom Lefroy. - Watch the 2008 film adaptation of The Jane Austen Book Club, starring Maria Bello and Hugh Dancy, which is a comedy-drama about six friends who form a book club to discuss Jane Austen's novels. - Watch the 2013 film adaptation of Austenland, starring Keri Russell and JJ Feild, which is a romantic comedy about a woman who travels to a resort that recreates the world of Jane Austen's novels. - Read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith, which is a parody novel that combines Pride and Prejudice with elements of horror and comedy. - Read Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding, which is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, which follows the life and love of Bridget Jones, a modern-day Elizabeth Bennet. - Read The Annotated Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and David M. Shapard, which is a comprehensive edition of the novel that includes annotations, illustrations, maps, and essays that explain and contextualize the novel.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pride and Prejudice 1995:
Question
Answer
Where can I watch Pride and Prejudice 1995?
You can watch Pride and Prejudice 1995 on various streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, or BritBox. You can also buy or rent the DVD or Blu-ray from online or physical stores.
Who wrote the script for Pride and Prejudice 1995?
The script for Pride and Prejudice 1995 was written by Andrew Davies, a British screenwriter who is known for his adaptations of classic novels, such as Sense and Sensibility, Bleak House, and War and Peace.
Who directed Pride and Prejudice 1995?
Pride and Prejudice 1995 was directed by Simon Langton, a British director who has worked on various television dramas, such as Smiley's People, The Jewel in the Crown, and The Forsyte Saga.
Who composed the music for Pride and Prejudice 1995?
The music for Pride and Prejudice 1995 was composed by Carl Davis, an American composer who has created scores for many films and television shows, such as The French Lieutenant's Woman, The World at War, and Cranford.
How many awards did Pride and Prejudice 1995 win?
Pride and Prejudice 1995 won several awards, including three BAFTAs for Best Actress (Jennifer Ehle), Best Costume Design (Dinah Collin), and Best Original Television Music (Carl Davis). It was also nominated for two Emmys for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Miniseries or a Special (Dinah Collin) and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Cinematography for a Miniseries or a Special (John Kenway).
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