Imagine you know a guy who is, in your opinion, the most pompous, vain, and arrogant person you’ve ever met. He’s said and done some awful things (and some not so awful things), and you’ve sworn to hate him for as long as you live. He professes his love to you, you reject him. But slowly- very slowly- see that there is good in this person too. And then suddenly, one day, you end up visiting his grand estate and good lord, is it grand! What now?
In Joe Wright’s fast-paced adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, we see reflected Jane Austen’s ideas and ideals of 19th century British society. Of course, it’s a movie made to suit the modern audiences so some liberties have been taken in the screenplay but to the most, these little artistic freedoms do serve to create a fitting atmosphere for the novel-to-film transition and although not completely ‘staying by the book,’ they attempt to portray (sometimes exaggeratedly) Austen’s theme for her story: first impressions don’t last forever.
For instance, let us refer to one of the best displays of cinematography made in the 2005 movie: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bennet’s first visit to Pemberley.
As Lizzie (played by Kiera Knightley) steps off her carriage with the Gardiners, we finally get to see just how breathtakingly beautiful Mr. Darcy’s estate is. The location is perfect, the view is spectacular, the background score fits right in, and as we try to peel our gaze away from the glorious structure that is Pemberley flanked by a clear blue sky and a sparkling river, we can’t help but give the moviemakers credit for creating the sight. Kiera Knightley deserves commendation too; with her laugh of incredulity, she shows us exactly how Lizzie feels looking at the estate for the first time. The camera pans, shifting views and angles, and we walk with her through the hallways, see with her eyes the elegance of the architecture, and marvel at the magnificent murals – taking in all the tasteful splendor of Pemberley Estate. We can see Austen’s words translated to the screen:
“The rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of their proprietor; but Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine…. “And of this place, thought she, “I might have been mistress!….” (Austen, 159)
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Pemberley captivates Lizzie
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The shot continues as enchanted we enter the portrait gallery with the visitors. The large room holds the finest sculptures we’ve ever seen and although we are a little confused trying to remember whether Austen mentioned the display of alabaster nudes as well, to put it simply, it works. We see Lizzie make her way through the gallery carefully, studying each sculpture in awe, and no, we don’t miss the subtle touch of sensuality the screenplay adds – her growing love? desire? for Mr. Darcy is as plain as the day.
And then comes the iconic scene where Lizzie finally finds Mr. Darcy’s portrait sculpture. This is one of those dramatic moments where we realize exactly how taken Lizzie is by Mr. Darcy- she can’t look away from his sculpture! Of course, in the book, it is a painting that Lizzie is captivated by, or even, it is the likeness of the portrait to Mr. Darcy’s appearance and appeal that bewitches her, but the sculpture does the job just as well (if not better). As she declares, finally admitting to out loud and to herself, that “she dare say” he is handsome, the audience sighs and swoons. Naturally.
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British Royal Mail Stamp of P&P: Lizzie looks at Darcy Portrait
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Lizzie stares at Darcy’s Sculpture
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However, the director of the movie in describing the set with the stately statues and expensive art wonders whether he captured the essence of the book correctly.
“I have an issue with the book, which a lot of people also have,” Wright says. “Why is it, when Elizabeth goes to Pemberley, she finally accepts she likes Darcy? Is it because of his wealth? What I was hoping to achieve was a sense of her appreciating his cultural sensitivity.” (USA Today)
Could it be possible that we too have fallen into the trap of “first impressions?” The movie, centering around the love story, attempts to add in the socio-economic factors of the match in this scene, although in a somewhat understated way. It’s quite easy to miss the look Miss. Knightley brings on her face and even if one doesn’t, what exactly was being shown here? Is Lizzie really in love with Mr. Darcy? Are her feelings out of pure romantic attraction or is it his fortune that in the end seals the deal for her?
Sources:
1. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. New York. 2001.
2. “USATODAY.com – Where ‘Pride’ Goeth before.” USATODAY.com – Where ‘Pride’ Goeth before. N.p., 10 Nov. 2005. Web. 09 Sept. 2013.