Pride and Prejudice
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Which of the two do you prefer? The Series with Colin Firth or the 2005 Movie?
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Sheryl
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rated it 5 stars
Jul 17, 2012 06:04PM
Colin Firth, the best Darcy ever!
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I'm probably going to be boiled alive for this, but I'm a fan of the 2005 movie. We are, after all, talking about movies here, and while I will totally agree that the BBC series is a much more faithful adaptation, I find that as a movie it doesn't work as well for me. BBC productions, for me, often have the look of a misplaced stage production. No cast, no matter how lovely they look in wet shirts, can compete with the distraction given by a set piece on film. I find the newer movie far superior if for no other reason than because I am not distracted by the set and blocking.
I always enjoy watching the Colin Firth series than the 2005 movie. I have watched lots of versions on Pride and Prejudice movies and have read the book. The version with Colin Firth follows the book better than 2005. (I agree with Caz--movie version was hard to watch.)
Colin Firth, of course!The series were much more british, much more Jane Austen...
My vote is for the series due to it's faithfulness to the book, the great acting, the locations and props and period costumes. The tension between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is palpable, Lydia is spoilt and greedy in an innocent way, Mr. Collins was the perfect lapdog; every character bloomed from the book onto the small screen. The movie lacked the authenticity of the period. For instance, when Jane was ill and staying at the home of Mr. Bingly, Elizabeth was sort of flopped on the bed with her when suddenly the aforementioned gentleman just opened the bedroom door and popped-in for a chat!! That would never have happened. The costumes were so schizophrenic with different styles all mixed together, which again was not something they would have done. There are many more examples of things gone wrong, but the ONLY thing I liked about the movie was the soundtrack.
DeAnn wrote: "Elizabeth was sort of flopped on the bed with her when suddenly the aforementioned gentleman just opened the bedroom door and popped-in for a chat!!" Then I wasn't the only one to think that was..not appropriate seen the period in which the story is settled. It had left me surprised. They never spoke much, but he enters to chat when she's sick, not good - looking or properly dress - important things at that time - and it looks absolutely normal. Curious..
Stacey wrote: "I find the newer movie far superior if for no other reason than because I am not distracted by the set and blocking. "I liked the movie. It has its flaws..I didn't like for example the kiss-on-the-hand scene. I definitely preferred the ending in the series, but I do get that the movie has positive things that the BBC series hasn't. I found that the way they directed the movie, the settings, and the atmosphere were very good in the movie. I cannot actually choose truly between the two.
After I posted this discussion, I have watched them again. The only different thing is that the series being longer has more time to acquire the necessary details from the book. The characters are better developed - Mrs. Bennett and Lydia and absolutely truly annoying like in the book - which could have been done in the movie too, and I find Elizabeth and Darcy to be more realistic. But as a whole the movie is nice to watch. At least, in the movie as a whole they go together. Its not like Elizabeth played by Keira, does look like much like the one in the novel, but Darcy instead doesn't; the entire cast has its own peculiarity that is a bit different from the novel itself.
Loved Colin Firth in the series. One of my very favorites!
I LOVE THE SERIES WITH COLIN FIRTH.... I am embarrassed to say how many times I have watched it... I have the VCR tapes and the DVD's... I think Colin Firth is a stronger Darcy. Mmmmm.... If there were only more Mr. Darcy's in the world...sigh... He is absolutely my first book crush.
Anne wrote: "BBC is sooo much better. Keira Knightley did a very poor job playing Elizabeth. She acted more like what I would think Kitty or Lydia would be like. Plus, Colin Firth was a much better Mr. Darcy."I agree, in the original book, Elizabeth is a regal spit-fire. To me, Keira portrayed her as silly and ignorant like her sisters. I didn't really see much contrast. Rosamund Pike did a good job with Jane, I thought.
Personally, I loved the 2005 movie with Keira Knightley!! I thought the music and the landscape in the film were absolutely gorgeus, and the acting was great too!!Of course, being a film, some things do have to be cut out or jiggled around. But, personally, I liked it better that way. Plus, I think Keira did an excellent job portraying Elizabeth, definitely the way I imagined her.
Can we return to the novel a mo'? You may remember, Elizabeth was uncharacteristically slow to confide in her sister Jane all that had been afoot between her and Darcy. When she finally breaks the news, Jane is astounded and demands to know how long it's been going on. Elizabeth's first reply is very flippant. As Jane Austen was well aware, many a true word... Here's the text:****
"My dearest sister, now BE serious. I want to talk very seriously. Let me know every thing that I am to know, without delay. Will you tell me how long you have loved him?"
"It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley." Another intreaty that she would be serious, however, produced the desired effect; and she soon satisfied Jane by her solemn assurances of attachment. When convinced on that article, Miss Bennet had nothing farther to wish.
"Now I am quite happy," said she, "for you will be as happy as myself. I always had a value for him. Were it for nothing but his love of you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley's friend and your husband, there can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me. But Lizzy, you have been very sly, very reserved with me. How little did you tell me of what passed at Pemberley and Lambton ! I owe all that I know of it, to another, not to you."
***
If Darcy were as attractive to the female sex as Colin Firth clearly is, then I suspect Jane would not have had to ask the question. Or again entreated Lizzy to be serious! Darcy is NOT that much of a hottie. And Elizabeth IS persuaded by the visit to Pemberley. Seeing Darcy's property and meeting his servants helps her to realise how much his love is worth. And when Jane calls her sly, Elizabeth offers only excuses.
Now, many of our esteemed friends above, when asked which is best - the film or the series, give their answer in two simple words: Colin Firth. Great actor, that. Knocks Larry Olivier into a cocked hat!
Swim, anyone?
Philip wrote: "Seeing Darcy's property and meeting his servants helps her to realise how much his love is worth." Well at least we know that Elizabeth is truly in love with him, because first of all it grew with time, but also her visit to Pemberley helped because, as you stated, made her realize how much his love is worth, and she doesn't marry him just for his fortune.
Philip wrote: "Can we return to the novel a mo'? You may remember, Elizabeth was uncharacteristically slow to confide in her sister Jane all that had been afoot between hr and Darcy. When she finally breaks the ..."
I don't know, I think that Mr. Darcy's personality was so boorish in the beginning that it was difficult to see him as appealing--even if he was. Remember his housekeeper later comments on his good looks (or is that just in the movie? :)
I don't know, I think that Mr. Darcy's personality was so boorish in the beginning that it was difficult to see him as appealing--even if he was. Remember his housekeeper later comments on his good looks (or is that just in the movie? :)
I LOVE the 2005 movie so I have to say that I prefer the movie! I love the landscapes and houses. Everything in the film gives a sense of well-being and serenity. I think keira is excellent in the role of Elizabeth.
The Colin Firth series...
DeAnn wrote: "My vote is for the series due to it's faithfulness to the book, the great acting, the locations and props and period costumes. The tension between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is palpable, Lydia is spo..."I totaly agree with you!!
I prefer the series; Colin Firth excels much better as Mr. Darcy. But Judi Dench is such a great meanie in the film! The costuming and scenery is a delight to the eyes in both.
The BBC series, definitely, though I must admit to having a MAJOR crush on Matthew MacFayden as Darcy. I'm pretty sure my heart stops every time I see him walking across the field towards Elizabeth. The series captures what Austen penned very well. Here are a few of my problems with the 2005 movie. 1. I felt like they made Mr. Darcy TOO severe. I've read the book multiple times now, and Darcy DOES have a sense of humor, albeit a dry one. 2. The relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennett in the 2005 movie is not at all correct. The book shows them to have very little respect for each other, yet the movie still shows that they have a fondness for one another that I find completely unbelievable. 3. Mrs. Bennett's character in the movie seems to be a bit dim-witted, as if she is going through life unaware of the damage her unchecked words are causing to her daughters. Yet, the book shows her to know full well the meaning of her words and voices her opinions anyway without head to the consequences. 4. Mr. Bennett in the movie isn't jovial like he is in book. He's subdued and sullen, and when he does tease, you're not quite sure how to take it.
There are more, minor details I find frustrating, but these are the main ones.
I can honestly say that, I can't choose between the two. They are both excellent in their own merits. I am not a huge fan of Keira Knightley, but I think she did a good job playing dear Lizzy. I think Matthew MacFadyen was a brilliant Darcy. Although, the rest of the cast in the films were fantastic ( I love Mr and Mrs. Bennet) they were not all that strong, or well developed. That alone is what pulls the film down a little bit, just because of the time constraints put apon them. The TV show, is just brilliant, but it too has it's faults, just like anything does. I think the show is a little stronger though, because even though the episodes are shorter, it still has the time to introduce the characters and develop them completely. Plus, come on, Colin Firth.
The movie is a great introduction to Pride and Prejudice, very apt for modern audiences. And after you view the film, you fall in love with Elizabeth's wit and Darcy's character (and, I must say, Matthew MacFadyen's voice!). That's when I looked for other versions and I came across the BBC series. I should say I prefer the BBC series because the characters are better developed, and I found myself laughing at the witty conversations that wasn't found in the film. And of course, there's Colin Firth! Need I say more? He's the best Darcy ever. He may not have Matthew's voice, but I never saw such expressive eyes that can communicate his thoughts in the absence of words. But I have to thank the film for leading me to the series. Maybe for me, the film is like an introduction and the series more for afficionados who want a story that's more faithful to the book.
Colin Firth definitely. It was less dreary and I think I like it that they were poor but happy with their lot to some extent. it was more realistic. the clothes were proper and the homes adn people looked clean.
I love the BBC miniseries. There was little technical things that were presented in the series that didn't show up in the book. Though both men are handsome, Colin Firth's Darcy just oosed more proper English gentleman. Every time I read the book Firth plays Darcy in my imagination.
The 2005 version is okay. I have enjoyed Keira K for most of her career, and she's cute and lively. But Jennifer Ehle is THE Lizzy, and I think there is no question that Colin Firth's rendition will likely never be topped. He has the persona that's just right for Darcy -- a heart of gold under a layer of insecurity and a little snobbishness. It's a character he has played variations on for most of his career, and he's wonderful.
I did like Alexis Bledel as Georgiana Darcy(oops, that's BRIDE AND PREJUDICE).
Stacey wrote: "I'm probably going to be boiled alive for this, but I'm a fan of the 2005 movie. We are, after all, talking about movies here, and while I will totally agree that the BBC series is a much more fait..."I will agree with that and say that I think the 2005 movie has a much richer setting and a slightly more powerful romantic edge. I think that's because Firth played truer to book Darcy and book Darcy wasn't exactly overflowing with passionate declarations. MacFadyen did the whole "desperate yearning" thing a bit better. Even though Keira Knightly annoyed me at times, she and MacFadyen's chemistry was great.
This right here; one of my favorite movie scenes of all time.
Arwen wrote: "Personally, I like the 2005 movie (because Keira Knightley, in my opinion, is a great actress). I tried watching the miniseries but gave up after a while."I am curious to know why..is it because its long? Or you didn't find it as interesting as the movie?
Colin all the way. He's the definitive Mr. Darcy.
Trying to compare the two is like comparing apples to oranges. One is a 2 hour movie, the other a six hour mini-series. They both have their pluses and minises. If you want to go with acurateness to the book, it has to be the mini-series but alot of that is that they had the time for it,but also that it was made by British TV and the movie was made by Hollywood.
Arwen wrote: "Personally, I like the 2005 movie (because Keira Knightley, in my opinion, is a great actress). I tried watching the miniseries but gave up after a while."I understand what you mean. I only finished watching the series because, as a P&P fan, it is a must. But it was hard, especially because I did not like any of the actors who portrayed the characters.
I liked Matthew MacFayden's portrayal of Mr. Darcy better than Colin Firth's. But I liked Jennifer Ehle's Lizzie more than Keira Knightely's.I'd say the BBC mini-series. I liked the little double wedding scene at the end :)
BBC Colin Firth & Jennifer Ehle, hands down. Nothing tops that production.
Definitely Colin Firth! Who doesn't like Colin Firth?! Loved it.
Liked the movie more.
I surprisingly loved them both and watch them repeatedly :)
I believe that the 2005 movie is the most accurate adaptation of this book.
Colin Firth does it for me. I own both and tend to watch the BBC version more.
I am shocked to say I preferred the movie as I was determined not to like it. Loved the BBC and all that and never dreamed it could be topped. The first time I saw the movie, I had to get over my, ahem, "prejudice" so I walked away thinking, "well I liked that!". So then I saw it again and was just truly blown away. The difference in their circumstances was much better portrayed. It had an alive and earthy quality to it; and the comparison of the country life to the citified folk was great. I liked that it wasn't so tidy and pristine as the series and MUCH more passionate. When I went back and watched the BBC series subsequently, I found it stiff and staid in comparison. And BBC true to the book? Really? I don't remember Darcy taking a swim and appearing in a wet shirt in the book. I adore Colin Firth but I think Matthew MacFadyen gave him a sincere run for his money. I swoon for Matthew! Incidently, my husband saw the 2005 movie with me and here is what he said, "of all those dumb movies you make me watch, this one is by far the best. It's intriguing".
The BBC series - it had the advantage of being longer, so its treatment of the book was much more true to form.
The BBC Series for sure! The characters were so true to the book! I cannot imagine a more perfect Mr. Darcy than Colin Firth!
Absolutely no contest, I much prefer the BBC mini-series with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. In fact I will go so far as to say that for me, it is the only filmed version of Pride and Prejudice that really exists. I have enjoyed Matthew MacFadyen in many roles, but he isn't cut out for Darcy. Knightly seems to possess no actual acting talent, content only to play herself, with an obviously practiced pout, and an affected manner of speech that is completely annoying, so if she's in a movie, I have begun to give it a pass.
Asia wrote: "Hello Everyone, I liked the movie and have watched both several times. Nevertheless I prefer the series because I think it portrays Mr. Darcy's initial "hatred" and final love better than in the m..."
Switching the Elizabeths?!?! That is just weird. Jennifer Ehle is a very gifted actress, and makes a wonderful Lizzie.
I like each of them so much that I own both on DVD. The movie has an underlying passion and emotional depth. Plus, it is very moody, helped along by awesome cinematography. Also, I thought Keira Knightley added a certain innocence, combined with suppressed sensuality. MacFadyen greatly enhanced her character by playing his part with such deep shyness and inner complexity.However, for historical accuracy, the 1995 Firth version is definitely better. It is almost exactly like the book. And all the details are absolutely amazing — so much so, that when I read the book I now picture Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as Mr. Darcy and Elisabeth!
Diana wrote: "I am shocked to say I preferred the movie as I was determined not to like it. Loved the BBC and all that and never dreamed it could be topped. The first time I saw the movie, I had to get over my, ..."So true Diana!
They are both good, in my opinion. I have adored the series for years and years. I don't think the movie could ever replace the series, but...if I want a quick P&P fix...the movie does the job.
Actually, the best portrayal is the 1980 version with Cynthia Garvey and David Rintoul: I find it to be most faithful to the tone and time of the novel. I like both of the other versions for different reasons, but this portrayal is my favorite.
Troy wrote: "Actually, the best portrayal is the 1980 version with Cynthia Garvey and David Rintoul: I find it to be most faithful to the tone and time of the novel."I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way! David Rintoul is always going to be Mr. Darcy for me.
David Rintoul "owns" Mr. Darcy :) Colin Firth is a great actor, but rather far from the character in the book IMHO.
I'm in the Colin Firth camp. Besides, you can always do more with a series than in a one shot movie. And I'm with you Caz, about Kiera Knightly. Not my fav actress.I'd also like to say that I'm a big fan of the Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson movie. The repertoire players in the rest of the cast make it fun, and Olivier really does seem rather pinched as Darcy. It's a sweet film.
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