Adaptation - (2005)
_ Overall, the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley, was very entertaining. It was a good adaptation of the book and almost everything was the same. One thing about the movie that was different is that it turned the book's satire into a Gothic romance. It took away Jane Austen’s way of writing, with hardly any funny parts, but more romantic and about the problems that go along with love. Another thing that was different from the book was the setting (ex. visual landscape); it was more modern than it was described in the book. I don’t think these were bad changes because the most important themes, such as the ones mentioned below, are still there. These minor changes did not take away from the characters, or even more importantly, the plot itself.
There was one scene I noticed in the movie that was changed dramatically. The scene I found a bit over the top was when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy walked into the room of the ball when everyone was dancing. Right when they walked in, the room split in two and everybody backed up for them. The music stopped and everybody just stared at them in awe, respect and admiration. This scene was very dramatic, but I think this change that was made was good. It is important for people watching the movie to see how important and well respected Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were, since they can’t explain it like Jane Austen did in her writing. This scene also represents the importance of money, class consciousness, and marriage during this time period.
The Pride and Prejudice movie may not be as descriptive as the novel, but still shows major themes that should be represented from Jane Austen's time. Once one is able to comprehend themes of that time period, such as gender roles, it is easier to fully understand the movie. When watching this movie, the viewer can see how some things were seen as more important than they are today. One thing I noticed were the balls people had. All the girls would be excited and dress up to their fullest to find a husband and have men notice them, while the mothers would watch and hope their daughters got asked to dance. Courtship and education/accomplishments are also important themes shown in the movie. An example of courtship shown was when Elizabeth and Miss Bingley were walking in front of Mr. Darcy to show their elegance. People in the movie, and especially of that time, were eager to show off anything they knew, like singing, playing the piano, or reading. All of these themes play a major role in what was done during this era, and why.
To know more about the historical background of Jane Austen’s world, check the section Background Information in our website.
There was one scene I noticed in the movie that was changed dramatically. The scene I found a bit over the top was when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy walked into the room of the ball when everyone was dancing. Right when they walked in, the room split in two and everybody backed up for them. The music stopped and everybody just stared at them in awe, respect and admiration. This scene was very dramatic, but I think this change that was made was good. It is important for people watching the movie to see how important and well respected Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were, since they can’t explain it like Jane Austen did in her writing. This scene also represents the importance of money, class consciousness, and marriage during this time period.
The Pride and Prejudice movie may not be as descriptive as the novel, but still shows major themes that should be represented from Jane Austen's time. Once one is able to comprehend themes of that time period, such as gender roles, it is easier to fully understand the movie. When watching this movie, the viewer can see how some things were seen as more important than they are today. One thing I noticed were the balls people had. All the girls would be excited and dress up to their fullest to find a husband and have men notice them, while the mothers would watch and hope their daughters got asked to dance. Courtship and education/accomplishments are also important themes shown in the movie. An example of courtship shown was when Elizabeth and Miss Bingley were walking in front of Mr. Darcy to show their elegance. People in the movie, and especially of that time, were eager to show off anything they knew, like singing, playing the piano, or reading. All of these themes play a major role in what was done during this era, and why.
To know more about the historical background of Jane Austen’s world, check the section Background Information in our website.
Modernization - Bride and Prejudice (2004)
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Many aspects of Pride and Prejudice are emphasized in the
Bollywood modernization Bride and Prejudice. The translation of the “song and
dance” themes resonating throughout all Austen’s novels is best expressed in
Bollywood cinematographic approach to filmmaking (Wilson). The most striking parallels are highlighted through the
extremely traditional Indian culture.
For example, because arranged marriage is largely acceptable in Indian
culture today, the disturbing suitors for the Bakshi sisters parallel the “Mr.
Collins” type character.
The spunky and extremely intelligent Elizabeth, commonly referred to as Lizzy in the novel, is renamed Lalita. Lalita’s mother nags her and her sisters to get married, just as Mrs. Bennet did in the novel. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this modernization is the fact that the audience can identify with our modern age definition of propriety. The decadence of muslin, for example, is interpreted in a complete outfit of Burberry.
All in all, it is truly a great adaptation for the twenty first century; the stereotypes resulting from the rise of immigration and international travel are exploited, to a certain degree. Not only is it an enjoyable adaptation, but more importantly keeps the satire in check, therefore staying true to Jane Austen.
To know more about the historical background of Jane Austen’s world, check the section Background Information in our website.
The spunky and extremely intelligent Elizabeth, commonly referred to as Lizzy in the novel, is renamed Lalita. Lalita’s mother nags her and her sisters to get married, just as Mrs. Bennet did in the novel. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this modernization is the fact that the audience can identify with our modern age definition of propriety. The decadence of muslin, for example, is interpreted in a complete outfit of Burberry.
All in all, it is truly a great adaptation for the twenty first century; the stereotypes resulting from the rise of immigration and international travel are exploited, to a certain degree. Not only is it an enjoyable adaptation, but more importantly keeps the satire in check, therefore staying true to Jane Austen.
To know more about the historical background of Jane Austen’s world, check the section Background Information in our website.