Pride and Prejudice vs. Pride and Prejudice

As you may have gathered if you give this blog even an occasional glance, I love the story of Pride & Prejudice. Love might be too weak a word, obsess over might be more appropriate. I frequently re-read my favorite portions of the book, aside from my new tradition of reading it every year for my birthday. And I have seen the 1995 mini-series adaptation more times than I can count. Seriously, who would have thought 5 hours could go by so happily and too quickly? After seeing the Lost in Austen series recently, my love of all things Pride & Prejudice had renewed strength and I decided to finally watch the 2005 adaptation. And I have to say that I had very mixed feelings about it. One one hand I thought it was a very good romantic movie. And on the other hand I thought it was a terrible adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, ha. If it weren't supposed to be based on a text that I love I would probably think it a very fine film indeed. But for me they changed the tone of the story to the point that the characters didn't seem themselves. Aside from the fact that some of them were written completely different (I'm looking at you Georgiana), it also seemed like they were forcing more romance into the story, which hardly seems necessary when they are adapting what is deemed one of the most romantic stories written. It was infused with a sense of destiny from the first meeting of Darcy and Elizabeth, which I think took away from the growth of their characters spurred on by their mistakes and false judgments. And in truth, they are never even shown to discuss how their initial relationship changed them each for the better and made them love and appreciate each other more. I think that is a pretty integral part of their love story, not to be left to assumption. And then you get to the end and I could just die with how they created this bizarre early morning meeting. Again, very romantic and even swoon-worthy, but not Pride & Prejudice. I was beginning to think that perhaps I would finally see one of my favorite parts of the story, which was not included in the 1995 version either. I would pay good money to see the scenes of the story in between Mr. Darcy's re-proposal and the wedding. I find the suspense and anticipation of them waiting and attempting to get her father's approval divine. And I particularly feel faint at the idea of Mr. Darcy whispering in Elizabeth's ear that her father wants to see her, just after he's applied to him for her hand. But my hopes were once again dashed as they not only overlooked that portion of the story again, but overlooked the wedding altogether just to show me Mr. Darcy with no shoes or stockings on smooching Elizabeth all over her face. Woohoo. And does anyone else find it odd they would just be out on the porch (patio? deck?) in that casual manner, smooching and stuff, while Georgiana is still living there? Seems very improper to me. But at least they didn't have them making out prior to the marriage, which is the biggest Austen adaptation faux-pas in my eyes.

I do give them credit for some of the scenes, like the original proposal. Very swoony, especially the part where he's apologizing for taking so much of her time, but there's so much passion involved they look like they might just start making out right there. Not remotely the feeling or emotion I take from the text of Pride & Prejudice, but definitely an enjoyable take on it.

So to sum up- a good movie, but not the best adaptation. Therefore the leaderboard remains as follows:

1. Pride and Prejudice novel
2. 1995 mini-series adaptation
3. 2005 movie adaptation

Cinema Paradiso

Chugging along on my resolution to watch 5 foreign films this year (with the new stipulation that no more will be French) Sunday night I watched the Italian film, Cinema Paradiso. Wow. First off, I'd never heard enough about it before to know that there were two different versions- the original and a later released director's cut with almost an hour of extra film. I ended up watching the director's cut, simply because that was the disc that Netflix sent me. Somebody (I guess me, huh) should tell them that their sleeve however gives the running time of the original version. I can't say I would have watched the movie when I did had I known it was actually much longer, as I started it rather late. But I am so glad that I have seen this movie. I can't say anything to the original version, since I had no idea that wasn't what I was watching and some people have complained that the extra scenes make it too long, and change the storyline of the original which was already a wonderful film. All I know is I absolutely loved this movie, and found myself crying for probably the last 30 minutes. As corny as it may sound I think a part of me really identified with the movie-loving main characters in part because of my years working at a theater myself. If you can sit still for the long haul you should definitely watch this film.

Breathless

I finally got around to watching Breathless this weekend, which I've had at home from Netflix foooorever. I thought it was good, but it doesn't oust any of my favorite foreign films from their place at the top. I did lovelovelove Jean Seberg's style in the film though. Her dresses, hair, all totally lovely. Now that I've gotten a start on my foreign film resolution I've tossed another one to the top of my queue. I've decided to not watch anymore French films though, and instead am saving them until next year when I'm hoping to really focus on learning French. So, next up on the foreign film list is Cinema Paradiso.

Craving

I have a very strong craving to be laying on the couch with a Dr. Pepper and bag full of Doritos, watching So I Married An Axe Murderer. If only that was all I had to do this evening. Sigh.

Mamma Mia

Patience is a virtue that I sometimes just can't muster! Why must I wait till summer?

Christmas Wishlist No. 5

I'm in a slightly more chipper mood after a successful dinner last night and some Christmas decorating. Still have a trillion chores, but they don't seem so overwhelming now. It must be the twinkle lights. Anyway, now that I'm in a more seasonal mood here's another item from my wishlist.













It is my goal in life to own all of Woody Allen's movies on DVD. I'm about halfway there, but this little gem has yet to make it into my collection. This movie is really quite sweet, a lovely nostalgic look at the growth of a little boy and his family when big radio was big entertainment. This is a movie I can easily watch over and over. I hope this flick will be nestled next to my other Allen movies this holiday season. And I couldn't help but share one of my favorite scenes from the movie. Diane Keaton's singing is simply divine!

Diva Month?

Okay, as predicted it is taking me longer than a week to get to all my diva movies. Last night I watched All About Eve, which is one of my new favorite classics. If you haven't seen this movie do yourself a favor. Get a copy, and pay close attention, cause you don't want to miss any of the clever plot, witty banter, or fabulous performances. I absolutely adore Bette Davis in this, her character at times being the complete definition of what most people think a diva to be. But don't take my word for it, All About Eve was voted the 21st Greatest Movie of all time by Entertainment Weekly. The movie has three quotes on Premiere's list of 100 Greatest Movie Lines, and the infamous line "Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night!" was voted as the #9 movie quote by the American Film Institute.

Diva Week

Last night I watched The Devil Wears Prada for the first time. I quite liked it. Honestly I was watching it because I got my hair cut a few weeks ago based on a pic of Anne Hathaway from the movie. Figured I should maybe watch the movie in appreciation for the inspiration. As the movie was finishing I got the idea that I should do a week of movies with divas in them. I'm using the term diva somewhat loosely- think not just dramatic women, but strong women, stylish women, opinionated women, clever women. I've been trying to boost my image and my self-image lately, and I think some influence could be helpful. I've got a few other movies in mind right off the bat, but to be honest a lot of them are classics. Does anyone have a more modern day diva movie they might suggest? We'll see just how long my 'week' takes too- I'm simultaneously busy and lazy. Perhaps there's a movie to motivate me too.