The happiest creature in the world

"What are men to rocks and mountains?" - Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

Last Sunday, Chris made me “the happiest creature in the world” by going with me to experience Pride and Prejudice on the big screen. It was nostalgic to be back in a movie theatre, from watching previews to indulging in a large popcorn.

I fondly remember a date night to the cinema in 2005 to first see this gem and have replayed it umpteen times at home. I’d not been to a theatre in years, so this was THE movie to get me back upon its rerelease in honor of its 20th anniversary!

There is a lot of talk on social media about which version of P&P is best, but I say let’s appreciate each for its own take on the classic.

What I love most about director Joe Wright’s version is its glorious cinematography (I mean, look at this screenshot of one tiny but impactful scene) and how earthy and connected to nature it is.

The moviegoer is immersed in each scene, especially in a darkened theatre with nothing to distract. You can practically smell Mr. Bennet’s farmyard and almost feel the dampness of a meadow at dawn.

Experiencing the beautiful, oh-so-familiar soundtrack, composed by Dario Marianelli and performed by Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the English Chamber Orchestra, in surround sound is icing on the proverbial cake.

Some bemoan changes to the plot or characters (for instance, Bingley has only one sister in this version), but there is an artfulness to condensing a whole novel into only 2 hours of screentime while retaining the major plot twists and giving you the essence of the theme.

On one of our London trips, we had the opportunity to see Pride & Prejudice in an open-air experience in Regent’s Park, and the playwright of that production had to make similar changes. (We would have been there for 6 hours or more had every detail of the novel been included!)

What I appreciate, too, about this version are this director’s signature touches, such as the first scene, which is one huge, long shot of Longbourn, the Bennet family home. And how the passage of time is implied while Lizzy is spinning on a swing (did she ever do a chore?)

Or Darcy’s famous hand flex after helping her into the carriage. I could go on, but I’ll stop!

Have you seen any of Wright’s other films? Atonement (get out your hankies!) also stars Keira Knightley and contains the most amazing long shot of Dunkirk, and Darkest Hour artfully transforms Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill. I have yet to see Anna Kerenina but have it on my must-see list.

It is a testament to Jane Austen’s brilliant writing ~ her timeless themes, complicated characters, and commentary on society ~ that her works are still being reimagined successfully for the big and small screens. Recently we rewatched the 4-part Emma starring Romola Garai, and we could debate the best version of that novel too!

Last Sunday we saw a preview for Jane Austen Ruined My Life, which may draw me back to the theatre this summer! Masterpiece has a new limited series called Miss Austen, about Jane’s sister Cassandra. Oh, and did you hear that Netflix is in preproduction of yet another Pride & Prejudice?

Not only that, but works abound surrounding Austen’s mystique and influence. At The Hare & The Hart, we have always indulged in the Austen universe, but this summer we are upping the game!

In honor of this latest resurgence, we’ve just gotten in several beautiful new products, such as cookbooks and coffee table books, puzzles and games, and more ~ like a very thick tome of the author’s complete works.

xo,