Pride and Prejudice Movie Review

Francesca Fromang

Dr. Allbaugh                                                                                                                                      

Freshman Writing Seminar

14 December 2010

Pride and Prejudice Movie Review

From Love Story’s Jennifer and Oliver, to The Notebook’s Allie and Noah, to today’s latest: Edward and Bella, movie goers have jumped ship from one romance to the next, throughout the years.

However, one couple has permanently found their way into hearts, still giving people chills nearly two centuries after its original release in 1813. Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time, having inspired many other books and movies imitating the themes or characters. “To date, the book has sold some 20 million copies worldwide” (Fox). The most recent adaptation of the book was Write’s movie created in 2005. Through Dario Marianelli’s illustrious score, Deborah Moggach’s dazzling screenplay, and an all-around stunning cast, Director Joe Write recreates Austin’s world brilliantly, maintaining the original themes of the novel, while managing to keep it both relatable and relevant.

The story begins with the Bennet family attending a local dance in Netherfield, England, excitedly awaiting an introduction to the two richest single men in all of England: Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingly. Despite her younger sisters being the “silliest flirt[s] who ever made [their] family ridiculous,” (Moggach) her mother’s complete lack of propriety, her father’s prominent apathy, and the family’s overall poverty, Elizabeth’s wit and charm catches the mysterious Darcy’s eye. However, Darcy insults Elizabeth, telling Bingly she had been too plain to tempt him. This begins a passionate feud between the two, Darcy disgusted by the inferiority of her birth, and Elizabeth swearing to “loathe him for all of eternity” (Moggach).  Nevertheless, through a series of events, both humbly realize the problem all along had been their own pride, and that their prejudices against each other had blinded them to true love.

            Despite the movie’s overall success in creating a believable love story, there are, like all movies, some faults. The first, is that the eloquent words of Jane Austin, adapted by Deborah Moggach, are often missed due to the fast paced dialogue. Although I understand that the characters of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are both quick to find a sharp remark, actors Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightly both throw some of the lines away, causing the genius of the words to often be missed. However, this problem can easily be fixed with subtitles, and should not affect one’s decision to watch it. Another complaint with the movie is the decision to cast the beautiful Keira Knightly as the supposedly plain Elizabeth Bennet. Despite the fact that considering Knightly to be anything less than gorgeous would be a lie, her brilliant performance and exquisite attention to detail overshadow her beauty. And, after seeing other women more physically similar to the character play it, Knightly’s beauty adds a new level to Elizabeth, making it mean even more when Darcy falls in love with her for reasons other than her appearance.

            The key to any good love story is the level of believability. Although some might disagree, two unlikely people who fall head over heels for each other, while saying some corny lines in the process, hardly counts as a good love story, those make up the majority of the romantic genre these days.

This movie refreshingly strips away all of the regular Hollywood fluff and is left with a beautiful, simplistic film that glues a smile on your face for weeks. The movie does not hide behind any flashy special effects, sex scenes, or violence, and still manages to be one of the most clever and dynamic movies of all time. Watching the two vibrant characters slowly come to the realization of their own faults, while gaining a strong appreciation for the other, leaves you on the edge of your seat for the majority of the two hour run.

The moral behind the film, judging people out of a wounded pride or because of where they stand on the social ladder, is one we can all relate to, and therefore makes a believable story. Because of this and everything else mentioned, I have watched the movie hundreds of times, and am moved to tears every time.  

Works Cited

Moggach, Deborah. "Pride & Prejudice - 2005 Movie Script." Scribd. Mar.-Apr. 2005. Web. 14

            Dec. 2010. <http://www.scribd.com/doc/7908097/Pride-Prejudice-2005-Movie-Script>.

Fox, Robert C. (September 1962). "Elizabeth Bennet: Prejudice or Vanity?". Nineteenth-Century

Fiction (University of California Press) 17 (2): 185–187.

doi:10.1525/ncl.1962.17.2.99p0134x.

Anything Goes

Censorship, in America, is one of the most universal struggles between art as an expression, and the government’s right to edit what they think has crossed the line into explicit material. Artists all over the world debate that art is ones outlet to publically express their thoughts and opinions, to evoke emotion, to create and inspire feelings. In a sense, it becomes a freeing act that makes ones mark on the world.

            But as the old proverb states, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” How can one person, or group of persons, control and edit what they deem inappropriate or provocative, when so many others may find that piece powerful and inspiring? As J.M. Coetzee claims, “Hostility between [artists and governmental authority] was exacerbated by the tendency of artists from the late eighteenth century onward to assume it as their social role, and sometimes indeed as their vocation and destiny, to test the limits of thought and feeling, of representation, of the law, and of opposition itself, in ways that those in power were bound to find uncomfortable and even offensive. (Coetzee 9)

It is because art is so personal, so meaningful to the artist, that someone limiting their work, or saying it is not appropriate for society, can be limiting, taking away that feeling of freedom which is such an essential aspect to creativity.

            However, I do believe it is important to limit what is explicit and distasteful, no matter how much it may depict a certain artist’s aesthetic. If we become a society that allows anything to provoke emotion, we will lose what little bit of innocence and modesty we have left. We are living in a society, as Cole Porter musically points out, where anything goes. As he wrote way back in the early 30’s, “If bare limbs you like, If Mae West you like or me undressed you like, why, nobody will oppose!”

When we as a society, for years, have allowed more and more obscenity leak into our culture, we become desensitized. I cannot remember the last time I saw a PG-13 movie without a sex scene. And while some may argue it is just a form of art, of expressing one’s self, I choose to be edgy and bold myself, and say we are shying away from the basis of art, and entering into a showy contest to see who can shock and offend the most.

Works Cited:

·         Coetzee, J.M. Giving Offence; Essays on Censorship. Chicago: Chicago Press, 1996

·         Porter, Cole. "Anything Goes Lyrics." SoundTrack Lyrics Source #1. Any Movie, Musical, TV, Cartoon! Summer 1934. Web. 25 Oct. 2010. <http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/c/coleporter5950/anythinggoes235308.html>.

My Thoughts on APU's Chapel Requirements

at Azusa Pacific University requires all its students, freshman to senior, to attend three chapels a week, allowing 10 absences over the semester. Before doing any research on this topic, I had originally appreciated this rule. Although it seemed a bit strenuous at times, I loved that I attended a school where going to church was a requirement. And although I had found myself wanting to sleep in more than once, I had decided I overall enjoyed the requirement.

            However, after doing more in depth research on the issue, looking at other private school’s requirements, talking to APU students about their views, and exploring the Board of Education’s reasons behind the rule, I have found that I am starting to think differently about it. I believe that Church is sacred; because it is time you get to spend with God, and the community of believers he has provided us with. Forcing people to go three times a week makes a monotonous pattern out of church.  A mindset that no Christian should have.

            I love Azusa Pacific University, and I agree with the idea of some type of chapel requirement. But, in my opinion, I am beginning to think our chapel program needs to rethink its rules. I believe one that provides more leniency to students, perhaps requiring only twice a week or giving more options in a week to attend, would overall, lead to a more positive outcome.

            I do not resent the fact that we are required to go to chapel, and when I am there and have had time to make coffee beforehand, I enjoy it a lot. It is my biggest desire in life to grow close to God, and follow his will for my life every day, not taking one minute for granted . But I do believe changes should be made.

Has Gaga gone Gaga?

Art. As Dictonary.com states, is “the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.” (Webster). Although the textbook definition is rather simple, Art is an exceedingly difficult matter to define. A few general truths about Art- It should evoke an emotion, and it should be attractive to the eye. Art is an expression, it is personal, and what one person finds extraordinary someone else finds hideous. But how far is too far? When does art cross over from provocative, expressive, powerful, to vulgar, crude, and over the top? How can we detect the very grey line that breaks art from porn.

Over my next few blogs, I’ll explore different artists, what’s acceptable about their work, what isn’t, and why.  This week’s topic…Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga, the most powerful pop icon since Madonna. Strutting her fire-charged bustier, her vulgar dance moves, and practically non-existing body suits, she has grown to become one of the most innovative and powerful artists in society.

            MTV’s Mawuse Ziegbe did a poll about teenagers’ opinions of Lady Gaga, her music videos, and if her art has crossed into the realm of indecency. One student, Chad Tolentino, stated, ‘"I don't know what to really say because that's really over-the-top for me, first she's dressed in a nun's outfit, then she's on a bed with some dude on top of her. Well, I guess it's kinda normal for her.”’ (Mawuse Paragraph 3) Technically, she evokes emotion, and forms to the definition of art, using costumes, dances, and sets to create something pleasing to the eye. But can this be considered art? In my opinion, I think not. I believe human beings are easy to spark some type of emotion from, and that there should be more to art than putting crude content into our already corrupted society.

·         Ziegbe, Mawuse. "Does Lady Gaga's 'Alejandro' Video Go Too Far? - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV." New Music Videos, Reality TV Shows, Celebrity News, Top Stories | MTV. 09 June 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010.

·         "Art | Define Art at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/art>.

To Be, or Not to Be...

Taye Diggs. Adam Pascal. Christian Hoff. Raúl Esparza. Mandy Patinkin.

What do these men all have in common? Yes. They are brilliant actors that capture the essence of theatre. Yes, they are all handsome men who have portrayed hundreds of different characters, both on and off Broadway. But most importantly, these are just a few of the brilliant performers in the theater world who have wives and children, and who are one hundred percent straight.  

Growing up in theater, I have heard time and time again of boys not allowed to audition for shows because their fathers didn’t want them to be ‘sissies’, their friends would make fun of them, or simply because doing theater is only for gay guys.

Though many different occupations have held the ‘gay boys only’ stamina, such as nursing, Baking, and hair dressing, none have been more labeled than theater.  Although I have to admit there is a pretty good amount of homosexual men in the theater business, I have met just as many people on the scene who are not gay.

Because theater is a business that requires you to be open with yourself and those around you, it requires a lot of vulnerability. That loving environment provides you a group of people with similar hobbies who will listen, accept, and understand you. A type of group therapy that you get paid to go to, instead of the other way around.  Because of this, people who feel they are different tend to be attracted to theater, since they feel loved and accepted for who they are. But just because gay people tend to frequent the theater scene, does by no means, mean straight men shouldn’t be able to enjoy theater without a label.

I believe if you love something enough to want to do it for the rest of your life, people shouldn’t brand a stereotype on you, and expect you to fit it. No matter what you love doing, do it because it is something that makes you happy. Don’t let people’s false misconceptions stopping you from going for your dreams.

               

My Thoughts on Music- An introduction into my mind

There are many wonderful things in life that I believe we take for granted. Whether It’s the relationships we get to have in life, the ability to form our own thoughts and opinions, or the sunset we get the pleasure of seeing every 24 hours, I believe God shows us his artistry and attention to detail through the world around us. Although there are many things on His earth that I believe bring him praise, one of his most magnificent works of art, in my opinion, is music.
Music is strong. It is bold. It can move. It has the power to evoke an extensive range of emotion, from the deepest kind of depression to a pure, euphoric joy. It is a type of art that can spark imagination, inspire, and entertain. It has the power to wake you up and put you to sleep. It can be played at weddings and funerals. The unique ability music has to be relevant at any given point in time, is well worth my highest praise and appreciation.
Besides being one of the most brilliant, timeless, inventions of God’s, music also unites. It is a universal understanding that absolutely everyone, young or old, rich or poor, from every nation and culture dating as far back as the biblical age can comprehend and relate to. Music is universal, and it is because everyone can appreciate some type of melody or song, it threads a common ground through all of mankind. From the folk songs of the Irish, to Mexican mariachi bands, the rich culture that drips from music, should be greatly admired.
Music can outwardly bring praise to God, through different hymns and worship songs, or more subtly pay homage to his brilliance, through the complexity and genius of composers and musicians all over the world. I believe God is praised when you do what he creates you to do, and for me, it is music. Hearing the musical talent of artists all over the world reminds me that God himself gets pleasure and joy from seeing me sing. Because a singing voice is strictly God-given, when I sing, I believe it brings him glory. And to me, that deserves my praise.
I believe music, and everything it is, should be praised. From Queen to Pavrotti, I believe the vast musical spectrum is wide enough for everyone to find a song they think deserves praise as well.