|
'Pride and Prejudice' reaches peak of romantic fulfillment
If the art of romance is something that lures you to the movies, "Pride and Prejudice" reaches the peak of romantic fulfillment - a perfect marriage. Granted, a perfect marriage is an oxymoron (and no snide remarks about which partner is the oxy and which is the moron).
Excuse me for giving away the ending, but Elizabeth Bennet marries Mr. Darcy, and though the marriage is a forsworn impossibility throughout, it is a foregone conclusion all the while, even if you are not familiar with the book that Jane Austen wrote almost 200 years ago.
The idyllic British countryside and the peculiar vitality of repressed, 19th century class society provide the backdrop for something that is almost too silly and petty to endure. Elizabeth Bennet is neither silly nor petty, unlike her mum and four sisters. She is, however, embedded and distracted enough to mischaracterize the handsome and rich Mr. Darcy - a man of impeccable character, awkward with typical society and thoroughly unprepared to be smitten by the outspoken Elizabeth.
Keira Knightley, who shines as Elizabeth, is very pretty. This introduces a less shallow observation. You will be drawn to her mouth. There is something especially enticing and expressive and intelligent about her mouth, not the least of which are the sentiments spoken therefrom. "Pride and Prejudice" is an enticing, expressive, and intelligent film.
Donald Sutherland, endearing and enduring as the father, delivers the best line when he suggests the consequences of marriage to the toadying pip-squeak of a man, Mr. Collins. These are but two of many interesting flavors of men and women in a film that will surely garner Oscar nominations as British period pieces often do ("Howard's End," "A Room With a View" and another film based on a Jane Austen book, "Sense and Sensibility").
To bolster your appreciation of enduring literature and fine film, bring your happiness hanky to "Pride and Prejudice," now playing at Sutton Cinemas, Grass Valley.
|