Pride & Prejudice
Sep. 9th, 2004 10:04 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
annundrielIt's been interesting to follow the interest in the version of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen over at the Republic of Pemberley's P&P board. There seems to be both a general acceptance of a new version with new actors as well as an outcry against a new version with new actors. That's not entirely surprise, considering how well loved A&E/BBC's version with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth is. But things change.
I read an interview with MM last night and was struck by one thing. The interview did not sound as though it went well, and I've read other interviews with him where things went just fine, so I can't help but think that perhaps the interviewer may have pushed some things a little too far. They keep harping on about reading the book and Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy. I can understand how this could upset someone. For one thing, reading the original piece of work and watching someone else's performance of the same character is not (necessarily) beneficial to your own performance. An actor needs to be able to follow what the director and the script is telling them. And you don't want to be doing so-and-so as the character. You want to be doing the character.
So, yes. I can't help but feel a little bit sorry for MM. Colin Firth has so embedded himself in everyone's mind as Mr. Darcy that many people were, I think, completely against anyone else playing him before the role was even cast. It'll be an uphill battle for anyone else to come in and play the role and not be constantly compared to Firth's version.
Although I do still wonder about the choice of Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennet. But we shall see.
Personally, I can't wait to see the film. It'll be neat to have a new feature film based on Jane Austen out and about. Because she was my first obsession and holds a special place in my heart.
Behind-the-scenes pictures are also beginning to come out. They can be found here (Not too exciting, mostly extras but some Jane on the final pages.) and here (Mostly Keira, but Mr. Bennet, the Bennet family, and Darcy can be found if looked for.).
I've also decided that I rather like Keira. (Except when she's doing commentary and won't let Jack speak.)
I read an interview with MM last night and was struck by one thing. The interview did not sound as though it went well, and I've read other interviews with him where things went just fine, so I can't help but think that perhaps the interviewer may have pushed some things a little too far. They keep harping on about reading the book and Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy. I can understand how this could upset someone. For one thing, reading the original piece of work and watching someone else's performance of the same character is not (necessarily) beneficial to your own performance. An actor needs to be able to follow what the director and the script is telling them. And you don't want to be doing so-and-so as the character. You want to be doing the character.
So, yes. I can't help but feel a little bit sorry for MM. Colin Firth has so embedded himself in everyone's mind as Mr. Darcy that many people were, I think, completely against anyone else playing him before the role was even cast. It'll be an uphill battle for anyone else to come in and play the role and not be constantly compared to Firth's version.
Although I do still wonder about the choice of Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennet. But we shall see.
Personally, I can't wait to see the film. It'll be neat to have a new feature film based on Jane Austen out and about. Because she was my first obsession and holds a special place in my heart.
Behind-the-scenes pictures are also beginning to come out. They can be found here (Not too exciting, mostly extras but some Jane on the final pages.) and here (Mostly Keira, but Mr. Bennet, the Bennet family, and Darcy can be found if looked for.).
I've also decided that I rather like Keira. (Except when she's doing commentary and won't let Jack speak.)
