Full of Prejudice for the new Pride and Prejudice

TV // Vanessa // 26th July 2004

I have just learned of a plot to sabotage the greatest story on earth. There is going to be a remake of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. But how they can do it is beyond me. It just can’t be any more perfect than it was nearly 10 years ago.

More wooden than a bookshelf full of books on carpentry

Macfadyen: No

Admittedly Matthew Macfadyen is rather a dish…when he is in Spooks. But there is no way on earth that he will beat the gorgeous Colin Firth in turning every single woman in the country into jelly on first sight if he plays Mr Darcy. And while Kiera Knightly may be good as a posh bird in Pirates of the Caribbean or the annoying footie playing winger (that’s a moaning old sod, not the position) in Bend it Like Beckham, I hardly think she’ll be able to pull off the fiesty, sexually frustrated and opinionated Elizabeth Bennet.

But I digress. The casting of Kiera Knightly is another issue. My current problem is firmly with the new Mr Darcy. The name is sacred for God’s sake! Any attempt to reinvent what has become a classic piece of drama, even though it is only eight years old, is deeply offensive to me. It will ruin my university days when I had friends to be girly with. Yes, Mr Macfadyen does have a smouldering and sexy voice, while Mr Firth’s is more mumbling and drawling. But does Mr Macfadyen have that cute and naughty smirk (as portrayed by Mr Firth in both Pride and Prejudice mark 1996 and Bridget Jones)? I think not. Does Mr Macfadyen have (or have the potential to grow or look good with) that luscious curly hair and chunky sideburns? Definitely not.

Now, I’m sure Colin Firth is sick to death of women like me lusting after his Mr Darcy guise, but sorry! It’s just not going to go away. He was just too good at bringing back romance into our sorry lives that nothing else will do the job better than he does when he expresses himself to be so in love with Lizzy that he insults every member of her family before asking her to marry him. Although you knew it was coming, it still made your heart race and mouth dribble. I’m not that fussed about the wet shirt and jumping in the lake scene, and I’m sure Mr Macfadyen will do well if he were to try that one, but the rest of it? I don’t think so!

The reason estrogen patches were invented

Firth: Yes

Just take a look on the BBC website at the comments made by staunch Pride and Prejudice fans and you’ll have your answer about this casting decision…or the decision to remake this at all! Someone has suggested someone more arrogant and smouldering looking, Rupert Everett or Hugh Jackman – now that would be a stroke of genius! Hugh Jackman may actually fill the role well…he has the voice, the hair, the cheeky, naughty smile and of course, the sex appeal. He looks good in a loincloth (Van Helsing), so he can look good in anything. But I digress. Hugh Jackman would have been a better choice. But still, no one can beat Colin Firth. The Firthster even brought Mr Darcy into the 21st century in Bridget Jones! How many actors could have done that?!

No, not happy at all….of course, I’ll go to see it in the cinema. I’m curious and I hope and pray they will have done a good job. But I, along with thousands of others, am not convinced and will take a miracle to impress.

Links...
The Novel
The whole thing, on-line
IMDB Page
Info on the BBC version and scary message boards
The AFirthinadio forum
Disturbing. You can almost smell the cats and chocolate.

Comments

1

I probabaly agree with every point made in the artical, but give the poor sods a chance. Their have been so many examples of ‘another version’ of classics that five years later is proclaimed as a work of genius. Admittedly, the prognosis for this one is not good.

Nick : 10/08/2004 23:22:58

2

A remake and not use Colin Firth? They must be mad to even think about it. It just won’t be the same. They really don’t need to remake it at all, they should just re-release the Colin Firth version at the cinema instead

Sarah : 27/08/2004 16:36:55

3

Whilst I’m not sure who is better as Darcy overall - I believe we won’t know until the film is seen in completion, there is one point that is niggling me -it is not a remake at all. Firth particpated in a drama series - this is a film so it is not a rehash but probably a rejuvenation. I agree that the choice of Knightly seems odd at first as the nearly-on-the-shelf Bennet but, as I overheard someone say the other day, Knightly is good at strongminded independent woman and can play with a steeled confidence beyond her 19 years befitting the v older Lizzy character.

I have a soft spot for the original but different actors can do justice to the same role because it depends on more than the character - it also depends on a director’s vision and the actor’s ability to develop a character specific to the vehicle he is performing in: there are different requirements for an actor playing Darcy in a series than there are on an actor for a film and so the choice of MacFadyen may yet pleasantly surprise sceptics.

Clare E Youngs : 18/09/2004 12:54:43

4

Clever cloggs.....

Vanessa : 20/09/2004 16:12:02

5

I am sure Colin Firth’s Darcy will still remain the best looking, especially compared to Matthew McFadden! I think McFadden looks plain and more like a background character than a dashing hero. But I think we are really saying who we think is the best looking Darcy not who was the best actor. I wouldn’t say that Colin and Ehle were that true to the age of their characters in the book.

Rosamund : 19/03/2005 18:03:25

6

I totally agree, i don’t think i can even contempate Pride and predjudice without colin firth!! anyone else is a sin! (but i’m glad that Brad pitt isnt playing the role of Mr. Darcy-that would have been a big slap in the face...so i guess its good that at least the leading ppl are British and NOT american!!)
god-why do ppl feel that they have to hollywood everything, some things should just be left alone.
Colin firth is Mr. Darcy and that’s that!
And not to leave Jennifer Ehle out of the equation-she was brilliant too..hmmmm...i may watch it as i love P&P BUT not with pleasure.

serene : 02/04/2005 20:22:15

7

The version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth was remarkable. I can’t believe that they are ruining a wonderful book by having Kiera Knightly as Elizabeth? I will more than likely go see the film, but I’m not sure that it will win me over.

Jennifer : 05/04/2005 15:26:34

8

I’m intrigued by the rabid devotion that Colin Firth’s playing of Darcy has invited.  True, his was a wonderful depiction but, prior to the tv series being screened, the offense taken at his casting was similar if not greater than that which Macfadyen is now facing. 

Darcy is a brilliant role for a good actor and it is impossible not to be sexy whilst playing the part, as the wonderful Ms Austen, with the creation of his character, kindly gave the world one of the definitively great romantic leads.

Now, onto Macfadyen, if you dispute his ability to look good in period drama, perhaps pick up Wuthering Heights, where grubby and unwashed as Hareton he dominated what few scenes he was in, if you doubt he has the acting abilities get Warriors, the chilling and heartbreaking depiction of Peacekeeping Forces in Bosnia. 

Macfadyen doesn’t do poor work and has always been in striking productions (his first lead movie is actually going to be ‘in my father’s den’ a new zealand film which has gained glowing reviews in australasia and equalled in new zealand the million dollar mark reached by the Piano and Whale Rider.  In My Father’s Den will be released in June worldwide).  He is soon to be opening at the National Theatre in Henry IV parts I and II as the lead Hal opposite the great Michael Gambon as Falstaff, which is one of the hottest tickets in town and will no doubt get a tremendous critical reception as Matthew Macfadyen’s career thus far has been dominated by glowing reports of his ability and charisma.  Maybe you should brush up on your Macfadyen?  Head to www.matthew-macfadyen.co.uk and read some press. 

I’m not solely a fan of Macfadyen but I am a fan of great acting and i think he’ll prove to be one of the great actors of our generation.  Colin Firth is also a wonderful actor and his Pride and Prejudice takes pride of place in my collection at home, but equally, i relish the chance to see what Macfadyen will give to the role.  If you went to see Hamlet with a great actor in the lead within a wonderfully directed production, it would hardly stop you going again to see a different but equally good production of the same play and loving it as much would it?  You tend to learn much more about a story by seeing different depictions and translations of it.  I, for one, can’t wait to see this film.

sarah : 07/04/2005 12:02:03

9

I definitely agree! I think every woman who has ever seen or read Pride and Prejudice and thinks about mr. Darcy, thinks of Colin Firth. I think he will always be the one and true mr. Darcy, but if he has to be replaced, it should at least be someone who can, almost, live up to his standards. I do not think Matthew Macfadyen can do that. I think Hugh Jackman will be much, much better! Kiera Knightly is one of my favourite acresses, so I’ll give her a chance. Not that any one can fill Jennifer Ehle’s shoes. I’m just thankful they did not do the Hollywood thing and cast American actors. My curiosity is to great, so I’ll go and watch this new version, and because I love P&P. I hope they did a good job. (and I wonder if in this film they also have a wet shirt scene...)

Rinette : 07/06/2005 08:42:24

10

I for one am very much looking forward to this new adaptation. Any re-telling of one of my all time favourite stories is always welcome. I, like most people, am a great fan of the 95 tv version, my copy has been well used. I am a big fan of Austens work in particular P&P which I have read several times. Most of you will probably agree that for this generation, at least, the actors of the 95 version are well and truly ingrained in our psyche. It would seem however that everyone is hung up on the 2 main characters of Darcy and Elizabeth but lets not forget the excellent casting of other characters in the 95 version. I’m sure many will agree that it was and still remains one of the best cast productions of all time. Who can forget Alison Steadmans Mrs Bennett, the wonderful Benjamin Whitrow as Mr Bennett, David Bambers simpering, repugnant Mr Collins, Anna Chancellors waspish Miss Bingley and the severe pinched features of Barbara Leigh Hunt as Darcys disdainful Aunt. It is these characters who Austen uses to bring humour to the piece and who are therefore vitally important when it comes to casting. My fear is that the focus will fall too much on the love story, especially with the time constraints of a film and as most of us fans know the piece is about far more than this. That said, since the 95 tv version I have seen a stage production of P&P which was in no way less enjoyable for being shorter in length or performed by different actors. I therefore look forward, with great anticipation, to the release of the film in Sept. I especially look forward to seeing Macfadyen in breeches. But I like so many of you admit that I can not imagine anyone being able to replace the image of Colin Firths Mr Darcy in my mind when next I read the book. I guess we shall see. 

Fiona : 07/06/2005 11:24:22

11

Do none of your readers own a VCR? There will never be a Darcy like Ollivier in the 1940’s version of Pride and Predjudice. Colin Firth was stumbling and mumbling compared to the original. Please get the tape, and some quiet Sunday offer yourself a wonderful treat.


nancy : 09/06/2005 04:20:58

12

i’ve seen the olivier version but its just too old… (sorry i’m in my late twenties) for me...I just am hooked to the Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle version. And yes thank God they didn’t cast american actors in the roles i don’t think i can stand that.
no-one can fill the shoes of colin firth!

gracy : 12/06/2005 14:46:56

13

I was shocked and disappointed when I heard they were re-making the already perfect Pride and Prejudice and even more upset when I heard Keira Knightley was playing Elizabeth! She is far too young and her face far too well known for me to really accept her as Elizabeth. She is a good actress, but I have seen her in several films and she always has a distinct style that I don’t think will work well in a period drama. I haven’t heard of the guy playing Darcy, but I can’t believe anyone would try to make a better version than the one made so recently! Also, the BBC version retold the book word for word (nearly)—how will they do that in a cinema-length film?

AQK : 04/07/2005 22:57:21

14

I think it is a wonderful thing that they are making a new film, so that new actors can get the chance to make the movie and who knows, maybe it would attract the younger generation? NOBODY is saying that Colin Firth’s shoes SHOULD be replaced (not that it could be easily managed), but we should at least give other actors the chance to try. And I abselutely love Keira Knightly, so cant wait to see wat she has in store for us! I’ll defenitly go and see it!

Hanri Draper : 14/07/2005 12:26:02

15

Well, ladies and gentlemen,
The jury’s been out for a bit, but I saw P&P last night at a viewing and I must say… it was a stunner.

Visually extremely pleasing, the acting really lifts this movie to levels over and beyond the standard IvoryMerchant sugar overdose.

And as for the speculations on this endeavour - you will eat humble pie. But then again, nomen est omen. That’s what you get for being prejudiced.

unprejudiced : 27/07/2005 13:02:20

16

Firth or no Firth Ehle or no Ehle, the real point is, that the 10 year old version of P & P was excellently done.  There was fantastic chemestry between the characters, and the 6 hour length allowed it to lay everything out in perfect detail.  There is no way that a 2 hour movie, no matter how well it is done can compete with a well done longer version, there just isn’t enough time to get to grow attached to the characters.  Try watching Sense and Senseibility, the movie, Emma, the movie, and now matter how well done, P & P the miniseries leaves them both in the dust. It will do the same to the new shorter movie.

Brad : 29/07/2005 23:00:45

17

I am a massive fan of the TV adaption of Pride & Predjudice of 1995, there will never be another Darcy like Colin Firth or another Lizzie Bennet like Jennifer Ehle.  I have just watched the trailer for the new Pride & Predjudice film and I am quite impressed with Matthew Macfadyn there are certain scenes when he looks at Keira Knightly and your heart just melts.  I can honestly say that Keira Knightly would not have been my first choice to play Lizzie she doesn’t strike me to be a strong enough actress to get the character across.  I am looking foward to the film being realeased, I never thought that there would ever be another Mr Darcy to do the character justice but we may get quite a nice suprise.

karyn : 30/07/2005 01:29:57

18

I think I am upset about this new movie because it is coming on the heels of me reading “Mr.Darcy Takes A Wife”, and I just cannot, CANNOT,imagine anyone playing Darcy better than Firth.  He smolders.  That’s it.  This other guy, Macfadyn, doesn’t hold a candle to him.  Out of all the Austen heroes in recent movies, Firth tops the list.  Northam as Knightly in “Emma” was also quite fine.  As to the Olivier version, the wrong costumes and liberties with the storyline turn me off.  I get tired of people hacking up perfectly constructed plots to make a mediocre to bad film.  Take the most recent “Jane Eyre“—horrible film.  The 4-hour miniseries was much better.  Filmmakers should leave these movies to the brilliant miniseries makers.  Oh, and if you haven’t read “Mr.Darcy Takes a Wife,” you should.  It was a wonderful, Firth-vision-inducing read.  It’s by Linda Berdoll. 

susan : 12/08/2005 16:07:29

19

Adding to my previous comment. I would like MORE INFORMATION OF THIS NEW VERSION OF P&P, from someone who has ALREADY seen it. HOW WAS IT, AND HOW DID THE ACTORS DO WITH THE ROLE? I live in South Africa,and if someone knows when this film would be out here, let me know PLEASE?! I LOVE p&p, it is one of my favourite books of all time! I loved Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, but I’m curious on how this new guy(Mcfadyen) will do in his stead as Mr. D?...

Rinette de Jong : 23/08/2005 10:44:35

20

Though I’m sure everyone could try and be a Mr. Darcy it will never be our Mr. Darcy, a.k.a. Colin Firth. And not only for that luscious mane of curly locks and hunky sideburns (I find sideburns terribly appealeaing in any man!) but also for the way he made you feel that restrained, almost caged passion of Darcy, that longing, that air of haughtiness, his shyness, his anger… Even if Darcy was being the perfect Phileas Fogg and attempting to hide it with a cup of tea (I love that in english men too...). It’s not only because he looks good and believable… He also feels believable, which is by far more important. His creats that air of tensiion that even in those repressed times fits and he makes you buy it…

That look he gave Jennifer at the pianoforte at Pemberley, which has become known as The Look, is more powerful than anything I’ve ever seen before. And his no-nonesense tone of voice with that hint of ardent love in it… It’s perfect. I love colin as Darcy because he feels like Darcy.

Jennifer also rocks as Elizabeth, don’t take me the wrong way. I just talked about Darcy because that was who the article was centred on. I don’t believe Jackman would pull Darcy off based on looks… I think he is in character better suited for the role of the Colonel. He has no brooding quality we so love to see in the tormented look of Colin’s Darcy.

Okay. That’s out of my chest. And though I know that Colin will forever be My Mr. Darcy I’m not opposed to the idea of other actors trying their hand at it… As long as the role is kept alive and I have my Firth sites, all’s right with the world.

Augustine : 28/08/2005 02:36:52

21

I have to agree with the many comments on the choice for the role of Mr. Darcy…

Macfadyen is far from what one would envision Mr. Darcy’s character would look like or embody.  He also doesn’t appear very masculine.  In the remake, they should have Colin Firth once again appear as Mr. Darcy. 

Lisa : 29/08/2005 05:03:02

22

There is no competition. BBC had it spot on with Col and Jen, though I feel I am not giving the new film a chance, without seeing it first. Keira knightley in the role, what can I say? I’m shaking my head as I write, it should have been an unknown, volumptuous woman with looks that grow on you, the more you watched Jen, the more beautiful she became, the chemistry was amazing, Sigh——--

Deb : 19/09/2005 13:19:14

23

I saw the remake of P&P 2 months ago I thought the film was good. But the new Mr. Darcy i think is good-looking. but i’m getting the 1995 version on dvd for xmas after i’ve seen it i will make my final judgement between McFadyen and Firth!

Rachel : 15/11/2005 12:40:25

24

Well, you all know what I think..

The Americans have made it even worse with the added extra slushy ending..do those acrossthe pond have no imagination at all..?

Vanessa : 17/11/2005 10:18:52

25

comeon guys!mr Macfadyen rocks as mr darcy in the new version.the movie is thrilling and miss knightley also perfectly potrays the role of elisabeth and mr Macfadyen is not girlish.go watch the movie,wish i cud show u the pic of the new mr darcy

salman : 26/12/2005 19:49:29

26

I saw the movie this week, AND I LOVED IT!! K. Knightly really did a wonderful job, but will she win the oscar for it? Macfadyen was a good mr darcy, but Colin Firth will always be the true mr Darcy to me!!..

Rinette : 16/02/2006 14:09:34

27

Academy Awards draw nearer, will Keira Knightly win?...
What do others think?

Rinette : 24/02/2006 09:45:40

28

Not to sound smug or anything, but I’m sure as hell glad that Keira Knightly didn’t get that Oscar. I think I may have had to drink myself to death if that had happened..and it wouldn’t have taken long, would it Jim?

Common sense seems to have prevailed in La-La Land. We are all saved!

Vanessa : 08/03/2006 19:25:52

29

Ok I don’t usually write or read message boards on the internet - but this for some unkown reason seems important for me to share… I think I would honestly be happy if they made a remake of P & P every year as far as i am concerned… why ????

Simply I love to see how they re-tell the storey.

Colin Firth was great Matthew Macfadyen sounds great they are both great Mr Darcey’s, I hope they keep doing re-makes each new actor and director will bring new depth to the role and storey.

Julia : 10/03/2006 13:22:19

30

I’d like to see a version with Les Dennis as Mr Darcey and Liza Minelli as the bird. Wouldn’t that be great?

Jim : 11/03/2006 11:10:59

31

I totally love the new pride and prejudice. Although I’ve never seen the Colin Firth version, I still think Macfadyen did a good job as Darcy. I really like that longing look in his face when he looks at Elizabeth as occured when Elizabeth was playing the piano at Lady Catherine’s house, at the beginning after Elizabeth commented about poetry and also when Elizabeth and him were talking about the piano and Georgianna. I think Macfadyen has this charismatic look in his face and behavior that makes him suitable as Darcy. In addition, I also LOVE the part where he and Elizabeth danced at the Bingley’s ball. Macfadyen rocks!!!!

Josie : 20/03/2006 01:45:43

32

I

Rinette : 24/03/2006 11:31:38

33

just LOVE

Rinette : 24/03/2006 11:32:12

34

Pride and Prejudice!! And the book’s Mr Darcy could never, never be justified by any character!

Rinette : 24/03/2006 11:33:32

35

or actor!

Rinette : 24/03/2006 11:34:04

36

I love MR Darcy! He is so HOT! I want him baby!

Chantelle : 28/03/2006 07:30:56

37

Are you mad?

Medellia : 17/04/2006 14:47:53

38

Granted, Macfadyen is no Firth, but what about the whippet who played Bingsley?  And what was w/ his hair?  Why did they portray him as a petite, effeminate (sp) silly-boy?  Do you actually picture Darcy being best friends w/ someone like that? I’ve been a fan of P&P since the b/w version starring Lawrence Olivier and Greer Garson.  I’ve been a fan of Firth forever.  However, I must say that after 3 viewings of the new P&P, I rather enjoyed the brooding, pensive, masculine Macfadyen.  I hated Miss Bingsley, but we’re supposed to!!  All in all, it was more realistic, grittier, and I would see it again!!  (Oh, Donald Southerland was a bit long in the tooth for Mr. Bennett, don’t cha think?? And those giggling girls made me want to slap them silly!!!!!)

Cathy : 22/04/2006 01:30:11

39

What the hell are you talkinjg about?! Matthew Macfadyen is gorgus! I have never seen Matthew on screen before until pride and prejidice and now i love him!

Becky : 17/05/2006 18:04:18

40

I have to say that this guy makes Colin Firth look plain and boring! I have never in my life been so taken by a character. Aside from his amazing ability to make me feel his love for miss elizabeth, he is the most handsome man I have laid eyes on in Hollywood in a very long time. I don’t get too excited about these pretty boys you see all the time, but MacFayden’s eyes and manner had me wondering if he was married off screen. Enjoy your Colin version and give me Matthew and that wonderful soundtrack from this new P&P anyday! 

Amy : 12/07/2006 23:05:13

41

I recently got to see Pride & Prejudice with Matthew MacFayden and Keira Knightley for the first time on HBO and again on DVD. I was so mesmerized with Matthew MacFayden’s looks (especially his eyes and his wet hair in that scene when he looked longingly at Elizabeth outside in the rain when she rejected him) that I can’t stop reading everything there is to know about him!  He is so captivating with his powerful combination of looks, ruggedness and the complexity of his character makes him so APPEALING!!! He madethe character of Mr. Darcy so believable. Sorry ladies, I liked Colin Firth in The Edge of Reason but Matthew MacFayden is the ONLY MR. DARCY for me!!!  El esta muy caliente!!!! Translation: He is sizzling hot!!!

Patricia Egger : 25/01/2007 02:22:11

42

mattew is wwaaaayy cute than that other hideous mr.d

: 30/11/2007 05:12:58

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