Pride and Prejudice: Theatrical version vs. A&E

This weekend I rented the theatrical version of Pride and Prejudice. I must admit that I had some apprehensions, knowing that a lot of material would have to be left out and considering how much I absolutely love the A&E version. Suprisingly, though, I really did enjoy it. Thus a movie comparison began and these are my thoughts:

Things I liked more about the theatrical version:

1) Mrs. Bennett's character was SO much more tolerable! Although she did retain the essence of her character, she also portrayed a woman who was just desperate to have her family cared and provided for.

2) The casting of the Bennett sisters as a whole was great! I liked Jane much better in this version, more human and less like someone straight out of a renaissance painting. Keira Knightly did a fabulous job, though I think I like her and the Lizzy from A&E equally. They each portrayed the character well with little different nuances. The rest of the girls were pretty much identical to that of the A&E version, but that's probably because those characters and fairly one-dimensional and leave little room for interpretation.

3) The cinematography was fantastic! I just liked the overall feel of the movie rather than a more "mini-series" feel of the A&E version.

Things I liked better from the A&E version:

1) Mr. Bennett's character was more what I pictured him to be like rather than how he was done in the theatrical version. I like him to be more sarcastic, not at all caught up in the craziness of the family, and more of a idealic character. The theatrical version made the character a lot more human with several flaws, and I just preferred the other interpretation.

2) Details, details, details. They did have to leave a lot out for the theatrical version. Most importantly, I think, they left out much of the development of Mr. Wiccam's interaction with the Bennetts and Lizzy in particular. Leaving out many portions of the book did not take away the central idea and I think that it helped the movie to flow more quickly, but I would rather see the whole picture and more character development.

3) Last, and most importantly I think, Colin Firth is THE Mr. Darcy. I didn't like the way that they interpreted Mr. Darcy's character during the beginning develpment of his relationship with Lizzy. There was definitely romantic tension beginning on their second meeting, and I did not believe that Lizzy actually "hated" him at any point in time. She acted more like she was just trying to shove him out of her head. I much prefer how the A&E version developed their relationship. Mr. Darcy shows absolutely no hint of his feelings prior to his first proposal and Lizzy does not even begin to think of him romantically until the last 1/4 of the movie. This, I think, more clearly reveals the "Pride" and "Prejudice". Aside from how the relationship developed differently, Colin Firth was so much more attractive and was able to achieve a truly "arrogant" and "aloof" character prior to swallowing his pride. He is, I believe, the epitimy of the true gentleman and I can pretty much guarantee that every single girl will swoon as he begins to woo his love.

Regardless of which version you watch, however, the scene of the second proposal is quite possibly the most romantic instance in all of cinematic history. I mean, who wouldn't want to be told that "You have bewitched me body and soul" ? I get chills just thinking about that. Plus Mr. Darcy's character becomes such a gentle person to the one he loves, and you can just tell that he intends to love and protect her, while still respecting her and her mind, for the rest of their lives. Now, tell me what girl doesn't envision that as what she truly wants in a relationship?

So, that is my commentary. . .those who are fellow fans of this wonderful love story please comment away!