PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Keira Knightley | Matthew Macfadyen
YouTube · kMv8zU0u74E
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The film's cinematography, featuring long takes and dynamic camera movement, is exceptionally well-executed and immersive.
- ❖Matthew Macfadyen's portrayal of Mr. Darcy is noted for its unique blend of seriousness and subtle humor, contrasting sharply with Elizabeth.
- ❖The hosts frequently compare the film's social dynamics and romantic entanglements to 'Bridgerton,' finding 'Pride & Prejudice' more understated.
- ❖Initial perceptions of characters like Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy undergo significant shifts as plot twists reveal their true natures.
- ❖The character of Mr. Bennet is unexpectedly praised for his caring and unconventional approach to his daughters' happiness.
- ❖The film's pacing and conflict resolution, especially in the latter half, are seen as less dramatic than modern narratives, yet still effective.
Insights
1Masterful Cinematography and Direction
The hosts are consistently impressed by Joe Wright's directorial choices, specifically highlighting the extensive use of long takes, dynamic camera movement, and rack focus. They describe the style as 'Spielberg-like' and 'documentary-esque,' making the world feel 'lived-in' and immersive. The choreography of actors and camera, especially during the ball scenes, is lauded as 'amazing' and 'dope.'
The director is doing a great job of constantly making the frame feel filled. Like it's just there's always so much happening. () / This is great the way it's shot, dude. () / They're doing Spielberg edit here where like someone crosses the frame and then it cuts closer and crosses the frame and they cut closer. It's nicely done. () / Excellent blocking, excellent choreography with the camera and the focus. () / I would buy this movie just to study the first half of it over and over again. ()
2Matthew Macfadyen's Distinctive Mr. Darcy
Matthew Macfadyen's portrayal of Mr. Darcy is a recurring point of fascination. The hosts note his 'miserable,' 'unamused,' and 'restrained' demeanor, which they find both comical and intriguing. They draw a parallel to 'Captain Sneezy' from 'Bridgerton,' emphasizing his nervous energy and lack of conventional charm, which makes his eventual declaration of love more impactful.
That is his good friend, Mr. Darcy. () / He's from Succession. He's great in Succession, man. () / He looks like he doesn't want to be there. () / He's so unamused, man. It's comical. () / He has all of the warmth of an alligator. () / It's so fascinating watching watching him in this movie, this uh actor cuz like in succession he's the complete different. ()
3Narrative Subtlety and 'Bridgerton' Comparisons
As first-time viewers, the hosts frequently compare 'Pride & Prejudice' to 'Bridgerton,' noting the former's more subtle approach to conflict and character development. They initially struggle to identify clear obstacles for the main characters, attributing it to the period's social norms and a less 'forward' dramatic style compared to modern storytelling. The film's 'plot twists' regarding Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy's past are significant revelations.
Oh, this is like full on Bridgetton. () / Enemies to fremies to lovers. () / I was like, I don't really know what's in their way. () / It made me appreciate Bridgetgerton even more than I already do because of how stories like this can be told because there was a lack of suspense in the latter hour and Bridgetgerton is full of it. ()
4Mr. Bennet's Unexpected Character Depth
The hosts are pleasantly surprised by Mr. Bennet's character, initially seeing him as somewhat detached, but ultimately recognizing his deep care for his daughters' happiness, particularly Elizabeth's. His final conversation with Elizabeth, prioritizing her genuine affection over societal expectations or wealth, is described as a deeply moving moment.
I'm glad that Pops is like this. () / He really cared about her being happy, her happiness. () / That's the only part in the film where I felt almost moved to tears, just seeing his interaction with her at the end. ()
Notable Moments
The long, choreographed dance scene at the ball.
This scene is repeatedly praised for its exceptional camera work, blocking, and choreography, making it feel immersive and a highlight of the film's technical artistry.
Mr. Darcy's first, 'insulting' proposal to Elizabeth.
Lady Catherine De Bourgh's confrontational visit to Elizabeth.
The hosts highlight this scene for its dramatic tension and Keira Knightley's nuanced performance as Elizabeth navigates respect and defiance against Lady Catherine's aristocratic arrogance.
Mr. Bennet's conversation with Elizabeth about her feelings for Mr. Darcy.
This scene is noted as the most emotionally impactful, revealing Mr. Bennet's genuine concern for Elizabeth's happiness over material gain, contrasting with societal norms.
Quotes
"He's great in Succession, man. He's like the best character. Yeah, he plays American so well."
"The director is doing a great job of constantly making the frame feel filled. Like it's just there's always so much happening."
"You have bewitched me body and soul. And I love, I love, I love you."
"I would buy this movie just to study the first half of it over and over again."
Q&A
Recent Questions
Related Episodes
RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar Perez
"CinePals hosts react to 'Red, White & Royal Blue,' praising its witty writing and visual storytelling while critiquing certain plot pacing and character agency issues."
PREDATOR: BADLANDS Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatang, Elle Fanning
"This 'Predator: Badlands' reaction unpacks how the film redefines the Predator narrative, focusing on an underdog protagonist, complex family dynamics, and a unique 'Predator as prey' planet, all while seamlessly integrating the Wayland-Yutani Corporation."
JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Dwayne Johnson | Jack Black
"CinePals hosts Michael Boost and Viven Day dissect Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, praising its fresh take on the classic, standout performances, and immersive world-building while offering gamer-specific critiques."
BRIDGERTON 2x1, 2x2, 2x3 & 2x4 Reaction & Discussion! | First Time Watch!
"The hosts react to the first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 2, dissecting Anthony's conflicted pursuit of a wife, Penelope's secret life as Lady Whistledown, and the dramatic arrival of the Sharma sisters."