How similar is the new Pride and Prejudice movie to the original Jane Austin novel?
February 21st, 2009
princessjuliahope asked:
You know how movies usually take things out? What did the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ with Keira Knightley take out, if anything? I’ve seen the movie 1000 times and was just assigned to read the book for school, should I even bother reading it since I already knew/know the movie so well?
You know how movies usually take things out? What did the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ with Keira Knightley take out, if anything? I’ve seen the movie 1000 times and was just assigned to read the book for school, should I even bother reading it since I already knew/know the movie so well?
That film is rubbish and misses lots of scenes from the book out. Read the book- it’s so much better! If you want to see a better film, watch the BBC 1995 production- it’s almost identical
The movie definitely leaves out characters and talking scenes that was in the book. Read the book, I am currently reading it now and I love it!
There’s enough differences for you to not get away with writing on it for your Lit essays and the style fails to really capture the restoration era in a way that presents the values and attitudes. The BBC series with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is much better for ‘cheating’. But really, your teacher will ask you for quotes in context if she’s smart. I’m a Lit teacher and I always know when my students have watched the film instead of reading the book, they always give themselves away. For every text I use, I have sneaky questions to check where they are getting their information.
Please i urge you to read the book…that film was dire compared to the greatness of that book. keira knightley cannot give lizzie bennet any justice whatsoever, she played the part wrong. the film left out major parts that are important to your understanding of the book. and as mentioned by others its a test on the book not the film what has been glamourised and certain aspects glossed over whereas in the book they were key moments or scenes..after you read the book your sense of the world and people that jane austen was inviting you to explore will become all the more vivid. try to block your version of darcy and lizzie from the film and let her words describe them to you. hope you enjoy the book…its fab!!
The movie is fairly close, but they rush it and leave a lot of good parts out. If you enjoyed the movie, you will enjoy the book as well. After reading it, you should check out the mini-series that BBC did number of years ago starring Collin Firth as Darcy. After you see it, you will think that the Keira Knightly version wasn’t so well done. Also, if you’re trying to watch a movie to not have to read the book, then the BBC version is definitely the way to go. If you can’t find it to rent it, it generally costs around $20 at many major electronic stores.
Compared to the book, the 2005 movie is broader in its satire, and also somewhat abridged. They have also moved some of the scenes to different locales. But the movie will give you a general idea of the story and characters.
Understanding literature is not just about knowing the story, though. You need to read the book to see how Jane Austen conveys her ideas, and get a feel for her language. You will also learn a few new things about the characters and English society of the period along the way.
I prefer the book, there is much more description. I also thought that the part where Darcy proposed to elizabeth (the second time towards the end) was a lot more romantic in the film.
However, I think the actor they used to play Darcy was absolutely fantastic-Jane Austen would have agreed.
If you have a test on the novel, you have to read it, not just watch the movie.
Reason 1- they give you books and not movies for a purpose. Expand your knowledge. Its a great book.
Reason 2- The movie leaves out a few characters, changes up the setting of different things, and doesn’t focus on some really important things (like Lydia’s marriage)
Reason 3- If you have a test on it, and the test asks what the author meant when she wrote something, what are you going to do? You have to read the book to know certain things.
Hope I helped you out, and good luck!
I enjoyed both the movie and the book very much. I haven’t read the book for a little while, but I don’t remember noticing any major details that were extremely different. DEFINITELY read it though, because it is such a good book. And if you like the movie then the book will give you a better understanding of the characters.