Matthew Macfayden is fast becoming one of the rising stars of British cinema. Fresh from 大象传媒 One's Spooks, Macfayden joined Keira Knightly and an Atlantic-spanning cast in the much-hyped new adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice. This stylish, but supposedly more rough and ready, movie adaptation features Derbyshire countryside aplenty, including the jewel of the Peak District, Chatsworth House. Macfayden puts in a more compassionate, believable, and sentimental performance than Colin Firth in the recent TV version as Mr Darcy, but still manages to retain the haughty snobbery that defines the classic character. His mono-feature face is well suited to Wrights vision of a Pride and Prejudice that's not all ballroom gowns and gold leaf interior decorating. Keira Knightly is superb as the outspoken and confidant Elizabeth, and, as Macfayden does, gives a performance worthy of the character. Knightly portrays the inner torment of a woman restrained by her sex, position in society and loveable but eccentric family with humanity and angst-ridden passion. The idea of a woman who lived several centuries before her time is perfectly maintained with every outburst of chilling sarcasm Knightly chooses to release.
 | | Matthew Macfayden as Mr Darcy |
Other performances of note are Donald Sutherland's wonderfully restrained Mr Bennet, who delivers a minimal and subtle performance, without letting his accent slip too often. Dame Judi Dench also slides elegantly into her stereotypical matriarch high and mighty character, a role which, though repetitive, upholds her brilliance which the audience takes for granted every time. Brenda Blethyn also excels as the desperate, blundering and naive Mrs Bennet, a welcome reprise from her often more serious roles. The Derbyshire countryside is also one of the stars of this performance, with Roman Osin's expert touch shining through. The filtered lighting is occasionally nauseating, but Osin redeems himself with some examples of true photographic genius. Sequences in particular of the choreographed dancing are exquisite, along with his nearly continuous use of the beautiful background of Derbyshire countryside. The ladies will be disappointed with the lack of wet shirts in this film, but a a large amount of rain is used to compensate. As entertainment this is a near-on definitive version of Austen's classic romance, whether the character portrayals, particularly of younger sisters Kitty and Lydia, are accurate or not. The story remains as unchanged as possible, except for a large, and, in my opinion, ultimately unnecessary, section at the end. This film is a fitting tribute to one of the most important literary works of the last century, and everything from the music to the choreography to the indisputably impressive performances make this film a must see. You said: Sarah
I think it's wonderful! I liked Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfayden much more than Firth (no offence, I love him) and Ehle. It had a more "real" feel to it. And all my friends loved it too! Because of the movie, they're going to read the book now, which is great, and honestly - most people in America don't watch a lot of older bbc stuff. I've seen the 1996 version and I do like it, but this one is better. Love from Ohio ;) Joanna Trebay
I am delightfull and strongly belive that we are introduced to the best adaptation of Jane's Ausitin novel. Matthew Macfayden is fabulous and become my favourite Darcy. Mary
this movie is amazing!! so cute! macfayden is the perfect darcy | 
