The Making of Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Happy 210th birthday to Pride and Prejudice

To celebrate this anniversary, I have decided to review a Pride and Prejudice themed book, film, or item at least once a month throughout the year.

One thing I decided to do was finally review Pride and Prejudice (1995) I was originally going to wait for its 30th anniversary but decided, why wait?

But before I can review the episodes, I decided to first read and review The Making of Pride and Prejudice (1995), a book that was included with my special DVD box set.

The Making of Pride and Prejudice by Sue Britwistle & Susie Conklin

What I found extremely interesting was that the spark to creating one of the best adaptions of Jane Austen all came about due to Northanger Abbey. Isn’t that cute? Sue Bristwhistle (producer) and Andrew Davies (writer) were watching a screening of one of the worst Jane Austen adaptions, Northanger Abbey (1986), when Andrew Davies broached the topic of creating a filmed version was the catalyst to one of the mose beloved Jane Austen adaptions.

Although it wasn’t easy. The book begins with Sue Bristwhistle sharing how it took quite a bit of time to garner the interest and how they had to face off against people who didn’t think it would come out well.

I really enjoyed this book as it is extremely detailed from every step of creating it: scriptwriting, casting, costumes, locations, editing, makeup, filming, food, editing, sound mixing, PR, etc. It’s really worth it for any Austen fan and Pride and Prejudice (1995) fan.

There were a few things I absolutely enjoyed reading in this book. First Andrew Davies thoughts on writing the script. He has said that he loved the book, it was one of his favorites and you can see how much he adores it and is a fan in this. I love how he points out the cleverness of Austen’s writing and how great she is at plotting her works.

“Because the book [Pride and Prejudice] is so tight – her [Jane Austen’s] plot works just like a Swiss clock and doesn’t have any flabby bits in it – everything counts.”

-Andrew Davies in “The Script” from The Making of Pride and Prejudice

I feel like most studios struggle with this when it comes to adapting Jane Austen works and this seems to be the biggest complaint Austen fans make about the adaptions. Studios slice too much and important plot points are lost, characters are nonexistent, and crucial scenes of the novels are now flat in the film.

I do feel that this is something that makes this adaptions superior to many others, Andrew Davies really loved the original work and did his most to try and keep Austen’s spirit; while at the same time trying to make sure he had something that would appeal to all viewers.

One thing I really appreciate is that Davies wanted to give us a view into the men of the novel and as to what they think and do. With a novel you have more leeway to have a mysterious character, fully based on what our main characters view then as; but in a TV show most people want to know more about these people and who they are if they are planning to come back every week to watch.

Also the Pemberley diving in scene is such a crucial scene to understanding and. Darcy we we finally see him wiping away the structures of society and instead being able to really “be” himself.” And of course has been a fan favorite.

The casting chapter I also found very interesting as it is so important to find the right people for period pieces.

“So we were looking for wit, charm and charisma, but also for the ability to “play” that period. Some people simply can’t do it; everything
about them is too modern. It’s a difficult thing to analyse; there are a
lot of good young actors and actresses around, but they are just very
twentieth-century and don’t have the right sort of grace. I don’t think
that can be instilled any more than you can train someone to be funny.”

-Janie Forthegill in “Pre-Production” from The Making of Pride and Prejudice

I 100 percent agree. I feel like this a problem today where studios hire people who the think will draw views, even though they just don’t work for the drama. They look or act too modern and make everything feel out of place.

Colin Firth had to dye his hair because he is a blonde, I’m surprised as he looks so good with dark hair.

One of my favorite parts was on the costuming. It was so interesting to read how they had to make all the costumes and get the prints designed and printed on the fabric. A lot of clothes from the previous adaptations were in terrible condition or didn’t work. It was absolutely fascinating and makes sense why the clothes are constantly reused by the studio.

Elizabeth Bennet

There is a section with Colin Firth where he describes his journey to the role and experiences filing and I loved it! In fact it reminded me of my own journey to Jane Austen. I also find it interesting that Firth felt he wasn’t sexy enough when comparing himself to Laurence Olivier. He was extremely afraid everyone would just compare the two and find him lacking. It’s amazing to think of when Olivier isn’t as remembered as Colin Firth. It’s like he threw down a reverse UNO.

I highly recommend this for any Austen fans as I think you will really enjoy it, especially if you love the 1995 adaption.

For more on the making of an Austen film, go to The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay and Diaries

For more Pride and Prejudice, go to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: A Book-to-Table Classic by Martha Stewart

For more nonfiction, go to Jane Austen (Little People, BIG DREAMS)

For more Colin Firth, go to Modesto Jane Con: Defining the Definitive Darcy and Lizzie

A Hunky Helping of a Manwich

Mmm, mmm, mmm! Doesn’t this look tasty? What a hearty & hunky helping. My favorite sandwich is a Manwich! LOL J/k But this is a true masterpiece, not only because it is made up with characters from some of the best Masterpiece shows, but because they chose three very gorgeous men, with their own unique personalities to give this sandwich some real zest.

The first layer is Sherlock Holmes from the show Sherlock, and played by the very interesting Benedict Cumberbatch. In the modern twist of the old tale, Sherlock is just as intelligent, crime-solving, handsome self. However, this piece has a bit of a bite as Sherlock can be cold, calculated, and just plain rude at times.

Next we have Matthew Crawley from Downton Abbey, played by Dan Stevens. Matthew is the male version of the Cinderella story, as he is a regular guy, working as a lawyer; who ends up becoming the next in line to inherit an earldom and the home Downton Abbey. Not only is he intelligent, charming, and attractive; but Matthew is also sweet, humble, unassuming, relaxed, and open to modern views. (Unfortunately Stevens wanted to do other things and his character was killed off in season 2) But still, a tantilizing choice.

And to crown our hunky helping is Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice (1995), played by the very handsome Colin Firth. Mr. Darcy the stubborn and prideful  gentleman, who is revealed to have a heart of gold is a perfect topping on this extraordinary sandwich. Yummy! 🙂 If only I could get all three guys in real life. Haha J/K.

For other Mr. Darcy posts go to Mr. Darcy Talked to Me

For more on Colin Firth go to 25 Films of Christmas

For more on Downtown Abbey go to There are Some People…and Then There’s Me

Would You Like a Pizza My Heart?: The Princess Diaries (2001)

Romantic Moment #6

Princess Diaries (2001)

The Princess Diaries is based on the series by Meg Cabot, and is actually a very good representation of the books. Of course there are some things that I think the book did better, and others things that I felt the movie changed were better; such as Michael not being 18 while Mia 14, her grandmother being nice and humane, and that she and Michael end up together. Anyways, I highly recommend both.

The Princess Diaries is the story of Mia (Amelia) Thermopolis, an almost 16 year old living in San Francisco with his single mom and artist. She is not the coolest person in school, and is invisible to many, especially to her crush Josh. Mia’s only friends are the equally unpopular Lily, and Lily’s brother Michael, who unbeknownst to Mia has a crush on her. Her grandmother, who she hardly ever talks to, is coming over from Europe to visit. When she gets there she tells Mia that Mia is a princess and the sole heir for the throne. Mia freaks out and is angry with both her mom and grandmother, but agrees to go to Princess Lessons and make a decision when they have the Genovian ball. She learns how to dance, have excellent posture, get a makeover, etc. Around this time Michael gets up the courage to ask Mia out and she agrees. Everyone finds out that she is a princess, and suddenly everyone wants to be her friend. Josh invites her to a beach party the same day that Michael asked her out, and she trades Michael out for Josh. Josh and his ex both humiliate her at the party, but her grandmother tries to cheer her up. Mia tries to fix her relationship with Lilly and Michael, but Michael is still hurt about Mia ditching her. Mia has to do a speech about her acceptance or refusal, but freaks out and runs off; still unsure of what decision to make. She finally decides to become the next ruler of Genovia, returns to the ball, gives a killer speech, and dances the night away with Michael.

Most Romantic Moment:

So after Mia disses Michael, leaving him for jerky Josh; Michael is heartbroken and hurt. He really liked Mia for who she was and didn’t appreciate being friendzoned. Mia realizes what a great guy Michael is and tries to invite him as her date and make it up to him, but Michael is still upset (understandable) and turns her down.

So Mia will not just let that be, she feels so bad about everything and wants to make it up to Michael. Plus, she realizes that she really, really, really likes him and can’t let him go. I wouldn’t want to let him go either he’s  smart, plays the piano, a mechanic, etc. Plus he’s SUPER HOT!

😉

He is so great! I love him. Anyways…I digress.

So she has Michael’s favorite pizza delivered with the words “Sorry” written in M&Ms, Michael’s favorite candy.

It’s so cute and romantic. I think this is one of the best ways to ever apologize for something, I mean it is on par with holding a boom box over your head or serenading someone. Not only did she do a huge romantic move, but she made sure that she got him his favorites how thoughtful!

Not to mention to make this even better, Michael checks out the pizza, checks his watch, and then hurries to get ready so that he can be there for her.

So romantic!

Bonus Image:

That Pizza Box is referring to him. One HOT guy!

Say Something Human: Warm Bodies (2013)

Say something human. Say something human.

So when this film first came out around Valentine’s Day I wasn’t really into watching it. It sounded really dumb, a romance between a zombie and a human? It sounded very much like a rehash of Romeo & Juliet.

I mean the main guys name is R for Romeo and Julie for Juliet

I’ve never been a big fan of the Rom-Ror (Horror-Romance), as the tend to be kitschy and just not my thing. I also hate how zombies are portrayed in the media these days. I don’t like how they have moved away from the Romero version, Night of the Living Dead, and have made zombies these super creatures. I mean how can something that is dead and decomposing have super strength, move super fast, and are these crazy intense creatures.

However, a TON of my friends went and saw it and really liked it. So when my boyfriend wanted to watch it, I was down.

I have to say that the film was better than I expected. I really liked the dialogue and the awkwardness of R the main zombie.

So the film starts out with their having been a zombie apocalypse (Although we are not told what caused it). Our main character, R, has become a zombie.

R: [voice-over] I wish I could introduce myself, but I don’t remember my name anymore. I mean, I think it started with an ‘r’ but that’s all I have left. I can’t remember my name, or my parents, or my job… although my hoodie would suggest I was unemployed.

He has some of the best dialogue as he talks about his awkwardness and angsts all over the place.

R: What am I doing with my life? I’m so pale. I should get out more. I should eat better. My posture is terrible. I should stand up straighter. People would respect me more if I stood up straighter. What’s wrong with me? I just want to connect. Why can’t I connect with people? Oh, right, it’s because I’m dead. I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I mean, we’re all dead. This girl is dead. That guy is dead. That guy in the corner is definitely dead. Jesus these guys look awful.

R has his best friend M (Romeo’s best friend was Mercutio, R’s best friend is M) who they grunt together and spend some time together. He mostly roams around the airport collecting items and spending time by himself. Very much like WALL-E

R craves human flesh, “but at least [he’s] conflicted about it.” One thing he discovers is that if he eats human brains then he can experience their memories, which causes him to feel human again.

Now some way away, those who are humans have quarantined themselves in a city, building up a giant wall and have armed guards to keep the zombies out. One day Julie, a human and the daughter of the man in charge, goes out with her boyfriend, and others to forage for food. Her boyfriend, Perry,  is played by James Franco’s brother Dave.

Look at the smile on baby Franco, what a cutie!

R sees Julie and is attracted to her, and tries to get closer to her. They get attacked by zombies, and R gets shot by Julie’s boyfriend. R kills Julie’s boyfriend, and takes his brain. When he eats the brain, he gets the memories of Julie and Baby Franco together, strengthening his like for her. R knows that Julie will be in trouble if left there, and takes her to his hideout in the airport.

The two spend a lot of time together, eventually falling in love (although Julie doesn’t realize it right away). They also play cute ’80s music (which I love). R saves her from other zombies, but realizes that he needs to take her back to her own kind. Even though the two being together is changing him and causing him to become a person again. He also tells her about how he killed Perry, Julie’s boyfriend. (Romeo killed Juliet’s cousin Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet, R kills Juliet’s boyfriend Perry. Betrayal!)

It turns out that not only is R is changing, but his friends are too. They all start becoming more humanlike. R realizes this and goes to tell Julie sneaking himself into the human enclave.

Meanwhile, the Boneys sense that the zombies are changing and becoming more humanlike. Boneys are zombies when they have reached the point of no return, they become skeletons and get super strength and speed.

Now this I didn’t really care for as I didn’t like how the zombies were so powerful, they are supposed to be decomposing people! GET IT RIGHT!!!!

Shame on you director!

R goes to warn Julie and he finds her with her friend, Nora. (Nora is supposed to be the Nurse.) Now Nora is pretty funny. When Julie tells her that she has feelings for R, Nora responds how any sane person would.

Julie: I actually miss him.
Nora: You… you miss… him…
Julie: I know, I’m so stupid.
Nora: Like… like you’re attracted to him…
Julie: No, I don’t…
Nora: Like… he could be your boyfriend? Your zombie… zombie boyfriend?… I mean, I know it’s really hard to meet guys right now, with the apocalypse and stuff. Trust me. And like I know that you miss Perry. But Julie, this is just weird. Like, I wish the internet was still working so I could just look up what whatever it is that’s wrong with you.

When R comes, both Julie and Nora are excited to hear about the Zombies reverting back to being human, but realize their is no way they will get close to Julie’s dad the way R looks so undead. So Nora does the only logical thing; MAKEOVER!

The films end with a showdown, Boneys vs. Humans/Zombies. Julie & R find themselves cut off from escape, and they jump off a building into a pool. R uses his body to sheild Julie from the impact and saves her. She kisses him and the kiss turns him back into a full human.

The film ends with zombies and humans living together again, the zombies becoming more and more human everyday.

The film wasn’t that bad, it was a standard teen film, the angst and dialogue of R is really good. It had some great music in it like “Missing You” and “Hungry Heart“. If you can get past the clear Shakespeare shout-outs it should be a fun watch.

Here’s a cover photo I made for my facebook cover page this year: