Pride and Prejudice movie characters, part 16

Elizabeth Bennet

Lizzy is supposed to be the second prettiest girl of the reported beauties in the area where Charles Bingley decides to take up residence, surpassed only by her sister Jane. One of her more endearing qualities is described here: “There was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her.” Her playful teasing nature is seen when she says to Charlotte that if she doesn’t confront Darcy soon she will grow afraid of him, and then, of course, she proceeds to confront him! She is also described as a very happy person. For instance, when she learns that her trip with her aunt and uncle is not going to be long, the book says this of her: “Elizabeth was excessively disappointed; she had set her heart on seeing the Lakes, and still thought there might have been time enough. But it was her business to be satisfied – and certainly her temper to be happy; and all was soon right again.”

As far as essential events of the book goes, the occasion of Lizzy staying at Netherfield is most important because it is at this time that Darcy becomes totally captivated by her. This sets up his not being able to get her out of his mind, and by the time he encounters her at Rosings, he is too much in love and must propose. 

Most of the actors that have played Elizabeth fail on these most important aspects of her personality: not giving offense because her manner is sweet, her lighthearted sense of humor, and her very happy disposition. My opinion of the first two actors mentioned below is that they are particularly bad in displaying the real Lizzy Bennet because they are too determined to fight and give offense to Mr. Darcy instead of just teasing him. If someone is going to make a Pride and Prejudice movie, they should definitely get the two main characters and the most critical events that propel the story along right, don’t you agree?

Let me now present my choice of who plays the best Elizabeth Bennet:

Bride and Prejudice - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Lalita Bakshi. Despite the fact that I like this Bollywood style adaptation, Aishwarya Rai is the most combative Lizzy of the five versions we’ve been discussing and is therefore the least likely to make Mr. Darcy fall for her. She is mean when they first meet at the dance and when Darcy tries to make conversation about the arranged marriage that has brought everyone together. When they are at the next dance, she rudely dumps Darcy for Wickham, and she lashes out at him more than you expect Elizabeth to do. So, even though I love this movie, this portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet is way off.

1995 - Jennifer Ehle. Her conduct to Mr. Darcy when she is staying at Netherfield nursing Jane is also pretty confrontational. What makes this so bad is, it is at this time that Darcy, being presented with such sweetness combined with her displaying no desire to put herself forward to appeal to him and having no qualms about teasing him, finds her so irresistible. The way Ehle plays the part - or is directed to play the part - makes this most important part of the storyline unbelievable. And quite often, her face is expressionless when she should be showing some kind of emotions. I will say, though, this adaptation definitely gets better by the fourth episode.

2005 - Keira Knightley. I must say, Keira brings out Elizabeth’s pleasant teasing and good humored qualities very well in this movie. But one problem I have with this version is the way they hurry the story along in an effort to fit bits and pieces together in such a fashion that the real story is not given time to develop. They would have done much better leaving those long spaces when they’re just showing scenery (or dancing and such) out in order to give us more of the story and avoid that sense of having seen a movie via commercials. I mention this because it takes away from Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet.

1940 - Greer Garson is too old to have played Lizzy when she did, but she does such a fine job with the part. The scene with Darcy trying to teach her how to shoot a bow and arrow is brilliant. Yes, I know this is not in the book, but it helps you see reasons why Darcy would begin to have feelings for Lizzy. Also when Elizabeth is nursing Jane and she and Caroline are taking a turn about the room and she says, “If my leaving the room is a punishment to you, Mr. Darcy, you are quite right - my character reading is not very good.” (This may not be an exact quote, but it’s close enough.) There are many other scenes where Garson shines as Elizabeth Bennet, and if you have not seen this one, I highly recommend it because it sticks so closely to the spirit of the book and presents P&P as the charming heartfelt story that it is.

1980 - Elizabeth Garvie. It may surprise everyone to know that Garvie is my favorite Lizzy Bennet, but I base my feelings on how Jane Austen describes this character - she is happy, witty, and perfectly charming, not to mention very pretty indeed. This is the person I can imagine Darcy falling in love with despite his best efforts not to. I really wish they would have spent more money on doing this one as well as they later did the 1995 adaptation, because then Garvie’s work would be shown in its best light. But since it was a low budget film and a gathering of mostly mediocre actors, her portrayal of Lizzy Bennet is not going to be appreciated as it should. I highly recommend watching this version, or skipping through to the best scenes if you’re not able to stand seeing the whole thing, just to see Elizabeth Bennet come to life on the screen by Garvie’s performance.

http://www.missgreergarson.com/gg@r03p2.htm

Elizabeth Garvie

Pride and Prejudice movie characters, part 15

Mrs. Bennet

Jane Austen describes Mrs. Bennet in her classic tale this way: "She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news."

Let's take a look at Mrs. Bennet in the movie versions we've been highlighting ...

2005 - Brenda Blethyn - The overall quality of this movie is just so bad, and this portrayal of Mrs. Bennet is in keeping with that. She lacks the vibrancy and vitality of Mrs. Bennet, who is determined to get her daughters married and is always working toward that end. Ms. Blethyn comes across as all washed up in this version. There is a kind of symmetry here, however, given the fact that this version also has the worst Mr. Bennet. It's really sad that so many people have only seen this version, and yet in praise of Jane Austen, they still love the story even so.

1980 - Priscilla Morgan is one of the bright spots in this BBC production. Because of her, the terrible portrayal of the Mr. Bennet character is made easier to tolerate. When you compare the way Ms. Morgan says her lines to most of the other actors, who seem to just be waiting for their cue and then sound as if they are reading their lines, she at least sounds more like she's talking than reading. The entire production just makes you want to shake your head, because if everyone would have actually been acting, this version would come across more like professionals were behind its making and not like a high school play.

These next three are my favorites and each in their unique way capture Mrs. Bennet as described by Austen.

Bride and Prejudice - Nadira Babbar is an excellent Mrs. Bennet (or Bakshi in this version). You can't have a real Mrs. Bennet unless she is embarrassing in public, pushy and ill-tempered at home. And because it is based on Pride and Prejudice, it also has to be done with a bit of a sense of humor, not in the way the lines are delivered, but in the way the scenes are set up. This version delivers all that! Nadira is one of my favorites because she fits the bill in all those areas.

1940 - Mary Boland plays Mrs. Bennet in my favorite movie version of P&P. Given the fact that this character is such a prominent figure for the story to unfold as it does in the book (even if there are divergences from it in bringing it to the screen, as in this case), not having a good Mrs. Bennet would mean not having a good movie. This is a great movie, and Mary Boland does her part in making it so. I love the opening scene where she, Jane and Lizzy are in the shop talking to Mrs. Lucas and after finding out about Mr. Bingley, she rushes to gather all the other girls so they can rush home to tell Mr. Bennet about it. Just how you would imagine Mrs. Bennet to act!

1995 - Alison Steadman - Having five hours to develop the characters is a big advantage of this adaptation, and unlike the 1980 BBC version, this one does a good job. Ms. Steadman is so good in this part that the extra time allowed for Mrs. Bennet enhances the entire movie. Nothing could better highlight how Alison nails the part of Mrs. Bennet down pat than the scene where she has just heard that her brother has found Lydia and arranged for Wickham and her to marry. How she goes from praising her brother to criticizing him in the space of two sentences, and the absurdity of rejoicing in the fact that her daughter is to be married to Wickham when moments earlier she was talking about what a scoundrel his is -- perfect Mrs. Bennet!

Nadira Babbar

Mary Boland

Alison Steadman

Pride and Prejudice movie characters, part 14

Mr. Bennet

The father of the five daughters of Pride and Prejudice is described this way: "Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character." A bit of research I came across had an interesting point stating that at the beginning of the book, a person may tend to view Mr. Bennet as a very likable character, but as the story unfolds we begin to see how negligent a father and husband he is, which could have an effect on our first impression of him.

This brings us to another aspect of his character: he is the kind of father that is uninvolved with his wife and children, having basically given up on them all, preferring to ignore the family by retreating into his library. He likes his daughter Elizabeth because she is not so silly and ignorant as his other daughters are and, like him, she is quick witted and given to finding some pleasure in observing the follies and inconsistencies of others.

In my book, Mr Darcy falls in love, I have Darcy thinking (after talking to Mr. Bennet about marrying Lizzy) how much like her father she is in certain matters, and that there could not be such a woman as Elizabeth if there had not been such a man as Mr. Bennet. She has his good qualities.

From what I can recall, there is no physical description of Mr. Bennet, so the actors that played in the movies we have been discussing are looked at through the lens of how well they bring to the part what has been mentioned above.

2005 - Donald Sutherland is hands down the worst Mr. Bennet past, present, and future! The only way for someone to out-do this horrible performance is to be in a coma. It makes me think he stayed up all night and came to work so tired and worn out that he didn't care to even attempt acting. This is yet another reason why this version is the worst of them all, for he either chose or was directed to play the part as someone even dumber than Mrs. Bennet herself.

1980 - Moray Watson, the Mr. Bennet of this version, is so angry and gruff there is no humor (sarcastic or otherwise) in anything he says or does. The best that can be said of him is that he isn't as bad as Donald Sutherland! If this version would have chosen better actors, it could have been my favorite, for it has so many scenes from the book that the others do not.

Bride and Prejudice - Anupam Kher is a wonderful Mr. Bennet, or as he is called in this adaptation, Mr. Bakshi. He is funny and has a terrific father-daughter chemistry with the girls. That is different from the Mr. Bennet of the book who hides away in his library, but I love him in this part nonetheless. Great modern-day adaption of Pride and Prejudice, and Kher is one of the reasons why.

1940 - Edmund Gwenn, like Anupam Kher, is terrific in the part, and comes across very much as the same kind of Mr. Bennet — the likable, humorous man without that part of his character that shows him being an absentee parent. Even though he's a bit different than Jane Austen wrote, Gwenn is definitely one person that comes to my mind when I think of Mr. Bennet.

1995 - Benjamin Whitrow has the part down perfect in every aspect. He shows the man as Jane Austen pictured him: able to enjoy the absurdities of others all on his own, such as when Mr. Collins is having his first dinner with the family. He also plays Mr. Bennet's shallow selfish side really well in the scene when he talks about not being overpowered by his not having taken better care of his girls, saying that 'any feelings of regret will pass soon enough, perhaps sooner than they should.' Of course, this being a five hour long movie, there is enough time for that kind of character development. He is kind and silly at times, indifferent and somewhat irresponsible at others. As strongly as I think Donald Sutherland played the worst Mr. Bennet, I feel Benjamin Whitrow played him the best.

Edmund Gwenn

Benjamin Whitrow

Pride and Prejudice movie characters, part 13

Charles Bingley
Bingley is probably the easiest part to play of the Pride and Prejudice characters. He is friendly, kind, and defers to Darcy in matters of importance out of regard for Darcy being a person whose family has always had money and property. There is also the fact that his friend exhibits greater self-control in his emotions, which to Bingley is an indication of dependability and trust.

Here's Bingley as I see it:

1940 - Bruce Lester is my least favorite Bingley, not because he does a poor job with the part he's given, but there is just not that deference to Darcy which is necessary for the story. The idea that the relationship between Darcy and Charles could have the weight of persuading a man in love to leave the object of his love is just not plausible as portrayed in this version. And another thing, he is not very handsome, which Charles is supposed to be.

1980 - Osmund Bullock is better looking than Bruce Lester, so his is better suited to the part from that point of view. But here again we find a failure in displaying that most important aspect of the relationship between himself and Darcy -- that of dependence upon his good friend for making important decisions. So even though it is enjoyable to see some scenes from the book involving Bingley that are not shown in the other movies, this Mr. Bingley falls short of fitting the bill as far as the book goes.

Bride and Prejudice - Naveen Andrews is perhaps one of the best-looking men in the world, but alas, this version also falls short in the same way as the two mentioned above. This version, of course, gives him the name Balraj.

2005 - Simon Woods portrays a different Charles Bingley by being a bit of a bumbler, and in so doing has that quality of natural dependence on his friend. We see him leaning on Darcy for various reasons. I really like this Bingley even though there is much about him that is not quite as described by Austen, such as the time when he is talking to Jane about reading books, which is one of my favorite scenes. He is also handsome, and therefore is my pick as runner-up for the best Charles Bingley.

1995 - Crispin Bonham-Carter is without question the best Bingley. He is good-looking, and he manages that innocent appearance of one less experienced that Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. His relationship with his sisters is great as well. You can really see in his depiction of Charles Bingley the perfect match for Miss Jane Bennet.

2005 Simon Woods

2005 Jane and Charles

1995 Crispin Bonham-Carter

1995 Bingley and Jane

     

Pride and Prejudice movie characters, part 12

Miss Jane Bennet

Jane is described as the most beautiful of the Bennet girls and, in fact, of all Meryton. As to her character, the following excerpts give us a good idea of what Jane should be like in a movie:

(Chapter 17)

“ELIZABETH related to Jane the next day, what had passed between Mr. Wickham and herself. Jane listened with astonishment and concern; she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr. Bingley's regard; and yet, it was not in her nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham. The possibility of his having really endured such unkindness was enough to interest all her tender feelings; and nothing therefore remained to be done, but to think well of them both, to defend the conduct of each, and throw into the account of accident or mistake, whatever could not be otherwise explained.”
"They have both,'' said she, "been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can form no idea. Interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side.''

“Very true, indeed; and now, my dear Jane, what have you got to say in behalf of the interested people who have probably been concerned in the business? Do clear them too, or we shall be obliged to think ill of somebody.''

In Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth, he says of Jane:

“Her look and manners were open, cheerful, and engaging as ever, but without any symptom of peculiar regard, and I remained convinced from the evening’s scrutiny, that though she received his attentions with pleasure, she did not invite them by any participation of sentiment. ... the serenity of your sister’s countenance and air was such as might have given the most acute observer a conviction that, however amiable her temper, her heart was not likely to be easily touched.”

With that, judging the portrayals of Jane in all the movies we’ve been discussing from this standpoint, here’s how I see it:

1940 - Maureen O'Sullivan is surely pretty enough to be Jane Bennet, but the movie is not long enough to develop the character and therefore those qualities of overriding concern for others and eagerness to think the best of everyone are never shown by her.

1980 - Sabina Franklyn is not as pretty as Elizabeth Garvie, who plays Lizzy in this version, so she begins badly on that first impression! And then we don’t see the angelic Jane that her sister praises so much.

2004 Bride and Prejudice - Namrata Shirodkar is lovely enough, but here again the movie does not give time for the Jane of the book to come out.

2005 - Rosamund Pike most fits what I would think of in the beauty department - her face can easily take on the serenity that is striking (and having Keira Knightley as Lizzy is perfect because Kiera is so unattractive by comparison). However, this movie is so badly done in so many ways, and once more that wonderful dynamic of Jane’s qualities being a counterbalance to Lizzy’s is lost.    

1995 - Susannah Harker is not really pretty enough to play the part as far as I’m concerned, but she definitely is given enough screen time to capture Jane Bennet, which she does better than all the other girls listed here that have played her. My vote for best Jane Bennet goes to her.

Rosamund Pike

Prettiest Jane Bennet

Susannah Harker

Best Jane Bennet

Pride and Prejudice movie characters, part 11

Mr. Wickham

Mr. Wickham is described by Jane Austen this way: “His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address.” and “when Mr. Wickham walked into the room, Elizabeth felt that she had neither been seeing him before, nor thinking of him since, with the smallest degree of unreasonable admiration. The officers of the  ̶ shire were in general a very creditable, genetlemanlike set, and the best of them were of the present party; but Mr. Wickham was as far beyond them all in person, countenance, air, and walk, as they were superior to the broadfaced, stuffy uncle Philips.”

Going by this description, Wickham should be a very handsome man, actually striking in appearance, someone who speaks in such a pleasing manner that a person would naturally trust him from the beginning of their acquaintance. Based on these observations, I have rated the portrayal of five of the actors that have played him accordingly:

1980 - Peter Settelen — He looks so deceptive and untrustworthy in his portrayal of Wickham, it comes across like a joke.  This makes it impossible to believe that this is the guy that sharp Lizzy Bennet is suppose to be taken in by. Everytime I see this version, I keep expecting Wickham to look at the camera with a wink as if to say “I don’t believe what I’m saying and I know you watching don’t believe what I’m saying either” like they do in those silly satires that blatantly exaggerate the characters well-known personality. And there’s also the fact that Peter Settelen is not the striking man that Wickham is suppose to be. For these reasons, it is my opinion this is the worst portrayal of Wickham.

Bride and Prejudice - Daniel Gillies — If Daniel Gillies wasn’t as handsome as he is, he and Peter Settelen would have been tied as the worst. The problem I have with him is, like Peter, he doesn’t look or act trustworthy in the least. Wickham is suppose to be a charmer, but instead Daniel comes across more like a harmer (pardon my use of rhyme here). Having his first appearance be coming out of the water on the beach could be some poke at the 1995 BBC A&E version, I don’t know, but in that scene he walks and looks like a wet monkey rather than the man described as being ‘far beyond other men in countenance and walk.’ So my own opinion is, he makes the next worst Wickham.

2005 - Rupert Friend — Definitely has the looks, and based on his performances in other movies, he would have been a great Mr. Wickham had he been given the chance. In the scene where he informs Lizzy about his past with Darcy, he comes across like a pouty brat, definitely not someone strong-willed who Elizabeth would be attracted to. Throw in the scene at the shop with the Bennet girls looking for ribbons and that is all we see of him. It is a real shame that so little is done with his character in this version, and for that reason, I can’t see how he would be anyone’s best Wickham, though he very easily could have been.

1995 - Adrian Lukis — Handles the pleasing address well, although, he is so not attractive - I would say at best he could be described as plain  ̶  he doesn’t even come close to fitting the description of Wickham. I wonder if the producers didn’t want Colin Firth to have his rival be a rival in appearance. Whatever the case, in choosing him for Wickham, the producers of this version ignored a dynamic of the book that would have made this one so much better. Not the best Wickham.

1940 - Edward Ashley — This older version has so many good things about it. As Mr. Wickham, Ashley Is dashingly handsome and very charming in his address. Without question, he plays the best Wickham. It is clear that the producers, and/or Laurence Olivier had no qualms about using someone that could compete for best-looking man on set.  Yes, he is older than the real Wickham is suppose to be, as is the rest of this cast, but that’s the way it was for movies back then, unless your name was Shirley Temple. All in all, Edward Ashley is the embodiment of Wickham as described in Pride and Prejudice in any of the variations so far.

Benefits of Reading

I enjoyed this Reader's Digest article . . .
The full title is Benefits of reading: Getting Smart, Thin, Healthy, Happy

Ten benefits given:
1. Gives muscle to your memory.
2. Gives your workout more staying power.
3. Keeps your brain young.
4. Can melt away stress.
5. Boosts your vocabulary.
6. Improves empathy.
7. Can encourage life goals.
8. Helps you feel more connected.
9. Can brighten your day.
10. Can help you save cash.
Read the full article to get the thoughts behind these tips
on how your brain and body benefit by reading.

Of course, you need to be reading good stuff, or you're better off not reading at all. "Bad associations spoil useful habits" says the best book, and when you're reading, you really are associating with the characters (or subject) of the book.

Enjoy what you're reading!

Thank you for reading what noeandcindy.write !

Where have you been?

You may have been wondering ...

Well, if you have been, let me tell you!

We got our book, "Mr Darcy falls in love" in paperback now, as you know, and have been out and about with it. I also checked around just for the fun of it, and found out you can get it at almost any online bookstore you want! (And at various prices too, I might add) There's also a Goodreads giveaway of our book going on till end of Sept, you better get in on that soon! (Scroll down a bit on that page, you'll see the "Enter to Win" button, only for US right now)

Noe has been making various Pride & Prejudice woodart items, you should go take a look at those on his wood blog. Of course, that blog is also needing attention, but soon (I promise) I'll get it ready for people to purchase from ... you can already email him if you want to place an order for a personalized, unique, elegant, extra-special handcrafted piece you just can't do without! ♥

AND Noe already finished the manuscript for his next novel, which I'm currently editing. Of course, this is the first draft, mind you, and you never know if the author will want to go back and make changes, so not sure how long it will take, but we hope that won't take too long either.

We have other stuff in store for the future, so keep coming back...

Thank you for reading what noeandcindy.write !

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My InstaGram

Find us on InstaGram


I know, we're slow to get on to the social sites.... we're on Google+ 
And now on InstaGram. Check us out: noes_expressions

You'll also be able to see some of the woodart we do there.
Just starting to do our earrings and other things again.
There's a blog for those too, getting it up little by little as well.
But you can view some of the things we've done in the past:
noeswoodexpressions.blogspot.com

Thanks, look forward to "following" you there on InstaGram.

Pride and Prejudice movie characters, part 10

Lydia Bennet

I’m just going to dive into this character, as we have already mentioned that we’re reviewing the characters in the movie versions of Pride & Prejudice.

Lydia is pivotal to the movement of the plot, since it is her indiscretion with Wickham that gives us a deeper view of Darcy. Elizabeth had seen a change in him when she was traveling with her aunt and uncle, however it is one thing to be more open and sociable, but quite another to put yourself out as she learns Darcy has done to make things right for Lydia. Knowing he had to deal with Wickham through it all, nothing could have given Elizabeth a clearer view of how real and substantial his character makeover was.

In Lydia, we see someone who is not just a naive youngster. We are told that she steadfastly refused to leave Wickham even though they were not married, so her character is actually a mixture of youthful exuberance combined with loose morals. Lydia sought only one thing - to be with a man, and if that would be a husband, well and good. But if not, well, we know how she felt about that.

Hence when considering the portrayals of her on screen, there must be at least a hint of her lack of steady character, or to say it more plainly, lack of morals. Most of the versions don’t spend near enough time developing the Lydia character despite the importance of the part.

So, here's our review of Lydia in the movie versions we like:
1940 - Ann Rutherford is delightful in this version. But because the pace of the movie centers its main focus on Darcy and Elizabeth, there's no room to develop the character of Lydia, other than to let us know this is the girl Wickham runs off with and ends up marrying.

1980 - Natalie Ogle. Despite the length of it, this version gives Lydia very little screen time, and Natalie suffers from the same predicament as the 1940 movie.

2005 - Jena Malone is sweet and lovely, but not even close to being a good Lydia Bennet.

2004 Bride and Prejudice - Peeya Rai Chowdhary as Lakhi Bakshi actually gives our favorite a real run for her money. But because this story changes what becomes of her running off with Wickham, the result is that her character is deflated. She is turned into simply a willful, naive youth who is rescued from the clutches of the evil Wickham. Until then, she had the part down solid.

Our favorite Lydia award goes to:
1995 - Julia Sawalha... Without question, she brings all the elements of Lydia Bennet to perfection. Even though she was much older than Lydia is said to be when she played this part, she captures that sense of youthful zest for life that is found in an unbridled teenager. She displays a headstrong, independent girl that can easily be thought of as running off with George Wickham and being determined to stay with him.

1940

1980

2005

Lakhi Bakshi

1995

"Mr Darcy falls in love" now in print

We've been working on this print copy for a little while 
and are happy to announce it's now available!

  

We'll post about the self-publishing process on CreateSpace one of these days, I just had to get this on here today.
Click here to: *Buy the book on CreateSpace* 

Our 12 foot -- no, make that 12 inch -- Mr Darcy!

Mr Darcy falls in love statuette

You know my Noe is a real artist... I've told you that before :-)
He has had this piece done for awhile, but we were waiting to unveil it when we got our Mr Darcy falls in love book out in print. I can't wait any longer, even though the print version will be out very soon, believe me!

The statuette is made using the same picture Noe did for the cover of our book, including the original font. We later changed some of the cover font, but this is still the one for the digital copy, at least for now. One of the nice aspects of the piece is that he's "reversible." That way, he can be displayed on a table and be seen from both sides. 

I had lots of fun playing with the pictures I took, some with my Samsung phone camera, the others with my camera I've had a few years. AND I'm not a photographer -- obviously! But you can see how cool it is.

 
  

We are considering the idea of having a giveaway with our Mr Darcy statuette, or we may use him in another fashion. If you would like to have some of your artwork made into a statuette, send me an email (find the address on our NoeCindy page).

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Pride and Prejudice movie characters, part 9

CHARLOTTE LUCAS

In the adaptations of these movies that we've been discussing, we have a wonderful array of actors. In the book, Charlotte is described as Elizabeth’s intimate friend and is said to be sensible and intelligent. Being twenty-seven, she is in danger of becoming an old maid -- some would say she already qualified for the monicker. At that time, this was a heavy burden for a woman from a relatively poor family. We might remember what Emma Woodhouse says on the subject to her new young friend, "Never mind, Harriet, I shall not be a poor old maid; and it is poverty only which makes celibacy contemptible to a generous public! A single woman, with a very narrow income, must be a ridiculous, disagreeable old maid! -- the proper sport of boys and girls -- but a single woman, of good fortune, is always respectable, and may be as sensible and pleasant as anybody else.”

Charlotte is, by all accounts, plain. The book says this after her being engaged to Mr. Collins: "Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want. This preservative she had now obtained; and at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it."

She is a most likable character, and everyone that has taken up the role has had the advantage of playing someone most people already have a fondness for. I suppose anyone Lizzy likes is in a fair way of being liked by the audience. Because I like all these Charlottes, I will not attempt to pick a favorite, but rather offer some comments about each one.

1940

1940 - Karen Morley You have to love this girl as Charlotte Lucas. When Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Lucas are talking about Bingley as they and their daughters are shopping for material for dresses for the upcoming assembly ball and someone says Bingley may fall in love with Charlotte, she returns with this comment: “Not if he sees Jane or Lizzy first.” I know that line isn’t in the book, but most of what is in this movie isn’t, such as one evening at Rosings when she takes the wine glass away from her husband. That is one of those funny moments that add so much to his character and show Charlotte as a great wife. But as I have said a number times on the blog, this is my favorite P&P and Karen Morley is wonderful.

1980

1980 - Irene Richard If the rest of the cast was as capable as Irene,  this would easily be my favorite P&P. It has more scenes from the book than any other, and it has those scenes that make you love the story. One that comes to mind is when all the girls are talking about the Meryton ball and Charlotte comes to Darcy’s defense by saying that ‘with everything Darcy has going for him he has a reason to be proud,’ which leads Lizzy to say one of the great lines of the book: “I could easily forgive his pride had he not mortified mine.”

1995

1995 - Lucy Scott You might notice she smiles very little, and her approach to this part is undoubtedly one of the main reason she works so well in it. This obviously helps her to achieve that look of an intelligent person who would rationally determine to have Mr. Collins after Lizzy’s refusal rather than hope for love to come her way. As she says, “I am not romantic, you know; I never was.” Well, Lucy Scott plays her role perfectly.

2004 - Sonali Kulkarni as Chandra Lamba (B&P equivalent to Charlotte Lucas) Sonali is without doubt the prettiest girl to do this part. That being the case, one might be tempted to find fault with it, but her conversations with Lalita show just how close the two friends were. The song they sing when going into town with a mutual friend who is getting married is one of the highlights of this version. Also, the conversation she has with Lalita after she marries Mr. Kohli is lovely. She tells her, “I know he wasn’t right for you, but I love it here (meaning California), and he adores me.” Spoken with that fabulous accent, it is a terrific scene. And then to have Lalita say, “Perhaps I was too quick to judge him.” ...what a perfect way to end that scene between these two longtime friends. It’s ridiculous, though, that you can’t find a good picture of her from this movie anywhere.

 

2005 - Claudie Blakley Of all the Charlottes, Claudie most fits the description of ‘never having been handsome’ as they do a good job of making her look very plain. There is so much about this version that I don’t like, and one of those scenes is when Charlotte talks to Lizzy about marrying Mr. Collins and says in a rather angry tone, “Don’t you judge me, Lizzy!” Other than that, she is not too bad as Charlotte.