My review of Pride and Predjudice from September 2005 (why do all my favourite reviews seem to be from then?!)
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice which starred Colin Firth as Mr Darcy is near perfect. With this in mind, the newly released feature length interpretation will be viewed warily by many, who will question the need for another adaptation of the well-loved novel.
Produced by Working Title, the British company behind Notting Hill, Bridget Jones and many others, the feature length Pride and Prejudice may not make people forget about Colin Firth emerging infamously from the lake, however, there is no need to question its existence as first time director Joe Wright has given us a beautiful, engaging and faithful interpretation.
Finding the right Darcy is crucial and Matthew MacFadyen (Spooks) proves to be a wise choice. Darcy is as brooding as ever, and his transformation from aloof and loathsome to worthy partner for Elizabeth is a convincing one given the reduced time span. Similarily, Keira Knightley proves to be an excellent choice for the role of feisty Elizabeth Bennett and Donald Sutherland stands out from the supporting cast with his splendid turn as Elizabeth’s father.
The true brilliance, however, lies with the artistry of the film. Shots of picturesque landscapes, including Derbyshire’s own Chatsworth House doubling as Pemberley, the home of Darcy, accompanied by the films beautiful soundtrack makes Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice a joy to watch.
Unlucky to be cast in the shadow of its former incarnation (which it would be impossible for it to surpass) Pride and Prejudice justifies its existence and deserves to be judged on its own merits, of which it has many. Whilst it may never break out of the shadow of its predecessor, Wright’s Pride and Prejudice is an enchantingly romantic movie which will make you smile, laugh and if you’re honest, shed a tear or two.
Showing posts with label september 2005. Show all posts
Showing posts with label september 2005. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 April 2008
One of my faves to get started
My review of Wolf Creek from September 2005
With horror movies of late providing more laughs than actual scares, the release of Wolf Creek (18) should be good news to fans of the genre. The story sees two British girls. Liz and Kristy join Ben, an Australian on a road trip Down-Under, their trip, however, turns out to be far from the perfect as they find themselves victims of a psychotic bushman played by John Jarratt. By opting for a more realistic look for the film, writer and director Greg McLean has produced a truly disturbing movie with images which will linger in your mind long after you have left the cinema.
Viewers are required to be patient at the start of the film as a long time is spent establishing the characters and showcasing the breathtaking Australian landscape, however, this is where the advert for the Australian Tourist Board ends as the atmosphere is suddenly replaced by truly horrific images and a real sense of helplessness which is exacerbated by the light hearted beginning. Whilst seasoned horror fans may have seen worse, there is no denying that Wolf Creek is a truly unsettling horror film, one which the fainthearted may find challenging. Despite its running time only clocking in at 99 minutes, the film actually feels a great deal longer as the pressure is applied following the initial setting of the scene and the terror is unrelenting till the sigh of relief which comes with the closing credits.
Wolf Creek proudly displays its ‘based upon a true story’ credentials, however, these claims begin to fall apart when investigated as it is actually based loosely upon a number of cases in Australia, however the claims do add a further unsettling aspect to the movie.
Whilst not for the faint hearted, Wolf Creek is a welcome addition to the horror genre, shaming the Hollywood attempts of late.
With horror movies of late providing more laughs than actual scares, the release of Wolf Creek (18) should be good news to fans of the genre. The story sees two British girls. Liz and Kristy join Ben, an Australian on a road trip Down-Under, their trip, however, turns out to be far from the perfect as they find themselves victims of a psychotic bushman played by John Jarratt. By opting for a more realistic look for the film, writer and director Greg McLean has produced a truly disturbing movie with images which will linger in your mind long after you have left the cinema.
Viewers are required to be patient at the start of the film as a long time is spent establishing the characters and showcasing the breathtaking Australian landscape, however, this is where the advert for the Australian Tourist Board ends as the atmosphere is suddenly replaced by truly horrific images and a real sense of helplessness which is exacerbated by the light hearted beginning. Whilst seasoned horror fans may have seen worse, there is no denying that Wolf Creek is a truly unsettling horror film, one which the fainthearted may find challenging. Despite its running time only clocking in at 99 minutes, the film actually feels a great deal longer as the pressure is applied following the initial setting of the scene and the terror is unrelenting till the sigh of relief which comes with the closing credits.
Wolf Creek proudly displays its ‘based upon a true story’ credentials, however, these claims begin to fall apart when investigated as it is actually based loosely upon a number of cases in Australia, however the claims do add a further unsettling aspect to the movie.
Whilst not for the faint hearted, Wolf Creek is a welcome addition to the horror genre, shaming the Hollywood attempts of late.
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