Book vs. Movie: Pride and Prejudice in Film & TV (1940, 1980, 1995, 2005)

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a classic novel in possession of a great love story, must be in want of a screen adaptation. Indeed, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has inspired a wide variety of film and TV adaptations (not to mention musicals, plays, and countless books). In this video, we look at four popular on-screen adaptations and how they compare to the original novel:

Pride and Prejudice (1940 film)
Starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier
Screenplay by Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin

Pride and Prejudice (1980 TV series)
Starring Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul
Screenplay by Fay Weldon

Pride and Prejudice (1995 TV series)
Starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth
Screenplay by Andrew Davies

Pride & Prejudice (2005 film)
Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen
Screenplay by Deborah Moggach

Chapters:
0:00 Prologue
0:38 Pride and Prejudice (1940 film)
4:29 Pride and Prejudice (1980 TV series)
6:57 Pride and Prejudice (1995 TV series)
9:20 Pride & Prejudice (2005 film)
12:03 Epilogue

#BytheBook #PrideandPrejudice

[springlady]

2005 is for when I want a quick, dramatic, romantic version.

1995 is for when I want a full, realistic, darling version.

And I love them equally.

[bastiansartpop]

I'm surprised no one is talking about Jennifer Ehle. In my opinion, her fantastic acting totally stole the show.

[armandsimonis]

The 1995 adaption is the best, hands down. Not because of the costumes, actors, the love arc etc - although they are all great - but because it shows the best the most important aspect of the story, the development of both protagonist by learning from the self discovery of their own pride and prejudice - even by embarrassing themselves - and becoming better persons. No other P&P-adaptation I have seen - and I saw a lot - did manage this so well. The 1995 adaptation is a great work of art on its own merits not just by being an excellent retelling of one of the greatest literary works.

[Shpeofmyheart]

Colin Firth IS Darcy, IMHO. He's portrayed the character so faithfully, in so many different adaptations of this classic story, that I am loathe to watch anyone else play the character. Being a huge fan of Austen, and especially this particular story, I think the 1995 adaptation is the best, by far. I watched it, after having read the book, and was pleased to find that it stuck fairly close to the original storyline. I think that's the real issue: while I understand WHY plot lines must be changed, in order to accommodate screen time, I'm rarely impressed with cinema, when compared to book.

[beth]

The 1995 will always be my favourite as I grew up watching it. But I'll happily watch the 2005 one if I haven't got 6 hours spare. I must admit the music in the 2005 adaptation is beautiful

[acrylicgodoy]

I just realized that one of the reasons the proposal scene was so tense in the 1995 adaptation was because the camera angle is from Elizabeth's seated position, judging Darcy and looking up.

[lydiameeks]

I rewatch the 1995 version at least once a year. I adore everything about it, and think it is the best adaptation of the book. However, I truly love the 2005 as an interpretation of the novel rather than an adaptation. Also, the soundtrack to the 2005 version is some of the best music ever done for film (fight me ;) ). I listen to the soundtrack more than the movie or miniseries, so I guess my favorite version is Dario Marionelli’s score.

[Isabel-jsyh]

I’m just glad we aren’t talking about the zombie apocalypse version

[buckacre]

The 2005 version was geared toward more modern viewers. The 1995 version allows me to go back in time. Needless to say, I live the 1995 version.

[musicianonamission]

The 2005 version is my personal favorite. I love the soundtrack, the emotional dynamics, the beautiful scenery. The way they told the story makes Elisabeth so relatable and I love how mysterious and downright fearsome Darcy is in this one. The chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy is portrayed so well, also. Absolutely love the scenes where she reads Darcy's letter and when he tells her he loves her, most ardently. ❤

[annieh.]

I think the 1995 version with COLIN FIRTH and JENNIFER EHLE was by far the BEST!!!

[saraangel]

i'm partial to the 2005 version because of cinematography and soundtrack. i just love it

[catangel]

Every version is enjoyable but the 1995 version is the definitive version for me. I remember watching it when it first aired and was riveted. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle embodied Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and the supporting cast, costumes, locations and script was stellar!

[dreamsaluminium]

there is no "lake scene" in the book as far as i know :) so even the most accurate version can't avoid giving a little bit of fan service

[TheDanielsDiva]

1995 Colin Firth was superb as Mr. Darcy! He and Jennifer Ehle’s were amazing together . The whole cast had great chemistry!

[annabella_prinx]

1995's version will always be my favorite adaptation. I feel like it is the one that captures the essence of the book the most.

[rocketmom]

The 1995 version is by far the absolute best.  None of the others can compare.

[Becky.Ray]

Im in love with the 2005 version, something about the chemistry between Kiera Knightly and Matthew McFayden

[respectabletampodcast]

A few months ago, someone introduced me to the 1995 Pride and Prejudice BBC miniseries. While I loved the 2005 Keira Knightly version, it could not hold a candle to the BBC version.

[MultiDeedee]

Loved the 1995 version! Beautifully acted and a wonderful adaptation of Jane Austin's novel! Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth nailed it!! Also loved Mr Collins - David Bamber!! Just an A1 production! Never tire of seeing it!