Yesha Bhatt's blog: Film Screening: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Film Screening: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Pride & Prejudice is a 2005 romantic drama film directed by Joe Wright, in his feature directorial debut, and based on Jane Austen's 1813 novel of the same name. The film features five sisters from an English family of landed gentry as they deal with issues of marriage, morality and misconceptions. Keira Knightley stars in the lead role of Elizabeth Bennet, while Matthew Macfadyen plays her romantic interest Mr. Darcy. Produced by Working Title Films in association with StudioCanal, the film was released on 16 September 2005 in the United Kingdom and on 11 November in the United States. (Wikipedia)

Read important aspects: click here

Pre-viewing task:

1) Jane Austen and her interpretations, critique and comment upon the British landed gentry - plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favorable social standing and economic security

2) Female characters – represent the age – Contradict the age

3) Society versus Individual

While viewing task:

1) Observe the character of Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Bennet

2) Observe the conflict between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth (gestures)

3) Observe Jane and Elizabeth – as different personalities

4) How Elizabeth constructed prejudice and Darcy reflected pride

5) Social and cultural norms (Class system and mannerism)

6) Narrative style of Austen

Post-viewing task:

1) Which version of the story is more appealing? Novel (original) or film (adaptation)? Why?

2) Character of Elizabeth (Headstrong woman, woman with pride, judgmental, mature, strong-opinions, controlled, honest)

3) Character of Mr. Darcy (Man with pride (male ego), reserved, introvert, observer, silent lover, superiority complex, true lover)

4) Give illustrations of the society of that time. (Jane Austen's presentation)

5) If you were director or screenplay writer, what sort of difference would you make in the making of movie?

6) Who would be your choice of actors to play the role of characters? (Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Jane, Mr. Collins, Wickham)

7) Write a note on a scene you liked the most. [For this you can record a video (2-5 minutes) and can upload it on your YouTube channel (unlisted or public)]

8) Compare the narrative style of novel and Movie.

Students have to answer all eight questions in their blog and must comment the link of it.

Novel Ch 1