Movie Geek
Recently, Dominic and I went to see Pride and Prejudice (which is, incidentally, the only Austen I've read) and though I found the movie to be overall very charming and satisfactory, I nonetheless amused myself by wondering how many of the people who were in the theater with me were aware that, really, this movie is the stuff of suspense thrillers.
Okay, we've got a late 18th century setting. Women cannot own property. And we have a housefull of them--the Bennets--who's only hope in the face of immediate eviction and destitution once the patriarch--Mr. Bennet--dies is the successful marriage of Jane, the eldest, to one Mr. Bingley, receiver of 5,000 a year, prospective savior to the Bennet ladies. Of course, this being a novel (adapted to a movie), there are twists and turns, and really it is Elizabeth who is the main character and whom the action centers around, but my main point remains the same, and that is, if this movie had aired to 18th century sensibilities, the women in the audience would be much less concerned with how brooding and dashing Mr. Darcy is and much more concerned with the suspense garnered as each of the three older sisters finally achieve successful (more or less) husbands. Also, it's funny to us when Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collin's offer of marriage in a flurry of indignant horror, but to her family, to her mother, this rejection is the ultimate act of selfishness on behalf of Elizabeth. At this point in the film, Mr. Collin represents the only hope for salvation for the Bennet women. Elizabeth does well by her character to reject the offer, and all, of course, resolves itself, but DANG, woman, you almost let your sisters and your mother die in the POOR HOUSE, probably from black lung or TB. Thank god Mr. Darcy turned out to be of admiral character, plus he's rich. Score for you, Lizzie. Now please try not to be upset when the snotty English society ladies refuse to be anything but coldly, mockingly cordial to you because of your inferior birth FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
Ah, to have lived almost 200 years ago. The clothing was so charming!
Okay, and now for an embarrassing confession: Before P&P began, I saw the new Chronicles of Narnia trailer for the first time on a theater screen, and it made me cry. IT MADE ME CRY. That's how excited I am about this movie. That's what this movie has to prove and to live up to-- THE TEARS OF MY ABSOLUTE EXCITEMENT AND LOVE AND EVERLASTING ADORATION FOR THE INSTITUTION OF C.S. LEWIS'S CLASSIC MASTERPIECE AND ALL THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF IMAGINATION AND WONDER THUS INSPIRED INTO THE CHILDHOOD WORKING'S OF MY SO EASILY MOLDED MIND. That's all.
Also, I told Dominic I wanted to host a theme party beforehand, complete with Turkish Delight, and then dress up like Queen Susan, the archer, for the movie.
This, folks, is what he married.
P.S. Dominic made up a funny drinking game to go with P&P. Anytime someone says, Mr. Dahhhsy, take a drink.
Okay, we've got a late 18th century setting. Women cannot own property. And we have a housefull of them--the Bennets--who's only hope in the face of immediate eviction and destitution once the patriarch--Mr. Bennet--dies is the successful marriage of Jane, the eldest, to one Mr. Bingley, receiver of 5,000 a year, prospective savior to the Bennet ladies. Of course, this being a novel (adapted to a movie), there are twists and turns, and really it is Elizabeth who is the main character and whom the action centers around, but my main point remains the same, and that is, if this movie had aired to 18th century sensibilities, the women in the audience would be much less concerned with how brooding and dashing Mr. Darcy is and much more concerned with the suspense garnered as each of the three older sisters finally achieve successful (more or less) husbands. Also, it's funny to us when Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collin's offer of marriage in a flurry of indignant horror, but to her family, to her mother, this rejection is the ultimate act of selfishness on behalf of Elizabeth. At this point in the film, Mr. Collin represents the only hope for salvation for the Bennet women. Elizabeth does well by her character to reject the offer, and all, of course, resolves itself, but DANG, woman, you almost let your sisters and your mother die in the POOR HOUSE, probably from black lung or TB. Thank god Mr. Darcy turned out to be of admiral character, plus he's rich. Score for you, Lizzie. Now please try not to be upset when the snotty English society ladies refuse to be anything but coldly, mockingly cordial to you because of your inferior birth FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
Ah, to have lived almost 200 years ago. The clothing was so charming!
Okay, and now for an embarrassing confession: Before P&P began, I saw the new Chronicles of Narnia trailer for the first time on a theater screen, and it made me cry. IT MADE ME CRY. That's how excited I am about this movie. That's what this movie has to prove and to live up to-- THE TEARS OF MY ABSOLUTE EXCITEMENT AND LOVE AND EVERLASTING ADORATION FOR THE INSTITUTION OF C.S. LEWIS'S CLASSIC MASTERPIECE AND ALL THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF IMAGINATION AND WONDER THUS INSPIRED INTO THE CHILDHOOD WORKING'S OF MY SO EASILY MOLDED MIND. That's all.
Also, I told Dominic I wanted to host a theme party beforehand, complete with Turkish Delight, and then dress up like Queen Susan, the archer, for the movie.
This, folks, is what he married.
P.S. Dominic made up a funny drinking game to go with P&P. Anytime someone says, Mr. Dahhhsy, take a drink.
posted by Kate at 10:24 AM
3 Comments:
That game would get you so drunk! Seriously, we are nerds.
I can remember you being crazy about those Narnia books ever since like, seventh grade. I imagine you are excited!
Mmmmm ... Turkish Delight - can't wait.
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