Nearly 20 years after its release, Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its authentic costume design, nuanced performances, and thoughtful exploration of Austen’s themes of pride and prejudice.
Almost two decades after its initial release, the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel “Pride & Prejudice” continues to captivate audiences with its timeless portrayal of romance, social dynamics, and period fashion. Starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy, the film delves into the complexities of pride and prejudice that shape their evolving relationship amidst the backdrop of Regency-era England.
Director Joe Wright, reflecting on the film ahead of its 20th anniversary and upcoming theatrical re-release on April 20, shared insights with The Hollywood Reporter about how the film’s visual and thematic elements were thoughtfully crafted. One of Wright’s major focuses was ensuring authenticity in the costumes, which were designed to feel “lived-in” rather than pristine or overly stylized. He credited Barbie’s costume designer Jacqueline Durran for her work in creating deeply drawn, character-specific wardrobes that captured both the outward appearances and inner lives of the characters.
Wright explained that Elizabeth Bennet’s fashion was intentionally distinct from her sisters’, underscoring her more grounded, down-to-earth nature. “Elizabeth was much more down to earth, of the earth, than her sisters,” Wright said. He described Elizabeth’s sisters as more “flighty” and noted how each sister’s costume reflected her personality—from Jena Malone’s patterned dresses paired with a young Carey Mulligan to Rosamund Pike’s and Talulah Riley’s more studious styles. Elizabeth herself was portrayed with a slightly more voluptuous, Venus-like presence, symbolizing her complexity and internal aspirations.
The film used color and costume design to reflect Elizabeth’s emotional journey, particularly her growing openness to Mr. Darcy. All the women at the ball scene were dressed in white, cream, and ivory, chosen to convey a certain lightness and a sense of transformation. Wright highlighted the scene at the sculpture gallery where Elizabeth’s cream-colored dress embodied a kind of “hovering slightly above the earth atmosphere” signifying her impending changes in perspective and feelings.
One of the film’s most talked-about moments—the hand-flexing scene between Darcy and Elizabeth—was meant to express unspoken awareness and nervousness. Wright described it as a physical articulation of the characters’ subconscious feelings: “Sometimes our bodies know best… both Darcy and Elizabeth’s bodies, their hands, their whole nervous system, is aware of the importance of that person in their lives and in their futures.” The gesture was Darcy’s way of shaking off his growing awareness of his feelings.
When discussing the broader influence of “Pride & Prejudice,” Wright noted the significance of casting choices, particularly Keira Knightley’s age and energy, which he felt captured the youthful essence of Austen’s story. “It was really important to find an actor to play Elizabeth who was the right age,” Wright said. He also observed the authenticity achieved in costume design due to research on period laundry habits and fabric wear, contributing to the film’s grounded and gritty atmosphere compared to more polished period dramas.
Looking back on the film’s legacy, Wright revealed that “Pride & Prejudice” originally had two endings to suit different audiences. The American cut included a tender scene between Darcy and Elizabeth on their wedding night, which Wright found overly sentimental, preferring instead the theatrical ending focused on Mr. Bennet’s joyful reaction to Elizabeth’s engagement.
On how the central themes were woven visually throughout the film, Wright emphasized that the title itself provided a clear thematic guide. “Theme in storytelling is fundamental… you just keep that in the back of your mind at all times,” he explained. Every element of the film—from dialogue to costume design—was carefully chosen to reflect the tensions between pride and prejudice experienced by the characters.
As “Pride & Prejudice” prepares for its theatrical re-release this April, its blend of authentic period detail, nuanced character portrayal, and careful thematic construction continues to engage both longtime fans and new audiences, cementing its place as a beloved classic in the canon of literary adaptations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
