"Oh, Mrs. Darcy!" (Now with Updates!)

Sleepy Beth reviews the latest film incarnation of Pride & Prejudice.

In her review, Beth says:

Many people have said this version is awful (I believe some call it an abomination, even).

I believe that Beth actually could have put a name to this "some" - say... Mr. LL, for example? Heh.

In connection with this, let me tell you an old, old Episcopalian joke:

Q: How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb?

A: CHANGE?

I will fully disclose here that, in fact, I have not seen this movie. My disparagement is based solely on the theatrical trailors I've seen. Call me shallow, reactionary or an idiot if you like, but I'm going on instinct and experience here. For me, this is enough.

On the other hand, the Missus rented the new P&P the other evening and watched the whole thing. While she still prefers the Colin Firth version, she reported this one was "okay".

What say you, Kathy?

UPDATE: Kath here to save the daaaaaaaay!

Er. Ahem. Having an Underdog moment. Sorry. Won't happen again.

Anyway, a little birdie told me that someone was trying to rouse me out of my hiatus with a little Pride and Prejudice action.

While the temptation is strong to come back and say what I REALLY think about the new version, well, I can't. Because I haven't seen it, and since we all know that I'm all about informed criticism, I really can't write anything about it.

I will, however, admit to some temptation when I see it on the shelves at the video store, but I haven't succumbed. Really and truly. My distinct loathing of Keira Knightley has not lessened over the months. I do, however, meander on over to the drama aisle and stare at what is, generally speaking, the empty space on the shelf where the BBC version usually rests (Third shelf in the "P's", far right hand side) and dream about Mr. Darcy and wonder what I would look like in an empire waist dress.

Methinks they cover a multitude of sins, which would be good, given the state of my thighs.

Of course, the only reason I would rent the new version---and I'm not saying I ever would give any money to the people responsible---is to rip it to shreds, so it's not like I'm ever going to give it a fair shake anyhow. Not like it deserves one, either. When you get something right the first time, there's no need to do it again, is there? And they definitely got it right the first time, particularly with the casting. I think Robbo called it correctly by saying that it was an "abomination." And, as you, my devoted Cake Eater Readers, know I don't put up with anything that's remotely abominable.

And, yes, that includes snowmen, who will mistake you for a bunny rabbit, then hug you, and pet you, and squeeze you and call you "George."

So, there you have it: the current status of my Pride and Prejudice obsession. Nothing to see here. Move right along.

Posted by Robert at June 28, 2006 11:14 AM | TrackBack