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perused *loading* x

Monday, November 14, 2005

In case you didn't hear, the US version of Pride and Prejudice has an extended ending that is apparently "sweeter" and more suited to the American audience, whereas the British test audience hated the extended ending.

I'd like to ask, who the heck did they poll here in America?! They didn't poll me, that's for sure.

While I loved the movie, I found myself waxing uncomfortable in my chair at the very end. SPOILER alert - do not read if you don't wish to know!

So, the "real" ending of the film goes like this: After being confronted by Lady Catherine de Bourg, Elizabeth couldn't sleep all night; she awoke first thing in the morning and walked through the fog to be by herself in the meadows. Along came Mr. Darcy, also sleepless and troubled by his aunt's visit to Elizabeth, who wanted to ask her if she had changed her feelings for him at all. She basically told him she did by taking his hand and kissing it, and their happy union (and a new chapter) was symbolized by the rising sun. They then went back to the Bennetts, where Mr. Darcy asked Mr. Bennett for Elizabeth's hand, and Mr. Bennett gave his consent.

Sappy enough already, really. I would've loved how everything would've been left to the sweet imagination of the viewer.

Except, there was more. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were sitting by a lake, where Elizabeth appeared to be stroking Mr. Darcy's calf. (?!) Mr. Darcy's pants appeared to have been rolled up. (?!?!) Looked like they had been sitting together and dipping their feet in the water. Elizabeth went on to tell Mr. Darcy by what names he should call her, and Mr. Darcy told Elizabeth that he would only call her "Mrs. Darcy" when he's absolutely delighted...whereupon he proceeded to call her Mrs. Darcy 4 or 5 times, culminating in a kiss at the very end.

Goodness. Does the American audience think a romantic film isn't one without a gratuitous kiss?

I must agree with those who believe that extended ending is inconsistent with the book and dumbs down the audience. Or rather, it seems the American test audience demanded to be dumbed down.

Have they even read the book? The story tugs at your heart strings because of that almost-but-not-quite tension between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. They are both proud characters, which is why fire clashed with fire throughout the entire book and made it such a pleasure to read. A big part of their misunderstanding comes from the fact Mr. Darcy is clumsy at expressing his feelings and at wooing women. Suddenly, in the last couple of minutes in the film, he's this great lover who knows exactly what to say and do?

The ending of the book is sweet, but not so saccharine that it threatens to give you a cavity. Making it so does Jane Austen and the book quite a disservice.

There is a UK petition to show the extended ending in the UK. I say there should be a petition to get rid of the extended ending, period.
* * *

On the other hand, please don't let this rant discourage you from seeing this version of Pride and Prejudice. 1995 TV version aside (which I have yet to see), this is the best silver screen adaptation of the novel, and that's saying a lot. Although the 1940 version with Greer Garson and Lawrence Olivier is a classic, that version is based on a screenplay and not the novel itself, and the loyal reader will inevitably find many inconsistencies with the book.

So, ignore the last few moments of this film if you need to. The music score is an elegant selection of classical music that accompanies the film at the perfect moments. The cinematography is simply breathtaking, especially of the English countryside. The extensive use of wide angle shots for the exteriors really contribute to the beauty of it all - those who love big manors and castles and cliffs and rolling hills will really enjoy the eye candy and wish you live in England, even if it does look cold and damp. There is plenty of humor, too, for those who are afraid they'd be bored to tears at the thought of a Jane Austen movie. Acting is superb throughout; even Keira Knightly surprised me, as IMHO she's sometimes the female counterpart of Orlando Bloom (read: can't act his way out of a paper bag but is supposedly nice to look at).

Conclusion: Loved it. Go see it.