Film Overview"Pride and Prejudice", directed by Robert Z. Leonard in 1940, is an American film adjusted from Jane Austen's 1813 book of the very same name. The film is dispersed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and scripted by Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin. The film is a classic romantic comedy that focuses on the concerns of class, marital relationship, and morality in the 19th-century English society.
Storyline and Main CharactersThe movie stars Greer Garson as Elizabeth Bennet and Laurence Olivier as Mr. Darcy, two individuals who at first dislike each other however grow to fall in love. Elizabeth Bennet is a girl trapped in the social constraints of her age, with a lowly status and little dowry. Mr. Darcy is a rich, good-looking however hoity-toity gentleman initially looked down on Elizabeth for her low social standing.
The Bennet household, five daughters and their parents, the comic Mrs. Bennet and sober Mr. Bennet, reside in a world where marital relationship for wealth and status is a necessity for ladies. Mrs. Bennet is distressed to wed off her daughters to wealthy gentlemen, consisting of Mr. Darcy and his friend Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley is drawn in to Jane, the eldest Bennet sibling, however their relationship is undermined by Darcy and Bingley's sis, underestimating Jane's love due to her reserved disposition.
Disputes and ResolutionsElizabeth's prejudice versus Darcy's pride triggers a series of misunderstandings. The tension builds when Darcy confesses his love for Elizabeth and proposes, however Elizabeth harshly declines him. She thinks that he intentionally separates Jane from Bingley and implicates him of mistreating Mr. Wickham, who is presented as a considerate character but reveals as a deceiving opportunist.
Later, Darcy explains to Elizabeth about Wickham's true character, who ran away with Elizabeth's youngest sister, Lydia, risking the family's track record. Darcy anonymously arranges Lydia and Wickham's marriage, saving the Bennet family from disgrace. Elizabeth learns about Darcy's disturbance and his kindness, which alters her initial understanding.
Climax and ConclusionThe climax of the movie pivots from the novel in a romantic Hollywood fashion. Elizabeth, finding her sensations for Darcy, uncharacteristically chases him following a misconception, breaking the restraints of her period's propriety. Recognizing their mutual love and shedding their pride and prejudice, Elizabeth and Darcy reunite and state their love for each other.
In the conclusion, Jane marries Bingley, and Elizabeth weds Darcy. The film ends as the camera turns out with the couples merrily dancing, leaving a vibrant and satisfying end to a tumultuous love story.
Overall SignificanceThe film, a romantic comedy, deviates from Austen's darker and more crucial unique to cater to the contemporary audience. The comical elements added, mainly through Mrs. Bennet's character, providing levity to an otherwise tense and high-stakes story. The movie effectively showcases the social pressures of that period, the battles of females, and the presence of love and understanding in the most unlikely situations.
Top Cast
