Latest news with #Mr.Darcy
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harris Dickinson cast as 'iconic' lead in Pride and Prejudice adaptation
BAFTA-nominated actor Harris Dickinson will take on the role of Mr. Darcy as part of Audible's audio adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, as part of Jane Austen's 250th birthday celebrations Harris Dickinson, who reached heartthrob status after starring in Babygirl alongside Nicole Kidman, has officially been tapped to take on the iconic role of Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy. Fans of the rising star actor may be disappointed to learn, however, that the role is audio-only as part of Audible's audio adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Still, the project promises to be packed with incredible vocal performances as Dickinson is set to be in the booth alongside BAFTA-winning actress and Industry star Marisa Abela, who will portray the incomparable Elizabeth Bennet. The English-language cast also includes Glenn Close as Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Bill Nighy and Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Mr and Mrs Bennet, Jessie Buckley as Caroline Bingley, Toheeb Jimoh as Mr Bingley, and Sophie Wilde as Jane. Black Mirror alum Will Poulter is also cast as Mr Wickham. READ MORE: Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman to star in Netflix's new Pride and Prejudice series Dickinson shared that the project has been particularly rewarding. 'Playing Mr. Darcy was an amazing experience. I've always known him as this iconic character, but getting to really dive into the novel through this process gave me a whole new appreciation for him and the world. Being part of such a talented cast made it even better. It's a real privilege to be part of something so timeless." Audible's English-language adaptation of Pride and Prejudice will be released in the U.S., U.K., Canada, India and Australia on September 9, 2025. The release leads up to the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birthday (December 16, 1775). As stated in Audible's press release announcing the project, the adaptation will remain 'faithful to the original text' while also adding a 'unique interior perspective' from Elizabeth Bennet. Audible's Pride and Prejudice has been adapted from the original by award-winning writer Lulu Raczka and directed by Dionne Edwards, marking her audio drama directorial debut. Additionally, the English-language version will be followed up by local versions in Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese. The subsequent language versions will include 'local casts and release dates' according to Audible. News of this major production from Audible comes less than a month after the company announced it will offer publishers comprehensive AI production services to produce audiobooks. A shift that has been criticised by both voice actors and translators. The company shared in mid-May that it will work with publishers to produce audiobooks using its new 'fully integrated, end-to-end AI production technology '. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! Voice actor Jade Asha recently shared her thoughts on Audible AI narration plan with The Mirror, saying that since the rise of AI, many of her work opportunities have 'almost disappeared'. But quality is at stake, according to Asha: 'We know that AI is lower in cost than hiring a voiceover artist, but it lacks in quality." Still, Asha says AI-generated voices are improving quickly and that the Audible announcement doesn't bode well for those in her industry. 'I can only see AI leading to less work for voiceover artists, which is already an over-saturated industry since the pandemic." Asha's story and the threat to voice actors and narrators is only one aspect of publishing that Audible's AI services will infiltrate. The company will also begin rolling out AI translation in beta later in 2025.
Buzz Feed
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
45 Unbelievably Cute Products You Need To See
Lego cherry blossoms to add to your already-cherished brick bouquet or to plop into that darling little vase that's been sitting empty on your desk forever because you've never been willing to commit to keeping actual blooms alive. Glitter-infused highlighters, so the next time you get the urge to annotate your already worn-down copy of Pride and Prejudice, you can do so with the kind of flair Jane Austen deserves. You better believe I'm reserving shimmery red for Mr. Darcy. A box of 100 tie-dye Band-Aids in assorted sizes that'll make that gnarly papercut you just got look pretty darn *~groovy~*. A blackhead scrub stick that'll exfoliate clogged pores and remove excess sebum while being a bit reminiscent of the adorable lil' character from Finding Nemo who said, "You made me iiiiink!" Saem Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick — it'll reduce the under-eye circles and puffiness you're prone to having if "Sleepy" is your middle name, but you're simply not catching enough Zzzs these days. A big shout out to the glacial waters it's formulated with, amiright? A palm leaf print satin pajama set with a ruffled hemline on the shorts that'll make you feel put-together even if your only evening plans include treating yourself to your favorite takeout on your couch, and the only person who will see you wearing them is your mom on FaceTime. A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," a must-have sensory fidget toy for anyone who can't seem to get their brain to focus on one task at a time. (Too many tabs open both literally and figuratively!) This lil' squish block is super satisfying to play with and reviewers love that it isn't sticky (no gross debris to try to clean off). A heart-shaped silicone ice cube tray because summer is on its way, and so are your chilled bevs! Spruce up your iced coffees and Long Island iced teas with a little love in the form of these cubes 💕. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit for anyone who insists on watching The Joy of Painting every night to soothe themselves to sleep. It comes with three pre-printed canvases, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and a mini easel (how cuuuuuute) to display their work of art when they're done. A set of cat-shaped double-sided sponges because why not turn one of your most hated tasks (scrubbing, well, anything) into an adorable experience that'll encourage you to do it *meow* instead of later? A ceramic "Creature Cup," featuring a fun lil' friend at the bottom so even if your coffee has cooled to the point of being considered "iced" you'll still giggle a little while you sip. Plus, a set of stainless-steel floral stirring spoons with an antique vibe to them that'll make all of your guests think you searched high and low for the *perfect* tea-time accessory. One reviewer also used them for ice cream! A "float-tea unicorn," aka the reusable tea infuser of your wacky dreams. When a summer storm rolls in to destroy your plans of lounging by the pool, you can nurse your cozy cup of tea alongside this festive friend until it passes. A set of cowboy straw toppers so when you use your cup as a makeshift microphone to scream-sing Kacey Musgraves, you'll be adorably on theme. When I say "yee" you say "haw!" A Taylor Swift–inspired JavaSok covered in recognizable icons Swifties will love showing off as much as they enjoy clowning around looking for clues that Reputation (Taylor's Version) might be dropping sooner rather than later. While you wait for the updated version of "Look What You Made Me Do," you can use this to keep your go-to iced latte cold and prevent it from sweating all over your desk. A stress relief coloring book from Coco Wyo (a TikTok famous brand known for creating the most adorable coloring books) featuring big, easy-to-color pictures you'll take one look at and want to scream, "THIS IS SO CUTE!!!!!" right before you rush over to your desk to grab your markers so you can get to work. A bed skirt featuring a scalloped edge I'd like to think The Little Mermaid would lovingly add to her bed to remind her of home now that she's no longer sleeping in a clamshell under the sea. Plus, blueberry-patterned sheets that'll give your favorite place to hang a refresh worthy of a 5-star Maine bed-and-breakfast. There's also *no* shame in eating a delectable slice of blueberry pie in sayin'. Mirrored cat-eye sunglasses reviewers are actually obsessed with. (They have over 12,000 5-star ratings!) They're reminiscent of styles designed by Dior but so inexpensive you won't need to cry out "NOOOOOOOOOO!" if you accidentally sit on them. 😅 Poems of Parenting, a book of relatable poems that'll have any new or seasoned parent laughing, crying, and feeling ALL the things. It perfectly captures what it's like to be a parent in today's world in hilarious but emotional sentiments you'll find yourself sending pics of to your mom squad with the same fervor you do memes on Insta. A pair of plush checkered slippers to protect your feet from the ice-like tiled floors in your home while also letting you remind your family of how punk rock you are even if your checked pull-on Vans have been retired to the back of the closet. 🤘 A balloon dog bag charm that'll help you climb aboard the ~bag charm train~ without compromising the quirky style you've carefully put together over the years. Allllllllll aboard! Or a novelty crossbody bag you can count on to always be the literal cherry on top of all of your looks. It's big enough to hold all of your essentials (phone, wallet, keys, lip balm) but small enough that you won't be able to overstuff it like you do your other everyday bag. A gummy bear alligator hair clip that'll keep the pesky bangs you cut last Tuesday night on a whim out of your face while you're stuck waiting for them to grow. Note to self: bangs are STILL not a good idea. An inner tube floatie ceramic planter that'll inspire you to go out, buy a real plant, and make a valiant effort to keep it alive all summer. It's just TOO cute not to buy and immediately display in the most prominent part of your home! A Kitsch microfiber scrunchie to absorb all the water from your post-everything shower hair in a, dare I might say, stylish way. It'll also be *way* less cumbersome, so you can enjoy your deep dive on the ladies of MomTok without a towel falling over your eyes. A deluxe edition of rom-com genius Emily Henry's Beach Read with endpapers and sprayed edges that have been designed to look like a stunning sunset — and don't get me started on the shimmering, updated cover. Your bookshelf is going to BEG you to add this to your collection. A trio of ColourPop Lilo & Stitch lip glosses shaped like popsicles (can you EVENNNN?!) that'll provide your pout with a nonsticky, ultra-glossy sheen while also leaving it nice 'n' hydrated. Each one is filled with nourishing elements like Hyaluronic Acid, Kakadu Plum, and Sweet Cherry Oil. Levi's Cinch Baggy Jeans with an adjustable band to make them flawlessly cinch to your waist — the only explanation is a witch must've her powers for good to create these so everyone can own a perfect-for-them pair of cute jeans. A trio of hypoallergenic gold-plated earrings for anyone who is tired of their current lineup and wants an easy, trendy fix they can pop into their lobes and say, "Ooh, cute!" And a set of golden bracelets that'll make it seem like you've splurged on the famed Cartier versions but for less than 20 bucks! Wear 'em together or separate them and pair them up with your already-loved baubles. Pointed toe ballet flats you'll find yourself staring at, thinking, "Are these actually from Rothy's?" even though you're the one who bought them. They're so comfortable and stylish that you likely won't be able to resist doing a lil' jig when you wear 'em. Or a pair of trendy lattice jelly flats that'll make you feel like you're wearing the upgraded, grown-up version of your favorite childhood sandals. An emotional support lap pillow holder for your Kindle, iPad, and phone that'll securely prop them up so you won't miss a second of the old season of Summer House you're watching for the tenth time. Reviewers love that it's plush, comfy, and has the perfect spot to stash their snacks. A dimmable flexible clip-on mushroom light so when someone says "I mush ask you a question" you'll be ready to actually see what they're saying. It has five different color-changing LED lighting options you can adjust as needed — ya love to see it. Or a little elephant touch lamp you'll adore so much it might just help you get over the trauma of watching Dumbo be separated from his mother (yikes, sorry, I went there). In all seriousness, it'll be a great lighting option for your bedside table or in a nursery where you're in/out of the room all night. A playful kitchen towel for anyone who wishes they were in a pool swimming laps or casually gossiping while sipping on a spiked seltzer in a flaming-shaped tube but sadly are spending their day working from home at their kitchen table. An Ikea bag coin purse that'll just be the cutest thing you ever did see — it's perfectly sized to hold your earbuds and key while paying tribute to the greatest thing to come out of Sweden (aside from their meatballs, obvs). An adorable egg separator to prevent you from saying "Oopsie daisy!" every time you accidentally break an egg yolk before adding it to your recipe. Salt and pepper shakers you'll love *berry* much because they'll be an adorable and functional addition to your daily at-home dining experiences. IDK about you, but I'm a sucker for any cute fruit-shaped kitchen items. Spiral taper candles in a bunch of fun colors that'll look simply darling on your tabletop — and they come at such a good price you won't be afraid to burn them and re-order. A plush throw blanket with a Mickey Mouse twist to it that'll have haters turning into Disney Adults after just one snuggle. It has a chic double-sided print with reverse colors on the back! Just imagine how lovely this will look folded neatly across your bed (aka tossed in a crumpled mess as you drag yourself off the couch at 2 a.m.). A crocheted swim cover-up that'll make you want to book a vacay to Aruba (where it's a perfect 80-something degrees every day) immediately instead of waiting for summer to show it off. Many reviewers have also dressed it up with heels and worn it to dinner! A kid-size clam bake–inspired button-down for anyone whose family summer tradition includes hosting an over-the-top version of this backyard feast. Dress your tyke for the part and watch the compliments roll in as everyone admires his impressive style. And a set of precious garden ghosts to plop alongside your begonias — there's a 0% chance you don't smile every time they greet you while you're watering your prized flowers.
Identity
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
The Men Who Mastered The Art Of Yearning
There's something intriguing about a man who never asks for love but holds it like it's woven into his very being. We grew up watching the loud, the flashy, the dramatic. But the ones we felt the most were the ones who acted in silence, the ones who watched, waited, burned. The ones who never asked to be loved but somehow always were. That isn't about who got the girl. It's about who never stopped hoping she might choose him. Here are four perfect examples of male characters we've spotted yearning for love in movies and dramas. Noah Calhoun — The Notebook If love was labor, Noah did it all. He built the house, wrote her letters daily for a year, stayed in the same town, and held the same dream. Noah didn't chase. He waited with a hopeful soul and a stubborn heart. And at the end, all he needed was a front porch, a little rain, and the girl he never stopped loving. Jim Halpert — The Office Jim wasn't loud about his feelings. He hides them behind jokes, paper clips, and long looks across the office. But the depth has always been there, in every pause, every stolen glance, every time he chose to stay, even when it hurt. And when the moment finally came, he didn't hesitate. He poured his heart out. Mr. Darcy — Pride and Prejudice No one yearns quite like Mr. Darcy. He doesn't flirt, he observes. He doesn't confess until the words feel like they might spill out of his mouth. And when he finally speaks, it's not for attention. It's because he's tried everything but saying it, and still, he couldn't resist the presence of Elizabeth. He's not cold. He's terrified of being seen and rejected, and yet he chooses to love anyway. Quietly. Deeply. Entirely. Conrad Fisher — The Summer I Turned Pretty He's in love, and it shows in everything but his words. He's the sigh in the background. The mood swings. The glance that lasts a little too long. He pulls away when you need him to stay, but only because he feels too much and doesn't know what to do with it. He's not easy to love. But when he does love, it's forever. Anthony Bridgerton — Bridgerton He fights love like it's the enemy. He walks around convinced that duty must always come before desire. But then he falls in love in a blink of an eye. He resists. He burns. He breaks. And when he finally let go? He loves it like it's all he's ever known. Underneath the rules, the name, the pressure there's a man who just wants to be chosen back. In the end, we always talk about women who wait, the hopeless romantics, but there are men who wait too but in their own way. Who wanted to speak but didn't. Who stayed when they could've walked away. Who loved from afar until they couldn't hold it in anymore. Maybe that's the kind of romance we crave now. Not loud, not perfect. Just real. Quiet. Steady. Share with us your favorite male character and which one feels relatable to you in the comment section below.
CNN
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Why the 20-year-old ‘Pride & Prejudice' film still bewitches audiences today
One of the most iconic scenes in 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005) is the first proposal scene. Even those who have yet to watch the beloved movie likely have some idea of the shot. Pummelled by the rain, Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) — wet hair flopping against his forehead — confesses his adoration to the spunky protagonist Elizabeth Bennet: 'I love you, most ardently.' Those familiar with the story know what happens next. Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) denies him and the two part ways, continuing their strained will-they-won't-they romance. But in Jane Austen's original novel, the scene occurs inside, empty of any steady downpours or rolling hills in the background. And, in the novel, devoid of any hints of Mr. Darcy's true feelings, his proposal comes as a total shock. But in director Joe Wright's version, there are clues: held breaths, hand flexes and sexual tension thick enough to slice. Those are just some of the elements that distinguish this version of 'Pride and Prejudice' from the original novel. And it's one of the reasons why this movie has resonated even with those who may not consider themselves fans of Austen. Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' is back in theaters this week in honor of its 20th anniversary. So we looked back at how, exactly, the film continues to bewitch viewers, body and soul. While 'Pride and Prejudice' has been the subject of many miniseries and modern Hallmark-esque takes, Wright's film is considered only the second faithful film adaptation, alongside the 1940 movie starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. Until its premiere 20 years ago, the 1995 BBC miniseries starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy was considered the most emblematic visual adaptation. Many Austen fans embrace that version, which, at over five hours long, more strictly follows the novel. But as seen in the proposal scene, the liberties Wright takes with the text lends to the appeal of his adaptation. While Devoney Looser, Jane Austen scholar and author of the forthcoming 'Wild for Austen,' considers the 1995 BBC miniseries to be her personal favorite adaptation, most of her students prefer the 2005 film, she said. Over the years, she's come to see its virtues. Wright's approach to Mr. Darcy is one of the main differentiators. In the original text, and largely in the 1995 version, the character is standoffish and prickly. His feelings are largely hidden, hence why that first proposal comes as such a surprise, Looser said. Macfadyen's Darcy is different. While still aloof, he's more brooding and tortured, and the audience clearly sees the effect Elizabeth's presence has on him. He's misunderstood and yearning, more than he is simply detestable. And that makes him desirable, not just to Elizabeth, but to audiences. Wright isn't the first to make Mr. Darcy's character attractive to viewers; in fact, this idea of an 'attractive Darcy' is found throughout many 20th century adaptations, Looser said. But Wright leans into the romantic tension even more. As viewers, we're hooked. 'The audience has something to invest emotionally (in),' Looser said. 'And, I think in terms of sexual desire in Darcy, visually.' Note the scene when Elizabeth's sister Jane (Rosamund Pike) falls ill at Netherfield, where Mr. Darcy and his companions are temporarily staying. When Elizabeth visits, we hear from Carolyn Bingley, off screen, that she appears 'positively medieval.' But the camera focuses on Mr. Darcy's sight line, so we don't see Elizabeth's muddy dress or her dirty boots. Instead, the camera lingers on her wide eyes and her cascading hair — a stark contrast to the focus in both the book and other adaptations, Looser said. Audiences are allowed a peek into the tense and clumsy feelings Mr. Darcy holds. And take the famous hand flex scene, so well known that distributor Focus Features is now selling T-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with Macfadyen's outstretched hand. In the scene, Mr. Darcy is helping Elizabeth into her carriage. As she steps in, her hand still in his, he releases her palm, swivels around and strides away, while Elizabeth stares in bewilderment. Then, he flexes his hand as if he'd been shocked — a release of the emotional electricity her touch wrought. Wright gives us that visual insight into Darcy's mind and his feelings, Looser said, but Austen doesn't. This tension, built throughout the film, seizes audiences' attentions and fills even the most seemingly mundane moments with heat. But Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' isn't just a love story. While many adaptations give a peek inside Darcy's interior life, Wright extends this lens to all of the characters in the story, said Justin Smith, professor of cinema and television history at De Montfort University in Leicester, England. Take Elizabeth's sister Mary (Talulah Riley). When Elizabeth announces her rejection of Mr. Collins's proposal, Wright's camera focuses on Mary, whose face fills with a wistful expression. 'It's almost as if she's saying, 'I would say yes if he asked me,'' Smith said, 'And a whole back story emerges about her.' Wright's small windows help all the characters come to life, Smith said, in a way that doesn't happen in other adaptations. Together, they create a rich world for viewers to fall into. Beyond the romance, Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' could be a family tale, and who can't relate to a nagging mom or sibling jealousy? Upon its release, Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' was a smash hit, netting more than $121 million worldwide on a $28 million budget and a cast led by two rising stars. The critic Roger Ebert famously gave the film, which went on to be nominated for four Academy Awards, four out of four stars. The soundtrack is filled with a lilting piano and birdsong; the cameras sweep over the rolling hills and lush greenery. Every frame seems like a painting. But the rerelease comes at a very different time than the original premiere back in 2005. Movie theaters are in decline, analysts are mourning mid-budget films and romantic dramas aren't as ubiquitous as they once were. While this context might not subtract from the beauty of the film, audiences today are approaching it with a distinct lens. People flooded theaters to see the 1940 adaptation, which was produced during World War II as part of an effort to boost morale, said Deborah Cartmell, a professor of English at De Montfort University and an adaptations studies expert. Audiences craved that nostalgic look at an England 'worth fighting for.' A similar nostalgia could be at play today, she said. 'Watching it makes you feel really nostalgic for 20 years ago,' Cartmell said. 'In these turbulent times, it's a really reassuring tale to look at and enjoy.' There's also something soothing about watching two people meet and fall in love, not necessarily in the most fairytale way, but in a way that appears natural and true. Today, when much of romance is mediated through dating apps and text messages, watching face-to-face intimacy can also be nostalgic, Smith said. 'Movies remind us of the very tangible and raw nature of emotion and of human intimacy, and of actually getting to know someone in physical spaces,' Smith said. 'That may sound far-fetched, but I think we may have a nostalgia for romance and courtship that predates the rituals and conventions of the digital age.' The drama of Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' reminds of this more organic way of meeting someone, getting to know them and tumbling into love. That, Smith said, is worth celebrating.
CNN
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Why the 20-year-old ‘Pride & Prejudice' film still bewitches audiences today
One of the most iconic scenes in 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005) is the first proposal scene. Even those who have yet to watch the beloved movie likely have some idea of the shot. Pummelled by the rain, Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) — wet hair flopping against his forehead — confesses his adoration to the spunky protagonist Elizabeth Bennet: 'I love you, most ardently.' Those familiar with the story know what happens next. Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) denies him and the two part ways, continuing their strained will-they-won't-they romance. But in Jane Austen's original novel, the scene occurs inside, empty of any steady downpours or rolling hills in the background. And, in the novel, devoid of any hints of Mr. Darcy's true feelings, his proposal comes as a total shock. But in director Joe Wright's version, there are clues: held breaths, hand flexes and sexual tension thick enough to slice. Those are just some of the elements that distinguish this version of 'Pride and Prejudice' from the original novel. And it's one of the reasons why this movie has resonated even with those who may not consider themselves fans of Austen. Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' is back in theaters this week in honor of its 20th anniversary. So we looked back at how, exactly, the film continues to bewitch viewers, body and soul. While 'Pride and Prejudice' has been the subject of many miniseries and modern Hallmark-esque takes, Wright's film is considered only the second faithful film adaptation, alongside the 1940 movie starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. Until its premiere 20 years ago, the 1995 BBC miniseries starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy was considered the most emblematic visual adaptation. Many Austen fans embrace that version, which, at over five hours long, more strictly follows the novel. But as seen in the proposal scene, the liberties Wright takes with the text lends to the appeal of his adaptation. While Devoney Looser, Jane Austen scholar and author of the forthcoming 'Wild for Austen,' considers the 1995 BBC miniseries to be her personal favorite adaptation, most of her students prefer the 2005 film, she said. Over the years, she's come to see its virtues. Wright's approach to Mr. Darcy is one of the main differentiators. In the original text, and largely in the 1995 version, the character is standoffish and prickly. His feelings are largely hidden, hence why that first proposal comes as such a surprise, Looser said. Macfadyen's Darcy is different. While still aloof, he's more brooding and tortured, and the audience clearly sees the effect Elizabeth's presence has on him. He's misunderstood and yearning, more than he is simply detestable. And that makes him desirable, not just to Elizabeth, but to audiences. Wright isn't the first to make Mr. Darcy's character attractive to viewers; in fact, this idea of an 'attractive Darcy' is found throughout many 20th century adaptations, Looser said. But Wright leans into the romantic tension even more. As viewers, we're hooked. 'The audience has something to invest emotionally (in),' Looser said. 'And, I think in terms of sexual desire in Darcy, visually.' Note the scene when Elizabeth's sister Jane (Rosamund Pike) falls ill at Netherfield, where Mr. Darcy and his companions are temporarily staying. When Elizabeth visits, we hear from Carolyn Bingley, off screen, that she appears 'positively medieval.' But the camera focuses on Mr. Darcy's sight line, so we don't see Elizabeth's muddy dress or her dirty boots. Instead, the camera lingers on her wide eyes and her cascading hair — a stark contrast to the focus in both the book and other adaptations, Looser said. Audiences are allowed a peek into the tense and clumsy feelings Mr. Darcy holds. And take the famous hand flex scene, so well known that distributor Focus Features is now selling T-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with Macfadyen's outstretched hand. In the scene, Mr. Darcy is helping Elizabeth into her carriage. As she steps in, her hand still in his, he releases her palm, swivels around and strides away, while Elizabeth stares in bewilderment. Then, he flexes his hand as if he'd been shocked — a release of the emotional electricity her touch wrought. Wright gives us that visual insight into Darcy's mind and his feelings, Looser said, but Austen doesn't. This tension, built throughout the film, seizes audiences' attentions and fills even the most seemingly mundane moments with heat. But Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' isn't just a love story. While many adaptations give a peek inside Darcy's interior life, Wright extends this lens to all of the characters in the story, said Justin Smith, professor of cinema and television history at De Montfort University in Leicester, England. Take Elizabeth's sister Mary (Talulah Riley). When Elizabeth announces her rejection of Mr. Collins's proposal, Wright's camera focuses on Mary, whose face fills with a wistful expression. 'It's almost as if she's saying, 'I would say yes if he asked me,'' Smith said, 'And a whole back story emerges about her.' Wright's small windows help all the characters come to life, Smith said, in a way that doesn't happen in other adaptations. Together, they create a rich world for viewers to fall into. Beyond the romance, Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' could be a family tale, and who can't relate to a nagging mom or sibling jealousy? Upon its release, Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' was a smash hit, netting more than $121 million worldwide on a $28 million budget and a cast led by two rising stars. The critic Roger Ebert famously gave the film, which went on to be nominated for four Academy Awards, four out of four stars. The soundtrack is filled with a lilting piano and birdsong; the cameras sweep over the rolling hills and lush greenery. Every frame seems like a painting. But the rerelease comes at a very different time than the original premiere back in 2005. Movie theaters are in decline, analysts are mourning mid-budget films and romantic dramas aren't as ubiquitous as they once were. While this context might not subtract from the beauty of the film, audiences today are approaching it with a distinct lens. People flooded theaters to see the 1940 adaptation, which was produced during World War II as part of an effort to boost morale, said Deborah Cartmell, a professor of English at De Montfort University and an adaptations studies expert. Audiences craved that nostalgic look at an England 'worth fighting for.' A similar nostalgia could be at play today, she said. 'Watching it makes you feel really nostalgic for 20 years ago,' Cartmell said. 'In these turbulent times, it's a really reassuring tale to look at and enjoy.' There's also something soothing about watching two people meet and fall in love, not necessarily in the most fairytale way, but in a way that appears natural and true. Today, when much of romance is mediated through dating apps and text messages, watching face-to-face intimacy can also be nostalgic, Smith said. 'Movies remind us of the very tangible and raw nature of emotion and of human intimacy, and of actually getting to know someone in physical spaces,' Smith said. 'That may sound far-fetched, but I think we may have a nostalgia for romance and courtship that predates the rituals and conventions of the digital age.' The drama of Wright's 'Pride & Prejudice' reminds of this more organic way of meeting someone, getting to know them and tumbling into love. That, Smith said, is worth celebrating.
