Doreen and I are both fans of the novel, Pride and Prejudice. Even better (in my opinion) was the BBC production mini-series, one of the few redeeming points of modern television.
Having seen the Greer Garson - Laurence Olivier version, I am doubtful that it is possible to do the novel justice in under 2 1/2 hours, regardless of the quality of the actors.
The 2005 version with Keira Knightly does not change my opinion. The Goth-styled ending is only one flaw in a series of missteps in the film. Who chose Donald Sutherland for the role of Mr. Bennet and why? Why did the writers decide that Darcy's generosity to the Bennets should be revealed? The only two improvements in the movie are the characters of Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet, neither of who are quite as over-the-top as in the BBC production.
But to lose the dialogue between Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas about the meaning of love and marriage is to miss the independent spirit of Elizabeth Bennet. After that, the movie is just pretty pictures, some nice scenery, and a nice soundtrack.
