Pride and Prejudice The Making of (Eng) BBC 1995

Summary

The video script offers an in-depth look at the making of a television adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel, 'Pride and Prejudice.' It emphasizes the production's commitment to capturing the spirit and energy of Austen's work, highlighting the importance of casting, location scouting, costume design, and the adaptation process. The producer, Sue Bert Whissel, and director, Simon Langton, share insights on their collaborative efforts to bring the beloved characters and settings to life, from the cozy Bennett household to the grandeur of Pemberley. The casting of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy is discussed, along with the challenges and creative choices made in depicting the social dynamics and romantic tension between characters. The significance of dance in the period and the meticulous attention to historical accuracy in costumes and manners is also explored. The summary underscores the dedication of the entire production team to do justice to Austen's masterpiece, aiming to create a popular television event that remains true to the original novel's appeal.

Takeaways

• 📚 The adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice' aimed to stay true to Jane Austen's original novel, capturing its spirit and energy.
• 🎬 The production, led by Andrew Davies, emphasized the book's fast pace and dynamic events, contrary to the common misconception that not much happens in Austen's work.
• 🏠 The choice of locations was crucial in reflecting the social status and character of different households, such as the cozy Bennett home versus the grandeur of Pemberley.
• 🎨 The design and costume choices were influenced by the characters' descriptions in the book, with attention to detail in clothing and accessories to reflect their personalities and social standing.
• 👥 Casting was of utmost importance, with the need to find actors who could embody the well-known characters authentically, including the iconic role of Mr. Darcy played by Colin Firth.
• 💃 Dances were an essential part of the social scene during the period, and the series included English country dances that were carefully researched and choreographed.
• 📽 The editing process was key in the post-production, where the timing of shots could alter the focus and emotional impact of scenes, particularly in building the romantic tension between Darcy and Elizabeth.
• 🎶 Music was used to add a fourth dimension to the storytelling, providing an abstract layer that complemented the visual action and hinted at the characters' thoughts and emotions.
• 👩‍🦱 The actress playing Mrs. Bennett found the character to be vividly written, providing a rich base for her performance, which was described as attacking her lines like a bolting chariot.
• 🎭 Actors were required to perform various talents, including dancing, to authentically represent the period, with Colin Firth's iconic lake scene involving careful planning and the use of a stunt double.
• 📝 The entire production team, from the actors to the costume and set designers, aimed for authenticity and realism, with a deep respect for Austen's work and a desire to do justice to the beloved story.

Q & A

What was the overall aim of the production team for this adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice'?

The overall aim was to be as true as possible to the spirit of Jane Austen's original book.

What was the first thing that struck the adapter when reading 'Pride and Prejudice' with a view to adapting it?

The tremendous speed and energy of the book, with something happening on every page and enormous energy in both the characters and the action.

How did the production team decide to convey the energy of 'Pride and Prejudice' in the adaptation?

They decided to convey the energy right in the opening scene by taking the scene where Bingley and Darcy get their first sight of Netherfield Hall, involving them galloping across the countryside.

What is the role of a producer in a television production?

A producer commissions a project, works on the scripts, finds a home for it, and sees it through every stage from pre-production to post-production.

Why is finding the right locations considered fundamental to the entire design process of a period drama?

The right locations convey a lot of information about the characters, their social standing, and the era they live in, which is crucial for an authentic adaptation of a period novel.

How does the design of the sets and costumes reflect the characters' personalities and social status in 'Pride and Prejudice'?

The design team keys the characters to their houses, gardens, carriages, furniture, and decorations to create a cohesive image that reflects their personalities and social status.

What was the approach to the depiction of Meryton in this adaptation?

The approach was to focus more on the jolly aspects like the handsome soldiers, socializing, and shops, rather than dwelling on the harsher realities of rural life, as this was not an area of interest for Jane Austen.

How did the costume designer use the book to understand how the characters would dress?

The costume designer read the book and the script to gain a detailed knowledge of how the characters develop throughout the book, which helped in understanding their clothing choices.

Why is casting considered so important in the production process, especially for a well-known book like 'Pride and Prejudice'?

Casting is crucial because it directly impacts the audience's connection with the characters. For a well-known book, getting the casting right is even more important as audiences have preconceived notions of the characters.

What was the reason behind choosing Colin Firth to play Mr. Darcy?

The producer believed Colin Firth was an amazing actor who could embody the character of Darcy, despite initial reservations from some people, including Firth himself.

How did the editing process contribute to the storytelling of 'Pride and Prejudice'?

The editing process was critical in changing the focus of a scene and timing the shots between characters to convey the development of their relationship without making it self-conscious.

What role does music play in a period drama like 'Pride and Prejudice'?

Music provides a fourth dimension, adding an abstract layer that complements the visual action by hinting at thoughts and emotions not explicitly shown or stated.