‘Pride & Prejudice’ 20th Anniversary: Director Reflects on the Film’s “Intentional” Fashion Moments

Director Joe Wright is considering how he used meticulously planned visual storytelling, especially the film's costumes, to bring Jane Austen's cherished tale to life as ‘Pride & Prejudice’ nears its 20th anniversary.  In addition to being a profoundly moving romantic journey, the 2005 version, which starred Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, exposed viewers to a poetic yet real aesthetic that influenced the tone of the movie and still has an impact on period dramas today.

In order to make the characters' attire seem lived-in and true to the period, Wright collaborated with costume designer Jacqueline Durran.  In contrast to her more flashy sisters, he intended Elizabeth Bennet's appearance to convey her earthly connection and grounded nature.  Although she secretly longed for something more beautiful and poetic, Elizabeth's neutral colours and functional attire represented her grounded personality.  She wore lighter, softer colours that suggested emotional openness and metamorphosis in sequences like the ball and the visit to Pemberley, which subtly represented her changing relationship with Mr. Darcy.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Wright saw Darcy's hand flexing after assisting Elizabeth into the carriage, one of the movie's most memorable scenes, as a representation of how the body may sometimes recognise emotional truths before the mind.  Darcy's internal awakening was symbolised by the bodily gesture.

 The youthful spirit of the picture was also reflected in the casting choices.  Wright made sure that his cast, particularly Knightley, conveyed Austen's youthfulness and enthusiasm, as he was shocked to discover how young she was when she wrote the book.

 Wright acknowledges the two distinct endings that were released, but he doesn't regret any sequences that were left out since he feels that authenticity, both in appearance and emotion, made the movie resonate.  His particular favourite is still the international version that concludes with Mr. Bennet's approval.

–Farheen Ali