Pride & Prejudice’s Hidden Fashion Secrets Revealed!

by

The 2005 film adaptation of “Pride & Prejudice,” featuring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfayden as Mr. Darcy, narrates the story of their relationship evolution. Initially burdened by their own pride and prejudices, they gradually overcome these obstacles, fostering a deep-rooted affection for each other along the way.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Joe Wright discusses how he skillfully blended the narrative’s themes throughout the Bridgerton film adaptation, leaving viewers with a mix of unease, laughter, and fashion trends from the period that have since become iconic in today’s Bridgerton culture.

As a gamer immersed in this world, I was striving to make the costumes feel worn-in and realistic, as if the characters had been living in them for some time.

In the lead-up to its 20th anniversary and a new theatrical showing, director Wright reflects on his journey of authentically portraying historical styles by collaborating with Jacqueline Durran, Barbie’s costume designer. He discusses the deeper significance of the iconic hand-flex scene between Darcy, ponders over Elizabeth’s emotional connection to her wardrobe in Pride & Prejudice, and shares insights into how Elizabeth’s feelings and fashion were intrinsically linked in the movie.

Is it possible that Elizabeth’s demeanor and approach were more reserved and understated compared to her siblings, and furthermore, she appeared less keen on marriage? Was this choice deliberate? Also, how did her fashion sense differ from her sisters, mirroring this quieter disposition?

Absolutely, it was deliberate. The characterization of Elizabeth, in contrast to her sisters, was meant to be grounded and deeply connected with nature. However, she also harbored ambitions towards poetry and loftier pursuits, which adds a layer of intrigue. While her sisters might appear flighty, the costume designer, Jacqueline Durran, skillfully crafted distinctive and well-rounded characters for each sister.

Jena Malone often appeared alongside Carey Mulligan, both sporting green hues and maintaining a somewhat similar youthful demeanor. It was Mulligan’s initial film role, she would have been around 18 years old then. Rosamund Pike, on the other hand, embodied a more voluptuous and Venus-like character. Talulah Riley, in contrast, portrayed a serious and studious persona in the background.

On only a handful of occasions did Elizabeth choose to wear pastel hues, such as during the ballroom dance with Mr. Darcy and while paying a visit to his residence. Does her pale-colored gown perhaps symbolize or hint at Elizabeth’s increasing fascination or receptiveness towards Darcy?

We opted to adorn all the girls attending the ball in shades of white, cream, and ivory. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel differently. The sculpture gallery, with her dressed in white, seemed to emit an almost ethereal, weightless ambiance – something incredibly light. In the initial scene at the ball, she seems on the verge of undergoing a transformation that becomes more apparent later. However, she initially retreats from this transformation, and by the time she reaches the sculpture gallery, the sequence primarily revolves around the complete metamorphosis of the character.

Could you please explain the well-known handclasp scene between Darcy and Elizabeth from their individual viewpoints?

In the scene involving hands, I found it to be an expression of the concept that often, our bodies understand things before our minds do. It’s possible that our thoughts may lag, and both Darcy and Elizabeth’s physical selves, particularly their hands and overall nervous system, sense the significance of a person in their lives and future. Elizabeth, at this moment, is unaware, but Darcy is gradually becoming more conscious of it. As he walks away, his gesture of flexing his hand can be seen as a subtle shaking off or denial of that realization about the reality before him.

What are your thoughts on how the fashion in historical periods has changed throughout time? And how did Pride and Prejudice help spark interest or contribute to the success of other period dramas, such as Bridgerton?

Upon discussing the working title for adapting “Pride & Prejudice” for the first time, I had just recently finished reading Jane Austen’s novel, and I was taken aback to learn that Elizabeth Bennet is only 18 years old in the book. I estimated Darcy to be around 26 or 7. This fact was astounding to me, as it turned out that Jane Austen herself was just 21 when she wrote the novel. This information served as a sort of key, providing an insight into how I might approach presenting this story.

The story revolves around young individuals experiencing love for the first time, penned by a debutante discovering her own writing prowess. To truly capture this vibrant spirit, it was crucial that the movie reflected this energy accurately. Typically, adaptations of stories like Pride & Prejudice or period films have cast actors in their mid-twenties to late twenties, even after they’ve gained some recognition. However, I felt that approach didn’t align with the essence of the story.

In our search for the ideal actress to portray Elizabeth, age was a crucial factor. Fortunately, Keira emerged as a fantastic option, brimming with vitality and passion that made her an excellent fit. I must confess, I’m a devotee of directors like Robert Altman and Mike Lee. Interestingly, our costume designer, Jacqueline Duran, had primarily collaborated with Mike Lee prior to this film. She has since moved on to projects such as Barbie, showcasing her exceptional talent.

To make the costumes appear genuinely worn and well-used, we aimed to convey a lived-in feel. Our studies indicated that undergarments were washed about once a week, but dresses were seldom if ever washed. I felt it crucial to accurately represent the overall dirtiness and shabbiness of their daily life, so we tried our best to emulate this authentic grime.

In a way, it’s left a chain reaction, or ripple effect, so to speak. You might notice this in modern films, where there seems to be a nod or reference to it, although I can’t definitively confirm that. That’s more for someone else to decipher.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the movie, do you ever reflect and think about any cut scenes or alternate endings based on the book that you might have wanted to incorporate in retrospect?

In the original movie, there are two different conclusions: One tailored for American audiences and another for global viewers… At the time, I didn’t have complete control over the film, and after much discussion, a mutually agreeable decision was made as a compromise. The American version features Darcy and Elizabeth exchanging romantic verses on their wedding night, which I found to be overly saccharine. Instead, I favored the ending that concluded with Mr. Bennett’s delight upon his daughter’s engagement. Consequently, two distinct endings are available.

Any scenes from the book that you wish you had included?

No, there’s nothing I feel like I wish we should have included.

How was the theme “pride and prejudice” interwoven into the film visually?

In storytelling, having a clear theme is crucial, and it’s important to determine this theme first, then guide every aspect of your narrative towards expressing that theme. Fortunately for me, my initial movie’s title made the theme quite explicit, allowing me to ask myself, “How does this decision reflect the theme?” This approach aided me in making decisions and helped me navigate through complex dialogue and other aspects. Keeping this theme at the back of your mind throughout the process is essential.

Pride & Prejudice re-releases in theaters on April 20

Read More

2025-04-15 19:25