Two Older Austen Movies

I have not commented on the last two Jane Austen adaptations, so I thought I would remedy that before tomorrow when the new Sense and Sensibility will start.

First was Pride and Prejudice (1995) with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. This is, in my opinion, the best film adaptation of an Austen novel I have ever seen. It follows more closely than any other P&P and if you want to watch it make sure you are prepared! This TV movie takes a whopping 5 hours (or 300 minutes). It is still amazing to me that in 1995 they went to such an extent, but with the new ones we got such short times (Mansfield Park: 88 minutes, Northanger Abbey: 93 minutes). Though I must say that I am not the biggest fan of Colin, he is very good in this movie. When I imagine Mr. Darcy I see Ioan Gruffudd...:big sigh:...anyway

Emma is good as well. The 1996 TV version with Kate Beckinsale and the 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow version are both good and I am not sure at 107 and 121 minutes respectively either can be extremely close to the novel, but I like them. I like that the characters are not cut out or given characteristics that Jane herself did not apply to them. As to which one is closer to the novel itself, I believe I will try to find that out and then I will get back to you.