Mrs Darcy's Message Forum
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Christina, I loved MM as Darcy, as I loved Colin Firth in that part. They're quite different but I cannot tell which interpretation I like best. I consider CF more byronesque, a dandy, while MM has more the character of someone who appreciates the wild nature of the north. 
Yesterday evening I watched a small part of the 1995 BBC series, hadn't done it in a long time, and again I was enchanted. But it is a little dated (after all it's twelve years old) and, thanks to new insights and cinema possibilities, the new movie * regardless of the actors' performances * is at least visually way more attractive to me. 
Hi Christina,
I appreciate your thoughts regarding my comments concerning the P&P. Before I had jumped into the fray, over the past two years here and there I had read comments regarding the film & the performances. So, your comments were not a surprise. My home town and favorite film critic, Roger Ebert, of the Chicago Sun-Times viewed the film as perfection. See http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051110/REVIEWS/51019005/1023
Roger Ebert acknowledged that he never read the book. Therefore, the film is a "stand alone" for him in that there was no information to distract from his view of the film.
Since I wrote the comments posted above, P&P has been in heavy cable rotation. In other words, when I have channel surfed through the cable channels morning and night I have come across the film and often stopped to look at key scenes. MM's performance has grown on me. I always liked MM's Darcy. The question for me, of more importance than MM’s physical appearance, was whether MM portrayed JA's Darcy? But, there is always that sort of question when one has read the book from which the film is adapted. There is a sensuousness and endearing quality about MM’s performance. I never doubt, however, that he is taken with Lizzy.
JA's Darcy is not supposed to be initially likable. His arrogance has garnered the dislike of residents of an entire county. JA presents her Darcy in a manner such that we would agree with Lizzy's assessment that he is a pompous expletive. For that reason, Darcy had a lot of rehabilitating to do. JA sets her story up like that.
I have always thought the look of the film/cinematography is outstanding. Comparatively, P&P 2 was a television mini-series with low production values. It did not have the look of a film or like one of an HBO series such as "Rome." The money wasn't there. However, what many of us liked about P&P 2 when we saw it in real time was that the performances were spot on. At the assembly when Mrs. Bennet is speaking to Darcy regarding whether he likes to dance (which is not in the book) the screenwriter shows Darcy's arrogance and disdain for his company by having CF simply walking away from Mrs. Bennet while she was still speaking. During that mannered period of time, & in a social situation, simply turning one’s back and walking away while someone is speaking to you is well below the standard of acceptable behavior? It is ungentlemanly, which was a term that actually meant something in that period. A stranger too acting like that was simply bizarre. CF's Darcy really needed rehabilitating.
Note, however, regarding the film, there are changes from the book I like, such as the proposal scene in the rain. There were those who criticized that scene by arguing that it was more in keeping with Charlotte Brontë's emotive novels. I thought the scene was beautiful and symbolic of the depth of their emotions. Likewise, for the same reason, the kissing scene at the end of the U.S. version of the film was criticized. I loved that entire scene where we get a glimpse at their life together at Pemberly.
One point I tried to make in my comments is that when one has read a book which is adapted into a film there is a hurdle in the reader's mind that must be surmounted because expectations are set. Even small book to film deviations in details can throw off one's enjoyment or focus when watching the film. Here is such a detail. When Lizzy walks from Pemberly to Lambton, every time I see that scene I think what the expletive!? Lambton is five miles from Pemberly! We are to believe Lizzy walks five miles over unfamiliar terrain and Darcy didn't acknowledge the inappropriateness and, more importantly, danger of same? Now, if I had not read the book, I would have merely thought the scene was added to underscore Lizzy's independence and the fact that she took that course because her mind was so unsettled at abruptly seeing Darcy.
Finally, there are those who did not like Keira Knightley as Elizabeth. I loved her performance and would say more but . . . yes . . .I believe that due to my last statement I need to stop now because boulders are being launched my way. 
Seriously though, we readers go into a film adaptation of any favorite book with our preferences and expectations and there is always a dialogue about same that follows. Another major example for me was when I went to see “Lord of the Rings.” Of course, I had read more than once J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit and “The Lord of the Ring,” therefore, opening night of the film I, my husband & eight year old son were there, along with other similar geeks. You see, I have a great fondness for JA’s novel Pride and Prejudice but I have always revered Tolkien’s “Hobbit” and “Trilogy.” I did not weigh in on the debates that followed the release of the first film but, yes, I had thoughts, many, many thoughts.
In sum, I find the dialogue about books and films fun and interesting. Moreover, such passionate discussions only serve to underscore that it is wonderful being a reader in that books give us a special world to inhabit and brings fellowship with those that share are interests.
STEVIEB 
Dear girls, I appreciate your opinions, I sincerely do, but this thread is meant for pictures and Mrs Darcy likes it to stay that way. So, post at your heart's content, Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen, Laurence Olivier... or whomever you would like to see as Mr Darcy.
You can post your opinions on the various movies here
Thank you!
OK. Sorry Renée.
STEVIEB
Don't worry, Stevie, sometimes it happens that a thread gets hijacked, so to speak.
For the fans of either Darcy two scrumptious pictures...
This is one of my favs, Rita! I love that cheeky, if not smug look. Like he's just done something naughty. 
Renée!!!!
I feel so dirty after watching that! I swear, I just watched some porn -- the music, the montage of shots, too funny! LOLOLOLOL Even the way it was all grainy fit!!!! You've soiled my sweet innocence forever!!!
Tracey 
You've soiled my sweet innocence forever!!!
Yeah right, Ms. Action and Reaction!
I thought it exceedingly funny... and naughty!
Oh, Renee, that was a hoot! You made my day!
Now, in a similar vein, you have to see the "Mr. Darcy -- I'm Too Sexy" video, with the inimitable song from Right Said Fred, on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4JGXxmzPHo&mode=related&search=
Capital, capital, Ellen!
photos imdb
photos IMDB
Trailer for Amazing Grace on youtube
Amazing Grace
I've tagged your links, Marie, thanks for sharing. 
But is there another one for the trailer on youtube? This link leads to a login. 
Marie, I'll check out the links asap. Haven't had time to check out this thread for a while, sorry.
Basia asked me to post this picture of Hugh Jackman... He qualifies as a Mr. Darcy, doesn't he? ] ]
Renee, thank you. But I thought I was suppose to do it by myslef. Now I have to find a new picture
And I thought you thought it a bit too complicated... Silly me, of course not, smart woman like you!
It was such a fun to read these old posts and the different opinions about Mr Darcy...
Well, when there are no more news posts, one has to content herself with the old ones!... 
Well, when there are no more news posts, one has to content herself with the old ones!...
I was browsing this thread myself, and I think I ought to make it sticky again. It's such fun!
I'm still partial to CF as Mr. D, but think Matthew MacF is great - just finished watching Little Dorrit and he was so good in that as Arthur. Such a sweetie! Did anyone else catch it?
Ralph's 46, so he could make an excellent Mr Bennet.
And, yes, MM is fabulous. I've seen Little Dorrit and fell in love with the story, and with Arthur in particular.
Here he is!
GAH!!!
How in the world did I miss THIS thread!?! 
Thank you all for these wonderful pictures. You've all made my day (including Ralph Fiennes.. who did a great job playing a character I didn't like in The Duchess). 
Yes, dearest Renée, I agree that RF could've played a good Darcy.
Cheers,
Julia B
My favourite Mr. Darcy is David Rintoul from the 1980 version of P&P, which gave me my first impressions of the story. The production quality was pretty poor (it was 1980) but the actors were excellent and the characters and story very true to the book. When I read P&P fan fiction, i tend to see this Mr. Darcy in my mind (hope i get this picture posting thing right. if not, please google "David Rintoul" and look for the man who looks really good with a top hat and cravat).
GAH!!! How in the world did I miss THIS thread!?! Thank you all for these wonderful pictures. You've all made my day (including Ralph Fiennes.. who did a great job playing a character I didn't like in The Duchess).
Yes, dearest Renée, I agree that RF could've played a good Darcy.
Cheers,
Julia B
I was glad to have discovered it again when browsing the forum.
Yesterday evening I watched a very impressive but disturbing movie with Ralph Fiennes: Spider. He's a genius. For once both my husband and I agree on the talent of an actor. Except for The Avengers and Maid in Manhattan, he never chooses easy parts. He saved The Duchess for me. He does so little but it has such an impact. Less is more to him, definitely. I wish I could see him on stage in London one fine day. *sigh*
I've never seen this adaptation, LP. But I've heard it's very true to the book. Hope to get a chance one day.
