“I am excessively diverted.”

“I am excessively diverted.”

• Feb 1, 2013

If you're anything like me, a few days of Pride and Prejudice celebration isn't enough! You want more of the characters you love. You might want to try and get a fix for your addiction from sequels, spin-offs and books inspired by Austen. In that case, I'd point you to my Top Ten Austen-Inspired Books or the review of Celebrating Pride and Prejudice I posted yesterday.  So, instead, I want to talk a little bit about Pride and Prejudice on the big screen, TV and YouTube!

Here are six movies you can watch to get your Pride and Prejudice fix:

1. Pride and Prejudice (1940)

This is one of the earliest movie adaptations of Pride and Prejudice that you can easily buy on DVD. The black and white movie was filmed during the golden age of Hollywood, but it bears little resemblance on the book from which it takes its title. Greer Garson is one of the oldest on-screen Lizzies at thirty-siz, Lady Catherine becomes a matchmaker, and the costumes look like they were stolen from the set of Gone with the Wind. I still included it on the list because I think it's worth watching simply for an understanding of how the book has been portrayed onscreen. 

2. Bride and Prejudice (2004)

Bollywood meets Jane Austen in this version of Pride and Prejudice. The movie takes Austen's basic plot, transports it to India and fills it with musical numbers. It's really interesting to see how easily the story fits into a modern world and Indian culture. If you're unfamiliar with Indian movies, it's certainly a colorful, vibrant, and over the top experience. This is the perfect movie to pop in if you want to see how Austen has traveled the globe and been interpreted by other cultures. 

3. Pride and Prejudice (1995)

At almost six hours, this is the quintessential Pride and Prejudice movie adaptation. This is the mini-series that captivated viewers all over the world and is considered the spark that ignited the Austen "industry." Beautiful scenery, incredible acting, and faithfulness to the source material make this a dream come true. It's just about everything you could want in an Austen movie. You'll be staring at the screen for hours, captivated, thankful that so much of the novel is retained for the screen. I have a feeling that this will always remain the definitive Pride and Prejudice movie. It really is as good as everyone says! And now I'm dying to watch it again...

4. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

This retelling of Pride and Prejudice is a delight to watch! In her early thirties, Bridget Jones isn't satisfied with her life. She starts journaling to try and make some changes such as no drinking or smoking and losing weight. Of course, bad first impressions, pride and other romantic entanglements ensue. I think the movie is perfectly cast, and it will have you laughing the whole way through.

5. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Just like the 1940 version of Pride and Prejudice, there are a lot of things that aren't quite right about this adaptation. While some love it, it certainly doesn't compare to the novel. However, I still love this movie. It's not a perfect Pride and Prejudice, but (sorry Austen purists!) it's still one of my favorite movies to watch. I'm obsessed with the soundtrack, in love with the scenery, the colors and that Darcy and Elizabeth feel more youthful. In fact, I love that MacFayden as Darcy portrays as shy and socially awkward. I also like to watch this more as a costume drama than an adapation and that helps me get past the liberties taken with the book.

6. Lost in Austen (2008)

Amanda Price is the modern heroine, and all she wants is to live in the world created by Jane Austen. She longs for elegance, chivalry, ballrooms and manners. Then, she's suddenly thrust into the world of Pride and Prejudice - trading places with Elizabeth Bennet. The book's plot begins to unfold as expected, but then her presence sends things awry. Suddenly, things aren't going according to plan! I was charmed by this adaptation, and it was such a fun way to revisit my favorite world. It may get a little cheesy at times, but overall it's a fun romp with some surprising twists!

And lucky number seven: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.

I just discovered this web series last week, which resulted in me spending all weekend watching the 80 or so episodes that had already been posted. And addicted doesn't even begin to describe my feelings for this adaptation. It took me a few episodes to completely fall for it, but once I did... well, the rest is history.

Filmed a series of vlogs, this is one of the smartest adaptation of Austen I've ever seen. It's funny, clever and full of heart. Secondary characters in the novel become fleshed out and make you fall in love with them. I can't stop smiling when I'm watching these even though the newest development is BREAKING MY HEART! OMG the FEELS, y'all. I just can't even.

Just watch them and join the growing fandom people who are going crazy for this modern, smart and brilliant version of Pride and Prejudice!