Comments on: The Best Original Mr Darcy Scene

By: kate

kate — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:31:59 +0000

I love this blog. That you are all out there. I am a fan of the 2005 version. I notice something different every time I watch it. Macfadyen is so hot and kiera is great.

By: Katharine

Katharine — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:07:37 +0000

Both scenes certainly have calls on a watchers attention.

The emotion charged “rain” scene is exquisitely done. One can really feel their mutual attraction, despite their obvious distaste for each other.

The “lake” scene is also beautifully portrayed. I wonder if the fact that it is not “sexy” in modern terms is what has made it such a memorable scene. In terms of what was appropriate attire for that era, seeing a man thus dressed would have certainly made a lady blush.

For me, Colin Firth is the Mr Darcy. I cannot imagine anybody else playing this role with such a smoldering presence.

I enjoy both scenes, but I cannot go past the “lake” scene and Colin Firth.

By: Terry Sigrist

Terry Sigrist — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:25:26 +0000

All I know is that I love Mr Darcy, wet or dry, rain or lake, Matthew or Colin. I even enjoy The 1980 and the 1940 versions. Now, can anyone tell me where I can find the real Mr D? (WHAT! HE’S ONLY IMMAGINARY? SOB…)

By: Kol

Kol — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:27:59 +0000

Colin Firth and lake scene it is. Colin Firth is absolutely my pick of Mr.Darcy. 1980’s Darcy is a close second.

I cannot compare the two scenes “because” they are “two” different scenes in the story. The appeal of lake scene is not so much the sensuality of the wet shirt. Rather the magic created by the scene in its entirety; being caught off guard (both Lizzy and Darcy), abrupt leaving of Darcy and remarkably executed Colin Firth’s catching up with her before she leaves so he can correct the improper greeting from before (just shows he still has feelings for her, a stark contrast from “my good opinion once lost is lost forever”. In my humble opinion there is no other Mr Darcy and Lizzy than Colin Firth and Jennifer. I ardently admire and love them both

I prefer the first proposal scene from 1995 because its closer to the book. The setup, language and Colin Firth’s delivery is beautiful and authentic. 2005 scene is good on its own (chemistry and all) may be in a different movie not Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It does not sit right with me. The entire movie does not. I can understand adding dialogues and scenes to embellish where Jane left them out, but why in the world would you rewrite the original dialogues. For instance in this scene they changed “had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner”. Such a pivot dialogue from the book which is mentioned again in the last chapter (which was also altered in 2005 version). aaargh !

By: Tania

Tania — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:50:16 +0000

Ladies and gentlemen and I am absolutely in love with Pride & Prejudice 2005 version, and my head is filled with admiration-obsession for the story, so much so that I felt ashamed I feel this way… but reading this blog I am satysfied to discover I am not alone. I do like Colin Firth very much, but seen Matthew’s performance in the rain scene is driving me crazy every time I think of it. And of course we all know real life is not like that, but only for a moment I can dream on a man I wished I could have met 200 years ago…

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:08:22 +0000

Two points: 1. Matthew gives such an intelligent interpretation of Mr Darcy- how many people do we all know we think are aloof and turn out to confess shyness? He does the “hiding behind his rank” thing minus Colin’s haughtiness, which I think is extremely subtle of him and a much more interesting choice to watch. It’s also easier to forgive him when he turns into Mr Friendly. I adore the 1995 version, have it on DVD, watched it countless times and have just been converted after several re-runs of 2005 movie that this is the best possible interpretation for contemporary audiences. 2. Lyne’s post notes that the 2005 movie is too dark. I watched the movie with the director’s commentary on and he explains that he wanted it to be darker than the book, and that in fact this is in line with Jane Austen’s own comments about her novel being too light and wanting some darkness to balance it out. I like to imagine Ms Austen watching it and approving of it!
Can I also say what a relief it is to find this blog, after watching all versions of P&P devotedly, repeatedly, rapturously to the point where my husband is taking it personally! I will get him to read some of these posts to show I am not the only P&P addict out there. It’s so nice to be able to vent my love of this love story- thank you for setting it up!

By: Anna Rotheray

Anna Rotheray — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:45:36 +0000

I thought Colin Firth was amazing in the 1995 version but then I saw Matthew MacFadyen with Keira Knightley and it shook my world. I have heard that Matthew was preoccupied at the time because his wife was pregnant. Just as well, because if he had given even more attention to the character of Mr Darcy many female viewers would probably have ripped at the movie screen. Not me of course! Just those basic,vulgar types who can’t tell the difference between a real and celluloid figure. Say, where does Mr Darcy live?

By: Dawn

Dawn — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:39:02 +0000

I have always loved the 1995 Masterpiece Theater version with Colin Firth. The 1995 version give me more, more, more and more of the movie, because there is never enough…but the 2005 version gave me a more satisfying ending.

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:30:05 +0000

Matthew Macfadyen!!!!!!!!!! Rain scene and everyother scene!!! Oh my gosh I am totally in love with the 2005 version and have watched it over and over for days!! It is going to ruin my life because real life is not like this and after watching this movie it breaks my heart.

By: Dulcie

Dulcie — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:40:37 +0000

Rain scene – cause it is charged like a thunderstorm – and gosh – he is wet!!! people!!.

However, i prefer Firth’s Mr Darcy, in general – as well as the 1995’s Elizabeth – she had real fire!

Regarding comments about the wet shirt – today’s soceity is so “in your face” that a wet shirt which just “barely” shows a physique – no 6 pack – is sensual – not so much sexy. There is a difference between the 2. Mc Fadyen had on soooooooo much more clothes but it is charged – know why! it is the tension, what is there but not “seen” that makes it WOW! This is the sentiment expressed in the sensual nature of the lake scene too -