12 Monday Aug 2013
Posted in Downton Abbey
Jane Austen’s beloved book Pride and Prejudice is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. And if reading the book just isn’t enough for you then I have the perfect addition for your game night. Pride and Prejudice-The Game is the perfect way to engross your self in everything Regency. The goal is the get married of course because “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
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09 Friday Aug 2013
Posted in Death Comes To Pemberley, Pride and Prejudice
Tags
Colin Firth, Death Comes To Pemberley, Jane Austen, Laurence Olivier, Matthew Macfadyen, Matthew Rhys, Mr. Darcy, P.D. James, Pride & Prejudice
Matthew Rhys is playing Mr. Darcy in the upcoming three-part mini-series of P.D. James’ novel by the same name, Death Comes To Pemberley. The upcoming TV show is a continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and picks up six years later.
Ever since landing the coveted role, there have been comparisons between Rhys and Colin Firth who played Mr. Darcy in the BBC 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In the 1995 version, Firth became an international hear throb after his memorable Lake Scene where he takes a dip in the Pemberley pond and appears in a wet white shirt. (((Sigh))) It is a classic scene that makes hearts flutter whenever it is seen.
Unfortunately for viewers, but fortunately for Rhys, there will be no wet shirt scene in Death Comes To Pemberley. And Matthew Rhys doesn’t have to be compared to the incomparable – a daunting task for any actor. (Can you tell that Colin Firth is my Mr. Darcy? And I don’t want anyone to ruin Mr. Darcy, especially my Lake Scene.)
Rhys admitted that “playing an iconic literary hero is always a little problematic”.
He told the Radio Times: “Coupled with that, the fact that the aforesaid iconic literary figure has been immortalised by Academy Award-winner Colin Firth makes for a louder gulp.”
He said his Mr Darcy would be “more mature” and “a family man”, adding: “I can wholeheartedly say I won’t be competing with Mr Firth emerging from a lake in a dripping white shirt – thankfully – because I don’t think anyone can top him.”
Other actors who have played the role of Mr. Darcy include Laurence Olivier in a 1940 film adaptation and Matthew Macfadyen in the 2005 film adaptation.
And don’t worry ladies, Rhys is single – although I don’t think he is ready to settle down quite yet.
“My mates who are in LA with their families or girlfriends have one main consideration: where does it shoot and for how long?
“I don’t have those considerations because I’m single. It’s lucky in a way – that I’m a bit late starting a family – not that my mum’s happy about it,” he said.
If you need a refresher on the Lake Scene in Pride and Prejudice:
As I reported just last month, the famous Lake Scene was recreated by a sculpture in the middle of the Serpentine to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Pride and Prejudice. Yes, it is that iconic and I am glad for it.
28 Sunday Jul 2013
Posted in Death Comes To Pemberley, Pride and Prejudice
Tags
Anna Maxwell Martin, Colin Firth, Death Comes to Pemberly, Jane Austen, Matthew Rhys, P.D. James, Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has spawned many “sequels”. Some good; some not so good. P.D. James’ suspense novel “Death Comes to Pemberly” is one of the better ones and is being made into a TV mini-series. Filming started last month in Yorkshire and due to air this Christmas.
The story picks up six years into Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage as they prepare for their annual ball. When Lydia arrives, she brings a shocking halt to the proceedings and a murder investigation unfolds.
Matthew Rhys has been cast as Fitzwilliam Darcy and Anna Maxwell Martin has been cast as Elizabeth Darcy (Nee Bennet). And it seems that Ms. Martin has confessed that she is quite scared about taking on such an iconic Jane Austen character – as she should. Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most beloved and cherished literary characters ever. But I have every faith in Anna’s abilities since she has already proven her acting chops playing Cassandra Austen, Jane Austen’s sister, in Becoming Jane. (And I love her in Bletchley Park!!)
Anna Maxwell Martin is nervous about her reception as Elizabeth Darcy
Anna said: “I do feel quite a lot of pressure. The only kind of respite is that she is Elizabeth Darcy now, so it’s seven years on. But Matthew Rhys who plays Darcy and myself are both a bit ‘Ahh! we’ve been miscast.’ It’s quite scary.”
But she added Matthew was a “dream” as heartthrob Mr Darcy.
Now, between you and me, I am a little apprehensive about Matthew Rhys playing Mr. Darcy. Don’t get me wrong, I like him. He is a fine actor and I am sure with a period costume on he will become Mr. Darcy. But that doesn’t mean I will be able to picture him in the role until I see him. I will always and forever remain faithful to Colin Firth as my Mr. Darcy. I can’t help it!!! Don’t judge me.
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