Fans of the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice are all thanking Emma Thompson this week for a viral tweet. This prophetic quote has really resonated with audiences, especially on TikTok. Joe Wright directed the now classic film, based on Jane Austen’s much-loved novel. Released in November 2005, it has since grossed more than $120 million in markets around the world. Now back in select theaters as it turns 20 years old, the film has recharged curiosity around its characters and quotes.
In a recent interview, 52-year-old Joe Wright was adamant about the psychological complexity of Austen’s work. He contributed thoughtful viewpoints that highlight the intricacy of her characters. He noted, “They are in this funny period of dressing up, but at their core, they’re psychologically true, and that’s why people responded to them at the time and still respond to them.” This authenticity is evident in a scene where Charlotte, portrayed by Claudie Blakley, declares, “I’m 27 years old. I have no money and no prospects. I’m already a burden to my parents and I’m frightened.”
The quote has recently gone viral on TikTok. The users are too creatively and beneficiaryly using this audio to depict their own experiences of being 27. It is this type of engagement that emphasizes the film’s continued influence and connection to today’s audiences.
Infrared | Emma Thompson’s impact on the film went beyond her role as screenwriter. She re-wrote specific lines of dialogue, too. Wright remembered a time when Thompson led him through an artistic development process within the park. He shared, “Come on, we’re going for a walk on Hampstead Heath. We’re going for a walk in the park.” This resulted in a good amount of on-the-fly development during production, which Wright painstakingly recorded. He remarked, “She improvised that scene as I wrote down what she was improvising.”
The film has a wonderful ensemble led by Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, and Rosamund Pike. Filling out the cast are Jena Malone, Dame Judi Dench, Carey Mulligan, Talulah Riley, Rupert Friend, Brenda Blethyn, and Donald Sutherland. Each actor brought Austen’s complex characters to life, contributing to the film’s emotional resonance.
Wright praised the original script penned by Deborah Moggach, stating, “I remember the Charlotte scene. Deborah Moggach wrote the script and did a beautiful job.” Moggach’s writing, literary and realist, serves as the perfect counterpoint to Thompson’s deep wisdom. Together, they have ensured that Pride & Prejudice stands as one of the most beloved adaptations.