1995 Pride and Prejudice

In the first half of the 1995 BBC adaption of Pride and Prejudice, I found that although almost exactly correlating with Jane Austen’s novel in terms of dialogue and plot, this version emphasized propriety in society so much that the other themes observed readily in the novel were put in shadow here. Every shot angle, every added snort or eye roll displayed this contempt for lack of propriety and pride busting forth because of it. Lydia is seen at least three times in the first half snorting obnoxiously at jeering comments, and later repetitively acknowledging the elusive character of Mr. Denny across streets, rooms, and yards, quite inappropriately. Mrs. Bennet is also amplified in her ignorance for manners, as contrary to the novel, Elizabeth is not only aware of her misconduct, but entire parties and rooms become uncomfortable with her need to profess everything that might lie on her mind. This is also emphasized with her gluttonous habits and talking with her mouth full at balls, symbolizing her persistent desire to always want more – having a deep hunger that can never quite be satisfied, no matter how good the prospects may be that life before her. In these scenes where Elizabeth is thus publicly mortified by her own family, the characters not only feel the tension, but it is palpable in the audience as well. Unable to change her circumstances, or stop Mrs. Bennet from continuing on speaking her mind – both the audience and Elizabeth have to simply endure the gruesome wait for her to finish her preposterous remarks. As a unique member of the audience, did you feel this tension as well? Were there other scenes where the tension particularly stuck out to, and if so, why do you think they did? Was propriety a main theme, or did you have a different perspective?