Exclusive Interview
‘Pride & Prejudice’ Director Joe Wright Reflects on Movie’s Legacy Ahead of 20th Anniversary
“You have bewitched me, body and soul,” Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfayden) so passionately exclaims in the 2005 version of the popular Jane Austen novel Pride & Prejudice.
Gathering more fans as the years have gone on, the popular adaptation is bigger than ever before. This is a serious feat, considering it topped the film charts in the year of its release. Blending a style of classic romanticism and new-age filming techniques, director Joe Wright made some unique decisions that propelled the movie to be better than its predecessors.
Never taking anything away from the book, Wright’s vision was the perfect adaptation for many generations who love the feature. When Swooon asked Wright about its continued legacy at The Agency‘s premiere in New York, he quipped, “It’s fun, isn’t it? It’s really nice. It’s really nice that it kind of seems to grow.”
Pride & Prejudice was his feature directorial debut. “I’m very proud of it,” he noted.
The 52-year-old director added, “I’m very proud of all the people involved, Keira [Knightley], Matthew Macfadyen, Carey Mulligan, all those guys. It’s nice.”
Since its release, all actors involved have soared into superstardom. From Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean to Succession, the cast has kept their impressive careers going.
The same can be said for Wright, who has since made other hits like Atonement and Anna Karenina. With period dramas having become his niche, Wright has also broadened his scope with work in television. A great example is his work on Black Mirror‘s “Nosedive” episode, as well as his recent work on The Agency.
Frequently collaborating with Knightley, fans are hoping for them to return to the same bill. Or, better yet, let’s get the entire gang back together. What do you think? Let us know in the comments down below.
