Cat Lady Confessions...

...no, I am not a cat lady. I am 100% a dog person, let's just get that straight before we dive into this post.

However, recently I have been spending my evenings like a quintessential Cat Lady/Spinster. I love BBC Miniseries'. There, I said it. It is my total Netflix guilty pleasure. They're fabulous for the classic book lover like me. They take a book and, because it's over several episodes, actually tend to really embody the spirit of the novel.

My favorite BBC miniseries of all time actually doubles as one of my favorite cinematic events to watch. Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy might just be the greatest thing ever (see old post about my love for Darcy). Unfortunately it is not available on Netflix, but it is totally worth the investment if you ever get the chance.

Colin Firth as Darcy over everything

Don't worry, though, there are plenty of good options on Netflix just waiting for other classics nerds to have a relaxing night in, settling down for a couple of hours to watch one of these. Also, I have heard that a glass of wine and a homemade dinner is the best accompaniment for this ;)

North and South

Based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell

 

I am not kidding. I am absolutely in love with this one. I wish I had read the book before I watched it because I just don't see how it could even compare...yeah, that's how good this was. There is definitely a certain Pride and Prejudice element here with their relationship, however the circumstances of the plot are quite different and the characters are amazing. The dynamic of this is far different than the gentry that are so often covered in Austen novels, adding a really refreshing labor element.

The Forsyte Saga

Based on the novels by John Galsworthy

Ohhhh, this series. This is a fabulous miniseries that will actually take a few weeks to watch. The character development is absolutely spectacular and you end up gaining a really personal attachment to some of them. All the women in my family have our various preferences for favorites because it really is that well developed! Watch this...just do it. It's shorter than a real TV series, but you can't watch it all in one sitting.

The Buccaneers

Based on the novel by Edith Wharton

A great story about four American women coming out in London society. Well worth the watch and seeing where the different women end up and how their values have shaped them and their lives.

Pride and Prejudice

Based on the novel by Jane Austen

I know, I know, I told you to watch Colin Firth. But if you just want one for now, this one is pretty good. I thought the actor was a bit stern, but overall very nicely played Darcy...a role I find has been historically hard to cast. Also, the actor who portrays Mr. Collins is absolutely great in this movie...just the sort of repulsive, yet harmless character I always imagined.

What is your Netflix guilty pleasure?

xoxo,

SSP

Oh Mr. Darcy

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

-Mr. Darcy

Well, gee, ummm, okay, sure let's get married. Who doesn't melt into a puddle reading that line? Of course, that was actually what he said before Elizabeth shut him down, but that's a minor detail, moving on now... (Also, I have this quote framed on my gallery wall...NBD.)

Pride and Prejudice is a timeless love story that has given every woman a dream man. Mr. Darcy is cool and calculated. He seems to be an starch-collared, arrogant member of the gentry, yet as you read on you begin to see his softer side. His life experiences have made him hardened, but a woman like Elizabeth Bennett has the power to change his callous nature. Women love Darcy because we want to believe that behind every stern brow is a man who is capable of passionate love and affection. 

I could go into my adoration for Mr. Darcy and Jane Austin's character development (as well as that of several others) for hours...but this is about a far more important matter. This is about how he is portrayed in cinema. Before we go any further, I feel as though I should issue a slight disclaimer: if you have never read the book you might disagree with me because you have no medium to compare it to, but anyways...here it goes:

Honorable Mention: Martin Henderson from "Bride and Prejudice"

I mean, how can you not love a Bollywood take on this classic? I know I love it. Seriously, go watch it. It's absolutely hilarious and the costumes are amazing! Fun fact: we actually watched this in my AP English Lit class after reading Pride and Prejudice...thanks Mrs. Wydra!

3) David Rintoul- 1980 BBC miniseries

He is an excellently stern Mr. Darcy, however the character never seems to warm up, there is only a sudden change at the end. Also, the BBC acting around this time was a tad bit plastic and feels a bit like a soap opera. Bonus: The actor portraying Mr. Collins delivered the most accurate portrayal I've ever seen. 

2) Matthew Mcfayden- 2005 film adaptation

If you think he should be #1 you probably haven't read the book. If this is the case, you have also never heard the quote from the beginning of this post because it was butchered in that scene where Hollywood thought a rainy rotunda* would do better than the parlor...which I actually thought took away from the emotional tensions present. Also, Darcy should've been more composed, throughout, than in this version...proper decorum mate it hard enough to marry below your class, let alone show such overt emotion.

If you have read the book, I can see how you might want to see a flaw, but being this awkward just isn't Darcy. I guess I just really prefer a prim and proper Darcy a la my #1...

1) Colin Firth- 1995 BBC miniseries

This should never be questioned. Ladies and gents, Firth epitomizes what a Mr. Darcy should be. He is composed and yet there is a sense that he might be a bit less haughty than that appears. Firth just has a way about him that suits him so perfectly for this role. Most people who have seen him here tend to carry this image of him whenever they see him in other movies. There is a reason he was such a perfect Mr. Darcy to Bridget Jones. He really is sensational in this adaptation and I swoon for his Mr. Darcy. Plus, being a miniseries, it actually covers the book pretty thoroughly. 

Oh, and you know, the post-lake scene isn't half bad here ;) (*note: it is okay to slightly alter less crucial scenes)

Who's your favorite Darcy? I can't believe I just dedicated a post to the subject...

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. My friend Meghan approved this list, so I know I'm not alone in this...