Jensen Kugler
A&E Editor
On Monday, Sept. 15, the Lyric Theater presented a free screening of the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in partnership with the Wayne County Public Library (WCPL). As part of the Lyric’s “Book-to-Film Club” programming, attendees participated in a group discussion following the film.
In the 21 years since its release, “Pride & Prejudice” has built a dedicated fanbase (including this author, who is herself one and twenty). Registration numbers for the event were so high that the Lyric had to show the movie on multiple screens in order to accommodate all of the interested parties. This is particularly significant because the Lyric only has three theaters.
WCPL Adult Reference Associate Jeanne Browning gave a brief introduction to the film, treating audiences to a variety of facts about the movie and its production. For example, she shared that actor Donald Sutherland (Mr. Bennett) felt he was wrong for the role and tried to give it up several times before later calling it among his favorite roles.
Clocking in at just over two hours, “Pride & Prejudice” is longer than typical Book-to-Film Club selections. Based on attendance alone, it seems fair to say that the Wooster community did not mind that fact. The event brought together generations of Austen fans in celebration, conversation and community. Attendees came to the Lyric with varying levels of familiarity with the source material, but everyone was welcome to share their thoughts on the novel and its adaptations.
Discussion participants highlighted some of their favorite Austen adaptations, including “The Other Bennett Sister” and “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.”
Across book, film and television, “Pride and Prejudice” is more than just romance. While undoubtedly a sweeping, dramatic and unapologetic love story, “Pride and Prejudice” is also a deeply thoughtful commentary on gendered expectations for women.
“Folks take Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ as a love story, but they fail to see that it’s also satirical and humorous and poking fun,” said Browning.
During the discussion, attendees shared thoughts on the satire and social commentary in Austen’s original text.
“In the novel … marriage isn’t necessarily always about love or even happiness. It’s about security and having a roof over your head,” said Raegan Herdman ’27. The theme of self-preservation is presented largely through the character of Charlotte Lucas (Claudie Blakley), who enters into a marriage of convenience with the thoroughly ridiculous Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander).
Couples in both the book and film offer commentary on gendered expectations of Austen’s era.
In the film, the main couple of Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew McFayden) occasionally flip the gendered expectations of romantic leads. For example, towards the end of the film, Elizabeth kisses Mr. Darcy’s hands, a gesture usually reserved for gentlemanly greeting.
“‘Pride and Prejudice’ is one of my favorite movies and books, so I loved being able to watch it in a movie theater. The movie has such beautiful cinematography that felt even more magical and immersive on the big screen,” said Victoria Finizio ’27. “This event was a great way to enjoy a beloved movie while connecting with the Wooster community.”
The Book-to-Film Club is active for six months a year, with an event once a month. “Pride & Prejudice” was the first film of the season. Upcoming showings include “The Invisible Man” in October and “Double Indemnity” in November for the Lyric Theater’s “Noirvember” programming.
