Once when I was asked my opinion on girl movies, I immediately replied, “I hate them!” But my husband chimed in: “No, no … you love pride and prejudice.” To which I objected, “That’s a classicThis is not a girl movie! “But your comment challenged me to question what sets Pride and Prejudice apart from the rest of the genre, and I developed a short list. I admit not each follow a modern girl movie each point I have listed. But there seems to be a general pattern.
1. Honor the honorable.
Unlike Mona Lisa Smile, where Julia Robert’s character was notorious for questioning morals and beauty, the character is everything in Austen’s world. Mr. Darcy is good because he cares for and protects his loved ones, he is kind to his servants and he is honest. Mr. Wickham is bad because he lies, accumulates debt, goes after rich girls for their money and poor girls just for fun. In a contemporary chick flick, Mr. Darcy would be drab, while the charismatic Wickham would be the lead. When was the last time a girl movie made a man a villain for not paying his credit card bill? What about having sex outside of marriage?
2. Substantial characters
In the modern chick flick, I usually have a really hard time caring about the characters. Men and women often have good looks in common, but why should I care that they are together? Girl movie characters tend to be much more interchangeable than Pride and Prejudice. He was excited for Lizzy and Darcy, but it was clear that Lizzy and Bingley (or Jane and Darcy) would have made a horrible couple. Not so when Exhibit A of an attractive blonde woman could be equally happy with any attractive, sweet-talking man. And when the female lead leaves Guy A for Guy B, I am left wondering, “How was that a step forward?”
3. Dialogue
Jane Austen’s novels are characterized by their masterful use of dialogue. On the other hand, modern chick flicks rely mostly on imagery (kisses and more) to develop romance (or “sexual tension”), along with some correctly placed beloved ballads. And when girl movie characters speak, they don’t have much to say! Many people remember this phrase from Notting Hill: “I am just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” Jerry Maguire made hearts melt when he said, “You … complete me.”
Compare that googly-eyed nonsense to Darcy’s first proposal: “In vain I have fought. It won’t do. My feelings will not be suppressed. You must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you.” Or compare it to his second proposal: “You are too generous to play with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me immediately. My affections and wishes have not changed; but a word from you will silence me.” on this subject forever. “
4. It’s hilarious!
Too often, girl movies have to rely on raunchy jokes and physical comedy to generate laughter. Not so with Pride and Prejudice. Austen’s sarcastic wit produces lots of subtle comments with uproarious laugh results! For example, Elizabeth’s reaction to Mr. Collins ‘unwelcome proposal, “‘ Really, Mr. Collins, ‘Elizabeth shouted with some warmth,’ puzzles me greatly. If what I have said so far can seem to you in the form of breath, I don’t know how to express my rejection in such a way that I can convince you that it is one. ‘”
I’m still not sure if “chick flick” is the best way to describe Pride and Prejudice (especially the Firth / Ehle version). But if more chick flicks followed suit, you’d probably be in the movies more often.