Adaptations of popular classics have often led to heated disputes among fans of the original and contemporaries. One such classic is the popular romance novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This book has been revamped multiple times, and made into different movies all with their own interpretations of the two lead characters.
But the most well-known remake of the book was the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in lead roles. This movie took the audience by storm due to the unique portrayal of the beloved characters but one factor made it the most memorable. That is Matthew Macfadyen as the iconic Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Matthew Macfadyen wasn’t sure about Mr Darcy
Despite winning several hearts and ladies swooning over his portrayal of the brooding romantic hero, Matthew Macfadyen wasn’t really sure about his role. The actor confessed he felt like a ‘misfit’ and did not fit the romantic hero ‘image’. Though the film turned out differently, garnering a huge fan-base for the actor, he didn’t really enjoy the shoots due to being tense.
During an interview on “CBS Mornings” Tuesday, the actor admitted his previous hesitance about the role, but also acknowledged the exposure it got him. But he wasn’t the only one, as even co-star Keira Knightly wasn’t so sure about the casting, having imagined a ‘pretty boy’ as the romantic interest.
In today’s cinema we go for very pretty guys and Matthew is a big bloke…he’s a manly guy.
He brings a vulnerability to Darcy that I don’t think has been done before
Knightley recounted how confused she was when director Joe Wright was adamant on casting Macfadyen as Mr Darcy. But it all changed once the actor walked on the set and they read the lines together. His charisma and vulnerability as an actor turned out to be just what was needed for a perfect Mr Darcy.
Fans adore Matthew’s portrayal of Mr Darcy
Regardless of the actor’s self-doubt about his role in the classic rendition, fans have showered him with praise. MacFadyen’s character in Pride and Prejudice has won over romance lovers and set a precedent for several generations.
Who Was The Better Mr. Darcy — Colin Firth or Matthew MacFadyen???
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One of the most iconic scenes, ‘the hand flex’ arbitrarily done by the actor, has been the cause of several girls swooning and grinning to this day. The 2005 movie is counted in the list of classic Hollywood romance movies.
Hand flex in Pride and Prejudice 05
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Macfadyen had a huge impact on the romance genre and fans of the 2005 movie still swear by his scenes and portrayal of the character of Mr Darcy. The confession scene, revamped and presented by the actor’s own interpretation, still induces goosebumps in ardent romance fans.
Catch Pride and Prejudice (2005) on Amazon Prime Video.
