"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." Toto... I don't think we are in classic literature anymore! I have been in love with the original version of "Pride and Prejudice" from the moment I picked it up. I have read several adaptations and continuations of the story for those both young and old; some of my favorites being "Bridget Jones Diary" and "Prom and Prejudice". Then in 2009, as a student at California State University, Fullerton I had the privilege of attending a session with the co-author Seth Grahame-Smith. He had written what is now known as a "mashup", Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I'll be honest. I have never been a huge fan of Zombies. I don't watch "The Walking Dead," I didn't see "Warm Bodies," and though I love classic films, "Dawn of the Dead" and "Sean of the Dead" just don't peak my interest. OK... "World War Z" wasn't so bad, but come on... It had Brad Pitt as the lead. Enough said.
I approached the lecture with skeptical caution, preparing to listen to the man, who I felt had probably destroyed a classic piece of British literature, share his experiences in creating a new genre of fiction. Seth Grahame-Smith was a delightful and easygoing individual who spoke of this project with admiration and respect for both the integrity of the original work and the growth he experienced. What he created was a mashup of classic refined society, Japanese and Chinese training (to defeat Hell's Army of course!), and a constantly growing number of blood-thirsty zombies in search of BRAINS! Fast forward to present day and this now wildly popular mashup novel has become a major motion picture!
In preparation for the movie, I re-read the book wanting to see how Hollywood would put their own spin on the action packed bloodbath that is this story. Reading the story brought it to life with a renewed animation, but how was the movie going to measure up? The trailer looked good, but as we all know, looks can be deceiving. The highly anticipated book to movie adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," co-authored by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith has finally been released, and I was not disappointed!
The movie starts out with a unique history of how the plague struck England. It was beautifully designed, kind of like an extraordinarily decadent paper doll story. It had a rich dark color pallet that instantly set the mood as the movie began. Right from the start we were literally blown back in our seats. It became increasingly obvious that there would be no shortage of incredible sets, frighteningly awesome make-up, and a battle to the death between the living and the undead! The immediate presence of the "unmentionables" and their even quicker demise was a violent and bloody introduction to the adventure ahead. This was a well thought out, perfectly paced action adventure set in a plagued version of England.
Without giving any spoilers away here is what you need to know. Lily James is perfection. It is evident that she embraced her role as the classic Elizabeth Bennet, while adding to a bit of sass and kick bootie ninja moves! Sam Riley,who plays the prideful Mr. Darcy, has the perfect look of admonition as he stares down his nose at those he deems less worthy of himself. I will say though that I was waiting for him to clear his throat for the duration of the film. Tragically, after an hour and 47 minutes I am left unsatisfied. There are several other members of the cast that deserve recognition. They include Bella Heathcote playing the beautiful and deadly Jane Bennet, Douglas Booth playing the charmingly handsome, good-natured and slightly squeamish Mr. Bingley, Jack Huston who plays the devilishly handsome Mr. Wickham and Lena Headey playing the Matriarch of Darcy's family, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Each was perfectly cast and played their part well. It is evident that everyone enjoyed the adventure doing battle with Hell's army.
There were two poignant fight scenes that were highlights of the book and magnified to even greater heights in the movie adaptation. The first is between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
This is the scene where we see the beautiful and passionately intense chemistry blossom between Collins and Riley as they ignite the screen in a battle of brains and brawn. The moment where Mr. Darcy delivers one of the most abhorrent proposals of marriage sparks an epic battle in which Elizabeth defends not only her honor, but that of her favorite sister and a recent acquaintance George Wickham. As for the outcome, well that you will have to see for yourself!
The second and highly anticipated fight scene was between Elizabeth Bennet and Lady Catherine de Bourgh, a highly skilled, respected, and renowned killer of "unmentionables".
This is a moment that I recall Seth Grahame-Smith being particularly proud of in the book. That moment when Lady Catherine comes to demand Elizabeth promise never to marry Mr. Darcy. In the movie, this is equally as thrilling as you get to witness first hand the lethal skill that Lady Catherine possesses and the lengths to which she will go to protect the honor of her family. Elizabeth Bennet, too, admired this woman greatly, "I do not know which I admire more. Your skill as a warrior or your resolve as a woman."
As for the rest, well... You will just have to see for yourself. I was completely delighted with the choices that were made with both the screenplay and visual presentation. They definitely stepped away from the traditional story, and the choices that were made were extremely well thought out. The heart of the story is still present with their own unique twist. "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," the movie was an action packed adventure from start to finish. A visually disturbing masterpiece that will evoke nightmares from the faint of heart! This alluring horror action comedy holds something for everyone, if you can stomach it!
