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Tuesday, August 2, 2016

The Correct Ranking of the Men of Jane Austen

One of my favorite internet writers wrote a piece for one of my favorite websites ranking some of my favorite men in some of my favorite movies. 

However, she got it wrong, and I'm annoyed (and bored) enough to correct it.

Here is the undeniably correct ranking of the leading men of Jane Austen movies. Please note the lack of Matthew Macfadyen.

10. Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars, Sense and Sensibility (2008)



I think "adorable" is the right word here. A far cry from "smoldering," but cute enough to include.

9. Johnny Lee Miller as Edmund Bertram, Mansfield Park (1995)



He's dumb, but at least he's pretty.

8. Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon, Sense and Sensibility (1995)



Yes, his relationship with Marianne will always be just a little bit off putting, but I never want him to stop talking. 

7. Laurence Olivier as Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice (1940)



Sure, this version for some reason took place about 80 years later and it ended abruptly after we find out that (twist!) Lady Catherine started the whole Darcy/Elizabeth ship, but hoo boy! Laurence Olivier could get it! 

6. Hugh Laurie as Mr. Palmer, Sense and Sensibility (1995)



Everything about this character is perfect. So much so that I'm just going to leave this video here for you...




5. Johnny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley, Emma (2009)



This guy just keeps getting better with age. 

4. Paul Rudd as Josh/Mr. Knightley, Clueless (1995)



Paul Rudd is always (ALWAYS) the best thing about whatever he's in. 

3. Jeremy Northam as Mr. Nightley, Emma (1996)



The man can rock a cravat and is well worth suffering through two hours of Goop. Also, I think I have a thing for Mr. Knightley in general.

2. Ciaran Hinds as Captain Wentworth, Persuasion (1995)

ciaranhindsprejudice.gif

I sometimes go back and forth between Darcy and Wentworth, but sentimentality gets the better of me in this case (which is surprising to anyone who knows me well enough to know I am not a sentimental person). Still, it's a very close call.

1. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice (1995)



Look at that smile. Look at that smile and tell me that Colin Firth is not the embodiment of Mr. Darcy. The guy has played that same character not once, but FOUR TIMES for a reason!

Matthew Macfadyen... Come on, Rebecca!

2 comments:

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  2. However, she got it wrong, and I'm annoyed (and bored) enough to correct it.

    Here is the undeniably correct ranking of the leading men of Jane Austen movies. Please note the lack of Matthew Macfadyen.



    I don't understand this. Are you claiming that your tastes in the cinematic Austen leading men are the correct ones?


    Sure, this version for some reason took place about 80 years later and it ended abruptly after we find out that (twist!) Lady Catherine started the whole Darcy/Elizabeth ship, but hoo boy! Laurence Olivier could get it!

    One, the movie never hinted that Lady Catherine de Bourgh was responsible for Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship. She was initially disturbed by it, but eventually approved of it by the end of the film. And two, the 1940 movie is set around the early 1830s, which makes it set some 30 odd years after the novel and the 2005 version, and 20 years after the 1980 and 1995 miniseries.




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