Pride & Prejudice, Cut

Pride & Prejudice, Cut is a 2019 romantic drama from director Michael Kampa that delivers a fresh perspective on Jane Austen's classic novel "Pride and Prejudice". The film stars Lexi Giovagnoli as Elizabeth Brenner, David Witts as Darcy Collins, and James Nitti as Jack Wickham in an intriguing love triangle.

Pride & Prejudice, Cut tells the story of Elizabeth Brenner, a high school English teacher, who harbors a dream of becoming a screenwriter. Although she is well-liked by her colleagues and students, Elizabeth is disinterested in the mundane rhythm of her daily life, pining for something more, particularly her dream of writing.

Elizabeth is assigned to work on a school play based on the classic novel "Pride and Prejudice". She takes this assignment to heart, putting forth her best effort in imparting to the students, the lasting relevance of the book’s themes - class distinction, complex romantic relationships, and understanding the errors of judging others based on first impressions.

Meanwhile, Darcy Collins, portrayed by David Witts, is an esteemed British actor forced to go on a sabbatical to America. Darcy, in need of some reprieve from his chaotic acting career, happily embraces the chance to take a break. An incident makes him cross paths with Elizabeth and he ends up getting involved in the school play, adding to the intrigue.

James Nitti plays Jack Wickham, a charming author who catches Elizabeth’s attention. Known for his romantic novels, Jack gets in touch with Elizabeth in an attempt to aid her screenwriting aspirations and soon develops feelings for her. This adds unexpected fuel to the fire that already exists between Elizabeth and Darcy, which further complicates their conflicting sentiments towards each other.

As the film unfolds, Elizabeth, Darcy, and Jack are subsumed into their own rendition of Pride and Prejudice, wrestling with their pride, grappling with prejudices and navigating through a tangle of unspoken feelings. The film presents an involving blend of contemporary reality and classic fiction, painting an enchanting canvas of an ardent love story that's unmistakably Austen, adorned with a modern appeal.

Director Michael Kampa smartly adapts Austen’s premises to the present time, effectively crafting a narrative that amplifies the novel’s core themes rather than simply rehashing them. Pride & Prejudice, Cut is dressed with vibrant characters and is doused in drama, humor, heartbreak, and romance. Authentic performances from the cast make the romantic and dramatic undercurrents even more impactful.

Lexi Giovagnoli breathes life into the character of Elizabeth with her lively performance. She perfectly channels Elizabeth’s dauntless spirit and biting sarcasm, making her character all the more plausible and endearing. David Witts as Darcy Collins reprised Austen’s Mr. Darcy’s character with the right amount of dignified stiffness and hidden vulnerability. James Nitti, playing Jack Wickham, brings the necessary charm and charisma that spices up the romantic scenario.

Apart from the core cast, the supporting characters are also nuanced, injecting humor and warmth into the narrative. The film does well in crafting authentic classroom scenes, with students bringing forth freshness and authenticity to their roles.

Pride & Prejudice, Cut beautifully intertwines romance, friendship, envy, and rivalry with underpinnings of classic literature. The setting is a perfect blend of small-town charm and the world of classic literature brought alive by a school play. Captivating dialogue, well-choreographed sequences, and a compelling narrative make this film a delight for any Austen fan while being enjoyable for those new to her world.

The movie’s crux lies in its exploration of the characters’ layers, their evolution, and realisation of their true feelings for each other. Be it Elizabeth’s struggle with her ambitions and confused feelings, Darcy’s inner struggle in accepting his emotions or Jack’s realization of his untimely interjection in Elizabeth’s life, each character arc has been portrayed convincingly.

In essence, Pride & Prejudice, Cut offers a fresh and contemporary take on a timeless classic tale and eloquently brings forth the underlying themes of love, pride, and prejudice in its truest sense. With exceptional acting, a gripping storyline, and a cleverly crafted narrative, Pride & Prejudice, Cut is definitely a film worth watching for those who appreciate good romantic dramas, with a dash of literary charm thrown in.