By Kayla DeKraker
Two decades after its release, the 2005 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE continues to touch audiences of every generation and leave its mark on pop culture.
In an interview with Mashable, director Joe Wright shared how one of the movie’s most iconic lines came to be.
“We all love Benson. We all love Lizzie,” Mashable’s Kristy Puchko said. “Charlotte Lucas kind of became a touch point. She’s considered almost like the ultimate millennial in an attitude because of her life.”
In one memorable moment, Charlotte says, “I’m 27 years old. I’ve no money and no prospects. I’m already a burden to my parents. And I’m frightened.”
It’s become something of a viral trend on social media.
“Deborah Moggach wrote the screenplay and did an amazing, amazing job,” Wright said. “And then we asked Emma Thompson to help with a little bit of the dialogue. And I went round to her house, very nervous, with my little briefcase and we walked up onto Hampstead Heath onto a hill.”
He explained that Thompson improvised the scenes, and that was a line she said that he wrote down.
“I remember her just coming out with those lines and me scribbling them down and then her ending with, ‘Don’t judge me, Lizzie, don’t you dare judge me,’” he said. “And you know, almost crying at what she just miraculously [said].”
He continued, “It’s interesting that the very simple beginnings of that scene and how now, it sort of spread, and I think it’s because it’s true. You know, there’s a truth to it. Yeah, I think that’s absolutely like I did go back to.”
That scene has become so relatable in today’s world that people have even used it as a quote on birthday cakes.
Related: Netflix’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Casts Its Elizabeth Bennet
Movieguide®’s review of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE reads:
PRIDE & PREJUDICE is a magnificently accomplished entertainment. It is incredibly witty and funny. As the misunderstandings and disagreements mount, it also becomes profoundly and terribly sad. This is a comedy, however, and the ending is wonderfully rewarding, totally uplifting and profound. The movie thoroughly engages the viewer. Best of all, it strongly extols Christian virtues such as love, charity and forgiveness. Like the viewers, Elizabeth learns that Mr. Darcy is a perfect match for her and a gentleman of the highest Christian virtue.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE won 13 different awards and was nominated for 59 total. It’s currently in theaters again to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Read Next: New PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Series in the Works at Netflix
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