A brand new miniseries begins! Join Bobby Shortle and Nick Rocco Scalia as they embark on an exploration of the films of director Joe Wright — and they’re starting with the film that put him on the map: Pride & Prejudice (2005).

This landmark adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel blends traditional period drama aesthetics with bold directorial flair — including sweeping tracking shots, striking natural light, and one incredibly memorable hand flex. Bobby and Nick discuss how Wright’s debut immediately distinguished him as a singular filmmaker, and how his interpretation of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy differs from those that came before.

They also break down the pitch-perfect performances from Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, the balance between cinematic spectacle and emotional intimacy, and how Pride & Prejudice signaled the start of one of the most stylistically adventurous careers in modern British cinema.

Topics Covered:

* Joe Wright’s debut and his arrival as a distinct visual stylist

* Keira Knightley’s take on Elizabeth Bennet and how it reframes the character

* The romantic power of restraint, eye contact, and that hand flex

* Dario Marianelli’s score and the film’s painterly aesthetic

* How this version compares to other Austen adaptations

* Setting the stage for the rest of Wright’s filmography

Chapter Timecodes:

* 00:20 – Intro to Joe Wright and this miniseries

* 08:50 – The legacy of Austen adaptations

* 18:35 – Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen: iconic casting

* 34:20 – Visual language: tracking shots, candlelight, and naturalism

* 51:05 – Favorite moments and scenes

* 1:05:20 – Wright’s tone, pacing, and confidence as a first-time director

* 1:20:20 – What Pride & Prejudice tells us about Joe Wright’s future work

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