For each issue of Movie Mayhem, George Proctor (12) and Ariella Garrell (11) will choose two movies pertaining to the season to compare. For this issue, they decided to watch a period piece set far in the past.
George’s pick: “Little Women”
For my choice of a period piece, I decided to watch “Little Women,” directed by Greta Gerwig. This 2019 release is set in the mid to late 1800s, during and directly following the Civil War. The film follows four sisters: Jo, played by Saoirse Ronan; Amy, played by Florence Pugh; Meg, played by Emma Watson; and Beth, played by Eliza Scanlen as they aspire to find love and develop prosperity for their family. During their time participating in the high life of 19th Century America, they meet Laurie, played by Timothée Chalamet. Laurie instantly becomes infatuated with Jo, falling in love with her more and more as the movie develops. This connection is contested as the film continues with the family experiencing turmoil in health, happiness and purpose.
I found this movie incredibly intriguing from start to finish, aided strongly by the directorial style used involving cutting back and forth from the past and the present. I noticed immense attention to detail in Gerwig’s directing, using contrast in style to separate the two time periods from one another. This is a great movie for anyone looking for a coming-of-age flick mixed with love, tragedy and hardship.
Ariella’s pick: “Pride and Prejudice”
For this issue of Movie Mayhem, my choice movie is the iconic film “Pride and Prejudice.” This famous period piece is based on the novel written by Jane Austen and first published in 1813. The film, released in 2005, follows five English sisters as well as the love story of Elizabeth Bennett (Kira Knightly) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). After hearing of the arrival of a new wealthy family, Mrs. Bennett hatches a plan to have one of her daughters marry into the family. While at a party, Elizabeth meets a family friend named Mr. Darcy who acts rudely towards her. Later, Mr. Darcy proposes but Elizabeth rejects him for how he proposed. After receiving a letter from Mr. Darcy and him proposing again in a kinder way, she accept his proposal.
Because the movie is based off the 1813 novel “Pride and Prejudice,” it had to depict the time period perfectly, and that it did. The Renaissance costumes were perfectly replicated in the simple, yet elegant dresses accurate for that time. Not only were the costumes spot on, but the script and language used by the actors immerse the audience into the world of “Pride and Prejudice.” The instrumental background music written by Dario Marinelli is similar to music that would be played at balls as seen in the movies. Director Joe Wright’s ability to pair all of the artistic elements together makes “Pride and Prejudice” a stunning example of a period piece, bringing the audience into the Renaissance world.
