First let me say that I can't really say I am obsessed with all Jane Austin books and movies, but rather that I am exploring it right now.

I came to be obsessed with the Jenifer Ehle/Colin Firth adaptation through my love of "past times" and the history of hair styles/costume/clothing. I needed a new time period to be enamored with, since I was getting bored with the Middle Ages and more recently the 1840's (think Jane Eyre and The Piano).

I hadn't thought about the quietness of the movie until Morgaine mentioned it, but it is true that I hate loud violent movies (except of course if they are set in the Middle Ages a la Excalibur, my other most favorite movie!) I walked out of The Matrix. I don't care how cute Keanu Reeves is, I just can't take all of that shooting!

This movie might be quiet in comparison to most of Hollywood's offerings these days, but it is not without passion. Jennifer Ehle captures the playfulness and the passion of Elizabeth so perfectly. And let's not forget Colin Firth's perfect portrayal of Mr. Darcy. He struggles with suppressing his love for Elizabeth, and then struggles with expressing that love when he can no longer deny his feelings for her.

I have been so inspired that I am going to sew myself an entire Regency era outfit, and am right now learning on my harp and fiddle a few of the English country dance tunes that were featured in the movie's many dance scenes.

So my best friend and I...

recently discovered that we were both obsessed with Jane Austen books and movies. We used to be inseparable - instead of "Morgaine and Andee" we were morgaineandandee - all one word. Because our interests were so similar - Wicce, feminism, art and especially the music of the East Coast underground, we had a lot to talk about. Our conversations evolved into a sort of running commentary that more closely resembled music reviews. We were the Siskel and Ebert of the Alternative Scene - ha ha. Life moved on and so did we, but our renewed interest in a common theme inspired us to take it into a new medium and see what form it takes.

First topic, Pride and Prejudice starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. For my part, I find this one of the most soothing movies in my collection. I love the quietness of it. Even the scenes of conflict are controlled in the most beautiful way. Odd that this is what I enjoy about it. I've always been more about the loss of control. I've always been fascinated by the extreme of a pure Dionysian revelry. There's none of that here.