Vlogging Lizzy

             The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is so far an interesting series. I am thoroughly enjoying this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as well as the subtle fourth-wall breaking and clever ideas that’s been included—popular quotes from the book, Kitty the kitten, zombies, VidCon, referencing England in the Q&A, and etc. These are all helpful to include mainly because it’s a vlog-based adaptation having everything mostly from Lizzie’s perspective… It sorta provides a break from all the prejudice going on.

            Speaking of, was it my misinterpretation of the book, or was there a lot more prejudicing going on in this vlog series than in the book? I’m assuming it’s because, like I said earlier, we’re viewing a vlog series from mostly Lizzie’s perspective and her thoughts, while Pride and Prejudice in book form gave a more somewhat balanced approach to what some of the other characters thought of (obviously because it’s a novel).

For example, I felt Lizzie constantly saying something negative about Lydia whenever she appeared—as opposed to Jane who’s more protective of Lydia—and Lizzy constantly saying something negative about Darcy. Well, Darcy’s comments are understandable due to his socially-awkward mannerisms. Even so, it could be that Jane Austen portrayed Lizzy walking three miles to Netherfield to see Jane (as well as Darcy…?), while The Lizzie Bennet Diaries portrayed Lizzy getting forced to live at Netherfield due to house remodeling.

           

            For the vlog style itself, it becomes very recapping (is that a word?) half the time, since the vlogs I perceive has someone holding a camera, carrying it around everywhere, and showing more than just one’s room(s). This was why I mentioned the clever fourth-wall breaking ideas as well as the awesome reenactments definitely giving it a boost in creativity and excitement. And the time frame where Lizzy and Jane stayed at Netherfield was well-timed to introduce new characters with which we could see interact with the Bennets instead of just mere descriptions.

Speaking of, I thought Caroline was perfectly fitted into the whole vlogging adaptation. Through Jane Austen’s novel, the readers can see her point of views either whenever Jane left the room or via some other method of communication. Within the atmosphere of a vlog, Caroline couldn’t be scripted to say her true feelings like the freedom she has within a novel, especially when Charlotte is editing these videos. Instead, it was presented through her charm to Lizzie (and the internet) by encouraging her to continue ranting on about her impressions on Darcy.