Lost in Austen – ELLIOT COWAN plays Mr Darcy
Aug 24, 2008 Author: admin | Filed under: cast
What interested you in the role of Mr Darcy?
I was really intrigued to hear that this renowned story was being written in a new light by Guy Andrews. Putting Mr Darcy, who is an iconic literary figure, into new circumstances seemed a challenge and a great opportunity not to be missed.
What preparation did you do for the role?
I read Pride and Prejudice and did some research looking into the history of this period, the characters and the artwork. I also watched Collin Firth’s portrayal of Mr Darcy because I think there are some references in Lost in Austen to this interpretation that had a profound effect on the country’s consciousness.
How does your Mr Darcy compare to your predecessors’?
I only ever played Mr Darcy dead straight. For me it was important to mask a certain vulnerability in him.
How does Amanda Price compare to Elizabeth Bennet?
They are independent, honest and direct women. They see Darcy as an arrogant and very proud man and their frustration with him is very similar. Amanda has the benefit of having read the book so she can pre-empt the decisions, choices and even dialogue that Darcy is about to say before it happens.
What does Mr Darcy make of Amanda Price?
Initially, Mr Darcy is very suspicious of Amanda, but on a subconscious level he finds Amanda intriguing and attractive. A man of his stature isn’t in touch with his emotions so I think he’s under a lot of pressure to remain impartial. He takes quite a long time to warm to her.
How does Mr Darcy feel about Amanda’s presence in his world?
He keeps himself aloof and his comments to a minimum. One of Darcy’s characteristics is to protect others, particular Charles Bingley who he encourages to keep away from Amanda.
What are Mr Darcy’s motivations?
Darcy believes everything should have a social order. I think Darcy has an over reaching need for marriage and to have a soul mate although his attitude towards this feels resigned and professional.
How does Mr Darcy feel about the Bennet family?
From the outset, Mr Darcy makes it very clear that he regards them as being greedy, very opportunistic, false and vulgar.
Tell us about Mr Darcy’s relationship with Captain Wickham?
Their relationship is born out of many years of conflict and disappointment. They are opposites, Darcy is very proud with upstanding values which Wickham seems to have underlined and obliterated.
In the series Mr Darcy finds Amanda’s copy of Pride and Prejudice. What does he make of this?
It’s an exceptional discovery. Darcy is totally unaware that his story has been written so he believes it’s a satirical journal that will be published and talked about in society. He believes this to be a complete undermining of the trust, friendship and hospitality that Amanda has received.
How did you find playing opposite Jemima Rooper?
It was wonderful. Jemima is full of energy and very creative. I’m glad that when we met we had the right chemistry. Our acting styles are very different and because of this we were able to challenge each other.
What’s your most memorable moment from filming?
It was whilst we were filming last November. Thankfully it was a beautiful blue sky day, but I had to swim around and submerge myself in seven degree water in nothing more than my shirt and britches whilst declaring my undying love. It was all I could do to stop my teeth from chattering.
Tell us about the locations used for Lost in Austen.
I thoroughly enjoyed working in Yorkshire. I personally thought we were all very lucky to be stepping out into the beautiful horizon of some fantastic stately gardens. Being able to walk around these gorgeous properties was a privilege.
What’s next for you after Lost in Austen?
I’m in a play called The Revenger’s Tragedy at the National Theatre.
7 Responses for "Lost in Austen – ELLIOT COWAN plays Mr Darcy"
Lost In Austen has only just been screened in Australia, and I loved every minute of it. A brilliant portrayal of Mr Darcy I thought, with just the right amount of brooding. A very imposing character, and the most regal seeming of all the film versions of Darcy. Elliott Cowan should be very proud of his achievement in this I think (but I’m not exactly a film critic).
i thought elliot cown was wonderfull as darcy, i really loved the series, i have watched it 10 times. i loved it.
Have seen all the other portrayals of Mr. Darcy, but Elliot Cowan’s was by far the most aristocratically arrogant and certainly the sexiest given what period it takes place. Jane Austen woule be proud of a creative take on her work.
I loved the shows and Mr. Darcy was wonderful. Hope to see more, more ,more.
I’ve just discovered this series here in the US….and I can’t stop watching it over and over! Elliot Cowan plays a fantastic Darcy–how can any girl NOT fall in love with him?!
I too found this on the shelf at a US video rental and LOVED it and mostly because of Darcy. The story was cute and interesting and was given what I think of as the “Wicked” treatment… what if things did not happen exactly the way you thought they did. So I enjoyed it on that level. However, the real joy for me was Elliot Cowan who BLEW ME AWAY as Darcy.
I did not know who this actor was but upon looking up info on him realize I have seen him in Foyle’s War and perhaps other places but his transformation into the Character of Darcy was just amazing to me. His early portrayal with just the right touch of arrogance followed by the quivering jaw in the heart break “I cannot marry you” scene and ending with that smile and kiss in the end all I can say is WOW! I am not one to get too carried away by an actor to the point of posting on places like this but there is a first time for everything and for me this is it! Elliot Cowan nailed every aspect of what I think Mr. Darcy should be and he certainly was the epitome of Tall, Dark and Handsome!
Despite of being a fan of “Pride and Prejudice” I didn’t hear about this series until last month when I saw the DVD in the video shop and must have it. Wow, what a wonderful series!! I find the series great and very entertaining. And Elliot Cowan must be the most arrogant yet attractive Mr Darcy ever! =)
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