
Pride & Prejudice
Synopsis
The story is based on Jane Austen's novel about five sisters - Jane (Rosamund Pike), Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), Mary (Talulah Riley), Kitty (Carey Mulligan), and Lydia Bennet (Jena Malone) - in Georgian England. Their lives are turned upside down when wealthy young Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) and his best friend, Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), arrive in their neighborhood.
Production Budget Analysis
What was the production budget for Pride & Prejudice?
Directed by Joe Wright, with Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn leading the cast, Pride & Prejudice was produced by StudioCanal with a confirmed budget of $28,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for drama films.
At $28,000,000, Pride & Prejudice was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $70,000,000.
Budget Comparison — Similar Productions
• Agent Cody Banks (2003): Budget $28,000,000 | Gross $58,795,814 → ROI: 110% • Beverly Hills Cop II (1987): Budget $28,000,000 | Gross $299,965,036 → ROI: 971% • Shark Night 3D (2011): Budget $28,000,000 | Gross $10,126,458 → ROI: -64% • The Lovers on the Bridge (1991): Budget $28,000,000 | Gross N/A • Blade Runner (1982): Budget $28,000,000 | Gross $41,722,424 → ROI: 49%
Key Budget Allocation Categories
▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.
▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.
▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.
Key Production Personnel
CAST: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan Key roles: Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet; Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy; Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet; Rosamund Pike as Jane Bennet
DIRECTOR: Joe Wright CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roman Osin MUSIC: Dario Marianelli EDITING: Paul Tothill PRODUCTION: StudioCanal, Working Title Films, Scion Films, Focus Features FILMED IN: France, United Kingdom, United States of America
Box Office Performance
Pride & Prejudice earned $44,580,266 domestically and $80,024,079 internationally, for a worldwide total of $124,604,345. Revenue was split 36% domestic / 64% international.
Break-Even Analysis
Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Pride & Prejudice needed approximately $70,000,000 to break even. The film surpassed this threshold by $54,604,345.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Revenue: $124,604,345 Budget: $28,000,000 Net: $96,604,345 ROI: 345.0%
Profitability Assessment
VERDICT: Highly Profitable
Pride & Prejudice was a clear financial success, generating $124,604,345 worldwide against a $28,000,000 production budget — a 345% ROI. After estimated marketing costs, the film still delivered substantial profit to StudioCanal.
INDUSTRY IMPACT
The outsized success of Pride & Prejudice likely influenced studio greenlight decisions for similar drama projects.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Summary: Nominated for 4 Oscars. 13 wins & 59 nominations total
Nominations: ○ Academy Award for Best Actress (78th Academy Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Original Score (78th Academy Awards) ○ European Film Award – People's Choice Award for Best European Film (19th European Film Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Costume Design (78th Academy Awards) ○ European Film Award for Best Cinematographer (19th European Film Awards) ○ European Film Award for Best Composer (19th European Film Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Production Design (78th Academy Awards)









































































































































































































































































































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