http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lweymjmz4GY/Ss1-In4J38I/AAAAAAAAJ78/RU5UXZXNfrI/s1600/pride+and+prejudice+2+.jpg
Opening scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTjoO3kW0Zg
I found the opening of Pride & Prejudice to be one of the most memorable scenes due to its depiction of themes, and events, that are prevalent throughout the film. The film opens with an establishing shot of a field, very similar to the end of the film where Darcy and Elizabeth discuss their feelings for each other. This shot serves a dual purpose as it can represent the change in characters from the beginning to the end of the film. In the end of the film, Elizabeth and Darcy meet in a similar setting where they are ultimately able to overcome both their pride and prejudices. Initially, though, the landscape is empty and there is a large space between where the respective characters start their journeys.
Viewers then see a close up of Elizabeth, in which she is reading a novel. (It has been speculated the title says First Impressions, which provides an additional level of connection here.) The shot easily sets up the notion that she is the driving character of the plot. While she reads a novel, the audience will be viewing hers. As Elizabeth works her way inside the house, we see her at varying eye level medium shots passing through hanging laundry on the line outside. In addition to a transition between the two locations this represents Elizabeth’s initial closed-mindedness. She is blocked from view for most of the clip, similarly to how her prejudices block her evaluation of characters like Mr. Darcy. The camera then zooms in to the Bennet household and the audience is gets a better idea of what the family dynamic is between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their daughters. With few different shots that pan the room, viewers are able to gather a bit about each character: Kitty and Lydia running around the house, Mary practicing the piano diligently, and Jane inside doing ladylike activities.
The scene ends with the news that Mr. Bingley is single through a variety of medium point-of-view shots. These shots make the action a bit more exciting and set the tone for a large portion of the film. Viewers learn that marriage is an integral part of society and that every individual is involved in some manner. We see Mrs. Bennet’s interest in marrying her daughters off to someone of substantial social status as well as the daughters’ (particularly Lydia) interest in wealth. The music drives most of this opening scene due its minimal dialogue. Despite this we learn a good deal about the Bennet family, keeping the audience interested in seeing more from the first three or so minutes.