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Elliot Cowan vs Colin Firth as 'Mr. Darcy'

posted 16 years ago by lynnezanni
78 replies | jump to latest

As a big fan of Colin Firth as the original 'Mr.Darcy' and the BBC's adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice', I was rather sceptical about 'Lost in Austen', and this new 'Mr. Darcy' being thrust upon us (having over looked the big screen version with Keira Knightly for the very same reason). But, may I say that I have been sadly mistaken.
Elliot Cowan is SUPERB as Darcy, not to mention good looking, sexy and very masculine. The 'new' hairstyle does him justice, but it has got to be his visual expressions throughout the film that has completely blown me away.
While Firth is every woman's idea of a good looking, clean cut gentleman with heart melting eyes, Cowan, on the other hand, is the complete opposite with ruggedly handsome good looks and piercing yet expressive blue/green eyes which are complete pulse pounders (and aptly put 'smoulder alert').
I find Cowan's ability change his facial expressions (to match the required emotion) throughout the series to be very captivating, managing to look like a different actor on many an occasion while Firth just looks like Firth throughout (not a particularly bad thing though as you will surely agree).
Having said all that, I have got to admit that in my eyes, Elliot Cowan does give Colin Firth a good run for his money as 'Mr.Darcy' , and dare I say it, looks even better in a wet shirt!
'I would I could be like you' Amanda Price (or at least to act in your place).

[–] jtheway22 16 years ago

I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised by Elliot Cowan and his portrayal as Darcy. I absolutely adore Colin Firth and so the idea of someone else playing Mr Darcy wasn't welcome news. Indeed, I thought it was going to be another Matthew McFayden moment - Matthew is good enough but he doesn't compare to Colin, IMHO. But, Elliot Cowan is fantastic - just as good as Colin and I don't think I could choose between.

However, I do prefer Elliot Cowan's wet shirt moment as opposed to Colin. I think Colin is the most gorgeous man alive, but I was very disappointed when I saw the wet shirt scene - mainly because everyone hyped it up so much, but it didn't live up to all that hype (However, Colin did get me all hot and bothered when he was fencing).

Other than that I think Colin Firth and Elliot Cowan are on a par for their portrayal of Darcy.

[–] shazeroon 16 years ago

Colin firth is THE Darcy but I do agree, Elliott Cowan was fantastic. He had the mannerisms, the looks, everything to a T. He was so stern and manly!

ya great gullah!!!!

[–] badgerking10 16 years ago

For the first couple of episodes, I was a bit doubtful about Mr Cowan. But, I really warmed to him in the last two.

[–] anatja 16 years ago

Hummm, I still don't get it. I was thinking all the way through the episode 'are you blind woman, have you not SEEN Wickham?????'

Still don't think he is attractive at all.

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[–] shazeroon 16 years ago

he is hot hot hot!!!! grrr!

and oh my god, what a kisser!!! That kiss looked so hot!

ya great gullah!!!!

[–] laura1-07 16 years ago

Wickham was very good looking, much nicer than the actor who played him in the 1995 series (he was too old, for a start!). Mind you Cowan looked even better than Colin Firth in the wet shirt!!

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[–] JeannySilver 16 years ago

Well, Elliot Cowan sure had big boots to fill.

Although I adore Colin Firth as Mr Darcy I have to say for me it´s the role that actually does it. I just like Mr Darcy.
So, while Colin Firth portrayal was somewhat iconic, I did like David Rintouls much harsher portrayal and I warmed to Matthew Mcfadyens (way to) sensitive interpretation of the role (in the movie I found Keira Knightleys Lizzy way more problematic).

Elliot Cowan plays Mr Darcy very well. I think it was perfect how his extremely proud and somewhat unpleasantly arrogant behavior clashed with Amandas. It set quite a bit of chemistry free, that I personally didn´t expect.

So yeah, Elliot Cowan fit the boots. He is great as Mr Darcy.

[–] Whovian73 16 years ago

Agree. Cannot be a very easy task to portray Darcy after Colin Firth's successful one back in '95.
But Cowan did surprisingly well! I was also very sceptical to begin with, but his Darcy really grew on me, I must say I quite like this brooding, stern looking Darcy a lot. Those looks he gives Amanda are so... *Just make me swoon*. He masters the art of looking proud and reserved quite well. And he is very masculine (and tall - 1.88m!).
I will watch this series a few more times, those Darcy moments any way...

[–] eblovesdb 16 years ago

This Darcy I actually drooled over - which hasn't happened before. He's completely gorgeous! And looked stunning in the lake *sigh*

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't there more happy people in the world? - Stephen Fry

[–] mrsmish 16 years ago

He was a very pleasing Darcy.

And if you think he was a man of few words here, be sure to catch his opening scene cameo (the bookstore clerk) in Happy Go Lucky.

[–] krazykatie 16 years ago

The lake scene was gorgeous and i agree, he did look better than Colin Firth in that scene. I think and I can't believe i'm saying this, I actually fancied this Darcy even more...eek!!!

Lois:"Are there any more at home like you?"
Clark:"Not really no"
Lois:"didn't think so"

[–] laura1-07 16 years ago

Think I prefer Firth, mainly because Cowan scowled a bit too much for me! But as I said previously he did look better in a wet shirt than Firth!

Cats rule, dogs drool!

[–] franzchick 16 years ago

it pains me to admit he looked better in a wet shirt than colin but i still prefer Firth as Darcy.

"When you call for me Batman arrives.A little late,but he'll catch you eventually."

[–] christabel102000-1 16 years ago

oh I loved the scene where Amanda tells him that she lived with Michael for a year & he realizes that she isnt "a maid". Mr Darcy's chin wobbles & he is holding back tons of emotion! OMG!

Plus the wet shirt scene puts him above Colin in my book!

You hear that sound George? That's Jane Austen spinning in her grave like a cat in a tumble dryer!

[–] Marbeque 16 years ago

Laurence Olivier.

"Gosh darn it C.K. Dexter Haven, either you're gonna sock me or I'm gonna sock you."

[–] christabel102000-1 16 years ago

Wow that is old school!

But he was yummy in the 1940 version. I like him better as Maxim de Winter in Rebecca! Be still my heart!!

You hear that sound George? That's Jane Austen spinning in her grave like a cat in a tumble dryer!

[–] eblovesdb 16 years ago

What do they mean by 'maid'? They don't blatantly mean virginity do they?

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't there more happy people in the world? - Stephen Fry

[–] Miss_gene_hunt 16 years ago

yup i think they do mean that
I love... I love... I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on"

[–] Elaine Santos 16 years ago

Laurence Olivier, yeah! My dream Mr. Darcy would be Laurence Olivier with the P&P'95 script. Now, that combination would make a fantastic Mr. Darcy!

I truly love Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, but there's something about L.O.! I guess it's because the 1940 movie was the first P&P adaptation I've ever watched and I remember that I had an enormous crush on Laurence Olivier (I was 13).

By the way, loved Elliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] kmpkitty 16 years ago

I haven't watched all of this series yet but I have seen the wet shirt scene. You must remember that Eliot Cowan's Darcy was asked by Amanda Price to get into the water whereas we only see Colin Firth's Darcy after he has gotten out of the lake and walked back to Pemberley, when he has had time to dry off a bit. We did not see him just as he was getting out of the lake dripping wet. I'm sure if this was the case Colin Firth would have held up quite admirably as a dripping wet Darcy to Eliot Cowan's. I must add that I love them both. They're both yummy!

[–] morganseer 12 years ago

Wow Elaine. I hope I still have all my juices flowing at the age of 81. And all my wits to boot. :)

[–] darcychick 15 years ago

Colin Firth was a perfect Mr.Darcy but I think that Elliot Cowan did a very good job.
I couldn`t stop laughing when I saw the lake scene!

All I know is that I`m here...

[–] AragornsQueen 15 years ago

laura-holt:

Think I prefer Firth, mainly because Cowan scowled a bit too much for me!

You touched on the ONE gripe i had about Elliot as Darcy. He scowled a little too much for me at times. I kept thinking, "why are you pulling your face like that.. noo... not again!"

In terms of THE BEST Darcy:
Firth. I adore the BBC version. Colin for me was a true a Darcy as ever. Arrogant and vulnerable. Cold but sensitive.

Interestingly enough, i actually like Matthew McFadyen's Darcy ALMOST as much. The reason i like him so much was because with the 2005 movie, there was a move to make the interpretation of Darcy different. Matthew played on Darcy's shyness, as opposed to his arrogance. Which although not truly faithful, was refreshing. I was so tormented with the prospect of possibly seeing him TRY TO BE Colin. *shudder* But i was very pleasantly surprised. His soft, sensitive eyes were completely swoon-worthy, and i can easily see why some woman, esp the younger girls, liked him better than Colin.

And then Elliot's Darcy. Despite my aforementioned gripe about the scowling, he was the perfect Darcy for the movie they were trying to make. Good looking, and arrogance back where it belongs, he did a really great job. My sister thinks he is ugly (die hard Firth fan that she is - but then again, she only saw a clip and hadnt watched the entire series)

Im happy with the Darcy's we've been subjected to recently. But Colin IS my favourite! :)

Aragorns Queen

Mal: We've done the impossible, and that makes us mighty ~ Firefly

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] AragornsQueen 15 years ago

I thought Amanda was in love with the idea of Darcy more than she was in love with the actual man. Did anyone else get that impression?

I think perhaps at the onset, but then he proved to be the living, in the flesh, and in her face impression of the character in the book. And it wasnt making her swoon, in fact, she rather disliked him almost instantly. He was arrogant and presumptuous, everything book Darcy is, and Amanda thought he was just rude.

So i think in getting to know him a little better, she actually fell in love with the real Darcy.

Aragorns Queen

Mal: We've done the impossible, and that makes us mighty ~ Firefly

[–] Tillbradley 15 years ago

Yer I agree she didnt like him and then she fell for him in a way as did elizabeth.

I think Firths Darcy was great he will remain the ultimate Darcy, However I like Matthew Mcfayden's Darcy as well he was just as hot. And i think he did very well. I must have seen that film a million times and every time it gets me how well the chemistry between him and kiera worked especially the proposal scene i could have hugged him there and then. But Cowan does equally a great job as well, and yes his wet shirt scene, beats firth's hands down, what a man !! thats all i can say. lol. So as you can see i like all the Darcy's each have there own quality, ALL make me swoon 8)

[–] jude-29 15 years ago

I agree with this - I do think she was in love with the idea more than with the man. The show - and I thought it charming, by the way - didn't do enough to make it credible that she had really fallen for him.

With Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, it did. The wet shirt was a moment of truth, when she saw him as sexually attractive, and that he could be unstuffy. However, I thought the "postmodern moment" a sublime touch.

This Darcy doesn't do it for me - Firth was more charming and far sexier.

Artemisia

[–] squabs101 15 years ago

For me, Elliot Cowan's Darcy stops just short of Colin Firth's Darcy. I've been all gaga over Colin since I saw the '95 version, but if I was forced to live in a world without it, Cowan's portrayal would do just fine. He was perfectly haughty and he actually did fill out his wet shirt better than Firth. The only problem I had with him is that he wasn't as "real" as Firth- the wig was too bouffant at times, his clothes didn't fit him as well (not his fault) and his movements weren't too fluid (kinda like Rintoul's gorilla/robotic performance), but I guess that was the whole point of the character within that story.

Olivier is in a class of his own, I wasn't a big fan of MacFayden, and I didn't buy the change in Rintoul's character. I think Elliot Cowan is the closest I'm going to get to saying someone was just as good as Colin.

Man. I can't believe he was the same guy that played Ptolemy.

[–] cfmanasseh 15 years ago

Sorry but I dont like this new Darcy at all,Colin is still the one for me. This new one is too severe.

[–] wold87 15 years ago

My first meeting with the story was with the 1995-version and Colin Firth as Darcy. And I fell and I have been falling since. So for me, Firth IS Mr.Darcy.

I've seen some clips from the 1940-version with Laurence Olivier and he does not do it for me, nor does Matthew MacFadyen. But Elliot Cowan did a heck of a job filling Firth's shoes and is a good nr. 2 in my book.

And the wet t-shirt was just...yeah..well...HOT!!

[–] maytloo 15 years ago

I'm in Canada and I've only watched the first two episodes on the Viva network here. So far, I'm with Amanda-Darcy (and for that matter Wickham) are gits. As a fan of the 2005 movie, to paraphrase Gwyneth Paltrow's Emma: David Rintoul (1980) and Colin Firth (and now Elliot Cowan) may be Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy, but Matthew Macfadyen will always be my Mr. Darcy. Besides, nothing beats the scene near the end of the movie when Darcy walks across the field to Elizabeth/Keira Knightley.

[–] Tillbradley 15 years ago

True very true how romantic was that i loved it hense the hundreds of times ive watched it 8)

[–] Doc-Fan 15 years ago

It is a hard choice to make between Colin Firth and Elliott Cowan. Would love to see a new series with the "Lost in Austen" Mr. Darcy being taken into current day with Amanda and running into the actor Colin Firth--perhaps having to do a wet-shirt duel together. Meanwhile, "Wickam" sneaks in too and is taking bets on the side.

[–] eden_echo 15 years ago

I heart Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy (and to be honest, I really like every Mr. Darcy I have seen so far), and now Elliot Cowan, the latest addition, he was awesome!

"I promise you before I die, I'll surely come to your doorstep"

[–] FletcherofLocksley 15 years ago

Neither of them are my Mr. Darcy. Matthew MacFadyen played that role perfectly in my opinion. I know that the movie takes a lot of liberties, but Matthew was the perfect Mr. Darcy. I always found Elizabeth's attraction to Darcy a little bit hard to believe. With Firth, I didn't see him being willing to pay for Lydia's marriage. He seemed too mean. With Matthew, it was easier to see his softer side.

I liked Elliot, but he didn't compare to other Darcy's. He wasn't attractive at all, and he scowled too much.

By the way, I have never seen Colin Firth the same since I saw Mamma Mia!, and he was gay. Darcy cannot be gay!! I'm sorry.

In Lost in Austen, I am happy to report though that I was in love with Bingley and Wickham. Bingley was just so sweet, and he was pretty attractive too. Wickham was so mischevious, but loveable. I cannot believe Amanda didn't fall for him; he also had some amazing looks.

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[–] Icypiece 15 years ago

As much as I "love" Colin Firth's performance, I have also enjoyed the perfomances of the other mr Darcy's I've seen (1940, 2005: modern adaptions bridget jones, 2003, bride & prejudice and this). I thought Elliot was great as mr Darcy. I found myself disliking him first, not seeing his good looks. But in the 2 last episodes I really grow fond of him and starting to see that he is really good looking. Just as it is supposed to be! I do prefer Colin Firth, but Elliot, amazing. And just compare LIA final scene versus the second proposal of the 95'version. Comparing these 2 scenes, Darcy seems much more appealing in LIA.

[–] Miss_gene_hunt 15 years ago

Elliot cowan is the best Tv Mr Darcy .. i feel as if he played the character brillianty .I do like Matthew mcFayden to. But all 3 of them played the character differently which i liked .
I love... I love... I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on"

[–] filmwatcher2002 15 years ago

Each production is so different that they really cannot be compared. After all, Lost In Austen is a reworking of sorts.

That said, Elliot Cowan was a complete dish! I like how he works through his preconceived idea of duty and society to acknowledge his love for Amanda. You can see it in his face.

And how can you not laugh out loud at how proud he is of recognizing Tinky Winky in modern London?

Good kisser, too! {fanning self..}