Trailerblazing -- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies -- February 5, 2016 -- directed by Burr Steers -- starring Lena Headey, Lily James, Matt Smith, Jack Huston, Douglas Booth, Charles Dance

What. The. Hell. Okay. *sigh* I understand why some stories and topics hunger for parody, but I am not quite sure why Elizabeth Bennet deserves this kind of treatment. I am guessing that it is the headstrong heroine and the prim and proper texture of "Pride and Prejudice" that warrant the alternate, zombie killer narrative. The film just looks bizarre and, based on this trailer alone, it could either be a complete success or a complete flop. It is such a niche piece, such a unique hybrid of genres, that it will choose its audience carefully and I suspect that the release date will not be of much help. No matter what and above everything else, though, I am in it for Headey and Dance. Seeing their dynamic here, after their characters' heated exchanges on "Game of Thrones", will be nothing short of fascinating. Lily James has another interesting role after the success of Cinderella, while Huston and Booth are also at the forefront. Director Steers, known for quirky fare like Igby Goes Down and 17 Again, could bring a fresh perspective to the zombie subgenre, particularly if the screenplay is sufficiently sharp and self-aware. Bottom line: it could be a ludicrous attempt, but it could also make for an intriguing cinema experience.