MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

One of Pride and Prejudice’s most eligible bachelors is also one of the least appealing of male suitors. Mr. Collins is an easy match for the Bennet daughters as he will be the one who inherits everything they own once their father has died. But the personality of this clergyman is what makes him one of the most disliked characters in Pride and Prejudice. With his concern mainly focusing on how his actions will be perceived by his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, he speaks bluntly and in (what he believes is) her favor. Most film adaptations depict Mr. Collins’ character solely on one of his dominant attributes. In Andrew Davies’ 1995 adaptation, Mr. Collins oozes creepiness with his oily hair and hunched posture. In Joe Wright’s 2005 Hollywood film, Collins is extremely awkward and hesitates in everything he does. But Burr Steer’s 2016 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies has created a Mr. Collins that defies the usual stereotype and becomes a version of the clergyman most will like. Set in a zombie apocalypse, Matt Smith’s portrayal of Collins brings some hilarity to an otherwise dark plot line. While some may argue that Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a satire of the classic tale, its characters take zombies seriously reflecting more of a horror movie than a farce. Smith’s role of Mr. Collins gives the viewer some comedic relief making him a favorite in the film. In this paper I intend to prove this point by analyzing Collins’ character in Zombies and how he is represented in the genre of this film. I also will compare this version of Collins to previous adaptations and the novel.