Screenwriter Deborah Moggach initially attempted to make her script as faithful to the novel as possible, writing from Elizabeth 's perspective while preserving much of the original dialogue. Wright, who was directing his first feature film, encouraged greater deviation from the text, including changing the dynamics within the Bennet family. Wright and Moggach set the film in an earlier period and avoided depicting a "perfectly clean Regency world '', presenting instead a "muddy hem version '' of the time. It was shot entirely on location in England on a 15 - week schedule. Wright found casting difficult due to past performances of particular characters. The filmmakers had to balance who they thought was best for each role with the studio 's desire for stars. Knightley was well - known in part from her work in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, while Macfadyen had no international name recognition.
where was pride and prejudice filmed with keira knightley
England