Based on the book written by Shanon Hale, Austenland is an absolute gem for any Austen fans. It is meant to be a bit like a parody, entertaining and funny, but not as to laugh at us. Jerusha Hess did an incredible job.
** spoilers **
2013
Director: Jerusha Hess
Cast: Kerri Russell, JJ Feild, Jane Seymour, Jennifer Coolidge, James Callis, Georgia King,...
Length: 1h 37min
Genre: Comedy, romantic
8/10
It is your light hearted romantic comedy, but dressed up in some periode costumes of the 18th Century. If you've read the book, prepare yourself to some (well made, if I may say so) changes in the story line. And if you're very familiar with Jane Austen's work, you'll recognise quite a few nods to her works. The walk through the rain and being saved by a gentleman. The conversation about first impressions, etc.
It was director Jerusha Hess' first work and she did a tremendous job. Her vision for the story, the script written together with Shanon Hale, the soundtrack, editing, costumes,... Top nodge. The soundtrack is catchy and very subtle. Somewhere at the beginning you can hear 'Heaven is a place on earth' by Belinda Carlisle. Odd choice I'd think for a period drama parody. But the subtle meaning behind it is so well thought of ^^ And there are more subtle hints like that spread across the movie.
Costume design is a delight to observe. When you've seen various adaptations of Jane Austen's original work, you'll recognise quite a few bonnets, dresses and cravats. Caroline Bingley's dress in Pride and Prejudice 2005, Mr Darcy coat in Pride and Prejudice 1995, and so on.
As mentioned just now, the script was written by Jerusha and Shanon Hale, the author of Austenland. Hence the reason why it is so close to the source material, but with adaptations made approved by the author. I hope their collaboration was a success because I do hope they'll adapt 'Midnight in Austenland' as well!
It was the first work of Keri Russell and JJ Feild I ever saw. Unless you count Captain America: the First Avenger as a work of JJ Feild x) Besides Northanger Abbey I haven't seen anything else featuring the main cast, so I don't have much to compare it to. Of course Jennifer Coolidge is as brilliant as ever. Although I have yet to see her in any different type of role :s But she's brilliant at what she does. Brett McKenzie looked familiar, although with shorter curly hair and a beard it was difficult to place him in the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings x)
If you adore period dramas, then Austenland is something for you. Secretly, I wish it was a real thing. Escape for a few weeks to a manor house in the English country side, wearing empire waist dresses and spend the days walking and reading. Not the biggest fan of the whole "every-guest-will-experience-romance-with-one-of-our-actors" concept as I think that is just odd. But you can sign me up for the rest of it x)
So, this is my 'review' on Austenland :) Hope it might inspire you ;)
Thanks for reading!
xo - Sara
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