Film No. 45 (2016) July 14th. 6.30 PM LUNA WINDSOR Nedlands.
"No I've known him for years, I'd never speak to someone I didn't know like that" (Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) gives the reason for her caustic words to a passerby making an attempt to greet her).
I feel confident that if Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) was to comment on Love & Friendship she would describe it as a "delightful amusement". I dare say she would also have no hesitation in describing Lady Vernon herself a "wonderfully outstanding success". And while I'm rarely taken to reinforcing the comments of someone so self indulged, I'd have to agree with Lady Susan. Love & Friendship is an absolute delight.
This very slick film could easily have fallen flat given the checkered careers of Director Stillman and actor Beckinsale, however their talents are put on show in the very best of light here. The material, a Jane Austen novella titled Lady Susan, provided Stillman with the springboard for crafting the clever script, from which Beckinsale was the greatest benefactor.
The novella, Lady Susan, was written in 1871 as a series of letters between the characters each so richly etched into Austen's imagination. Stillman has interpreted the good Lady Susan perfectly as a confident, brash, unashamed, manipulative and yet likeable widow. The sharply brilliant writing reflects the meeting of a couple of brilliant minds, those of Austen and Stillman. Stillman continues his fascination with the classes (Metropolitan and The Last Days of Disco) while adapting his tone, this time a 19th century costume drama/comedy.
But as one luxuriates in this entertaining comedy of manners and high farce it's Beckinsale who commands our attention. She's Lady Bracknell but three times as clever. Our journey is dependent on her every move as she manipulates a couple of younger, naive men, smitten by her beauty and aura into "domestic bliss" which will suit her every need perfectly. Enjoy the high farce from Tom Bennett as Sir James Martin. He's got a touch of Ricky Gerveis as David Brent, in a series of funny scenes. 11GUMS.
I feel confident that if Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) was to comment on Love & Friendship she would describe it as a "delightful amusement". I dare say she would also have no hesitation in describing Lady Vernon herself a "wonderfully outstanding success". And while I'm rarely taken to reinforcing the comments of someone so self indulged, I'd have to agree with Lady Susan. Love & Friendship is an absolute delight.
This very slick film could easily have fallen flat given the checkered careers of Director Stillman and actor Beckinsale, however their talents are put on show in the very best of light here. The material, a Jane Austen novella titled Lady Susan, provided Stillman with the springboard for crafting the clever script, from which Beckinsale was the greatest benefactor.
The novella, Lady Susan, was written in 1871 as a series of letters between the characters each so richly etched into Austen's imagination. Stillman has interpreted the good Lady Susan perfectly as a confident, brash, unashamed, manipulative and yet likeable widow. The sharply brilliant writing reflects the meeting of a couple of brilliant minds, those of Austen and Stillman. Stillman continues his fascination with the classes (Metropolitan and The Last Days of Disco) while adapting his tone, this time a 19th century costume drama/comedy.
But as one luxuriates in this entertaining comedy of manners and high farce it's Beckinsale who commands our attention. She's Lady Bracknell but three times as clever. Our journey is dependent on her every move as she manipulates a couple of younger, naive men, smitten by her beauty and aura into "domestic bliss" which will suit her every need perfectly. Enjoy the high farce from Tom Bennett as Sir James Martin. He's got a touch of Ricky Gerveis as David Brent, in a series of funny scenes. 11GUMS.
I saw it yesterday. It is delicious.
ReplyDeleteI saw it yesterday. It is delicious.
ReplyDelete