Four stars. Rating: PG-13, for sexual candor and inneundo
By Derrick Bang • Originally published in The Davis Enterprise, 9.6.13
This film is completely bonkers.
In the best possible way.
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| Determined to take control of her fantasy vacation, Jane (Keri Russell, foreground) bats her eyes at "Col. Andrews" (James Callis, left), while an irritated "Henry Nobley" (JJ Feild, right) prepares to bolt. These shenanigans are viewed with alarm by Mrs. Wattlesbrook (Jane Seymour, right rear), whose carefully orchestrated plans seem to be going awry. |
Austenland is a gleefully barbed
swipe at über-fans who take their passions far too seriously, to the point of
becoming social outcasts.
Initially restricted to Trekkies
who’d craft elaborate costumes for sci-fi conventions, such behavior recently has
accelerated through the mainstream, captivating (afflicting?) fans of
pop-culture properties ranging from the Twilight books to, yes, Jane Austen’s
novels. Indeed, Austen has begat her own sub-category of worship, whether
affectionate or twisted: Bridget Jones’ fixation on Mark Darcy, in Helen Fielding’s
two books, or Karen Joy Fowler’s clever Jane Austen Book Club (all of which
have been made into films), and Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and
Zombies (also on its way to the big screen).
So while one might imagine that
the events depicted in the adorably embroidered Austenland are the stuff of
exaggerated farce ... well, maybe not. I’m perfectly willing to believe that
such a business model could exist, and perhaps quite profitably. To paraphrase
H.L. Mencken, nobody ever went broke overestimating the rabid devotion of
obsessed Americans.
And while a college-level study of
Austen’s books probably isn’t essential to the enjoyment of
director/co-scripter Jerusha Hess’ charming comedy, a passing familiarity with
the milieu will greatly enhance the experience.
Mousy Jane Hayes (Keri Russell), unhappy
with her drab life, has taken solace in the elegantly romantic early 19th
century British setting of Austen’s novels. Jane’s obsession has blossomed even
further of late, her devotion to Colin Firth’s performance as Mr. Darcy in the
1995 production of Pride and Prejudice making it impossible for any 21st
century boyfriend to compete.
