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LOVE & FRIENDSHIP: A Witty And Surprisingly Modern Comedy

LOVE & FRIENDSHIP: A Witty And Surprisingly Modern Comedy

Whit Stillman‘s adaption of Jane Austen‘s relatively unknown novella, Lady Susan, follows the delightfully scandalous exploits of the recently widowed Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale). Lady Susan is forced to leave the Manwaring family’s estate in the midst of adulterous allegations, instead taking up residence with her in-laws and their handsome young relative, Reginald DeCourcy (Xavier Samuel), whereby she attempts to marry off her long-suffering daughter and elevate her own social standing in the process.

The ensuing events make for one of the most entertaining and joyfully witty Austen adaptations we have yet been treated to on screen.

Engaging and Well Crafted

Stillman has long been an Austen fan, with his debut film Metropolitan drawing on some characterisation of Austen‘s Mansfield Park, and her work is in safe hands here. With so many postmodern reinterpretations and adaptations of Austen in recent memory, from the excellent Clueless (a reimagining of Emma) to the ambitious but less well-received Pride and Prejudice and Zombiesit is refreshing to see a more faithful and traditional version of Austen‘s work made so well and demonstrating so much of her sometimes forgotten humour. To say that Love & Friendship is hilarious somehow feels like there is an expectation for the statement to be followed with: “for a period costume film”, but no such caveat is needed here.

love and friendship 2
source: Roadside Attractions

The real delight in this film comes from the quickfire, sparkling dialogue, most of which is delivered by Kate Beckinsale, who is clearly revelling in one of the best roles of her career. Her conversations as Lady Susan with her exiled American friend Alicia (played by Chloe Sevigny in a reunion of the two stars of Stillman‘s very different social satire The Last Days of Disco), are wonderfully scripted and entertaining. Every character in the film is well written and played, with Tom Bennett‘s lovably idiotic Sir James Martin deserving special mention as one of the characters you look forward to seeing enter a scene. This is a film which will no doubt stand up to repeat viewings, in which the viewer can appreciate more of the fast-paced quips and nuanced dialogue a second time.

While Love & Friendship presents some stunningly shot Irish locations and sumptuous, authentic costumes that definitely lend a sense of space and grandeur to the film, it is within the tightly paced domestic scenes that the film really excels. This is by no means a period drama that is content to coast by on its locations and actors looking beautiful; the film has real merit in its scripting and wry visual style. The title cards introducing each character are especially funny, with a sense of almost Wes Anderson-like dry humour and whimsy, but arguably more sharply comic.

A Thoroughly Modern Comedy

The narrative of Love & Friendship is modern, even for Austen, dealing with adultery and a woman’s romantic scheming while framing this in a humourous and enjoyable light. This ties in with the contemporary yet authentic visual style that Whit Stillman has brought to the film, with both the narrative and sensibility holding appeal for a modern audience as a result.

source: Roadside Attractions
source: Roadside Attractions

While the character of Lady Susan may be considered an evil genius by her peers, as a viewer it is hard not to love her, or at least revel in willing her to succeed in her machinations. She manipulates others in an attempt to achieve social and economic stability in a world which otherwise would grant her none, but the film never seeks to punish or judge its scheming heroine, and therein lies its key appeal. Due to the clever writing and hilarious performances, we are allowed to delight in Lady Susan’s schemes, as they are just so much fun to watch unfold.

Conclusion

If only all adaptations of Jane Austen were as vibrant and authentic as Love & Friendship. A succinct and perfectly crafted delight to watch, even if not a fan of Austen‘s work, this film is funny and clever enough that most audiences will be able to appreciate its merits. Modern in both its style and sensibility, this is a period comedy that will no doubt stand the test of time, and hopefully renew appreciation for both its lead actress and the source material from which it is based.

Have you seen Love & Friendship? Do you agree that it is appealing to modern audiences?

Love & Friendship is now on general release in both the US and the UK.

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