Lost in Austen
Rachael Herbert-Varchetto
Issue date: 1/25/10 Section: Entertainment
For some 200 years, the renowned satire "Pride and Prejudice" has enthralled readers with the story of an unlikely romance between proud Elizabeth Bennet and the prejudiced Mr. Darcy. The tale has been adapted numerous times into occasionally stirring, usually plodding, films that have us more caught up in deciphering the dialogue rather than enjoying the sweet romantic entanglements of its protagonists.
"Lost in Austen" may be an adaptation of the classic, but it is far from boring. A BBC miniseries produced in 2008, its witty dialogue and modern twists make for an entertaining romp through early 19th century England.
Amanda Price is a modern girl who works a harrowing job as a bank worker. Fed up with the disappointments in her life, for there are many, Amanda goes home to read her favorite book, "Pride and Prejudice." Through curious circumstance, Amanda discovers Elizabeth Bennet standing in her bathroom. After realizing the encounter is not a delusion, the two women switch lives as Elizabeth stays in our time and Amanda moves into the Bennet household. The plot of the novel, familiar to Amanda, and us becomes seriously skewed off its course by Amanda's shenanigans and meddling. The heroine proceeds through the rest of the film trying to put the characters' lives into their proper roles once more. While learning the rules of dignified behavior in British high society, she comes across a host of familiar characters and discovers Austen's world of decorum and good breeding is far more complex than she could have previously imagined.
The miniseries runs close to three hours. Filled with Amanda's hilarious modern take on archaic customs of proper behavior and punctuated with familiar and witty dialogue, you may not be in stitches but you cannot help but laugh at the juxtaposition of two very different cultures.
While there are as many dramatic moments as comedic ones, the film still serves as a romance and satire, taking a stab at the importance of finding a good and wealthy husband. The characters are well developed, providing great depth into Austen's classic personalities. With plenty of twists, you may be surprised by how things end for several of the characters, and there are some that justly deserve what is dealt to them. Amanda is an entertaining and plucky heroine who deserves to be cheered on as she spars with the delicious and irritating Mr. Darcy, the insidious and creepy Mr. Collins, and the rest of the P&P crew.
Check it out for a weekend at your local video store and get lost in the rich beauty, satire, and romance of this clever re-adaptation of the classic novel.
"Lost in Austen" may be an adaptation of the classic, but it is far from boring. A BBC miniseries produced in 2008, its witty dialogue and modern twists make for an entertaining romp through early 19th century England.
Amanda Price is a modern girl who works a harrowing job as a bank worker. Fed up with the disappointments in her life, for there are many, Amanda goes home to read her favorite book, "Pride and Prejudice." Through curious circumstance, Amanda discovers Elizabeth Bennet standing in her bathroom. After realizing the encounter is not a delusion, the two women switch lives as Elizabeth stays in our time and Amanda moves into the Bennet household. The plot of the novel, familiar to Amanda, and us becomes seriously skewed off its course by Amanda's shenanigans and meddling. The heroine proceeds through the rest of the film trying to put the characters' lives into their proper roles once more. While learning the rules of dignified behavior in British high society, she comes across a host of familiar characters and discovers Austen's world of decorum and good breeding is far more complex than she could have previously imagined.
The miniseries runs close to three hours. Filled with Amanda's hilarious modern take on archaic customs of proper behavior and punctuated with familiar and witty dialogue, you may not be in stitches but you cannot help but laugh at the juxtaposition of two very different cultures.
While there are as many dramatic moments as comedic ones, the film still serves as a romance and satire, taking a stab at the importance of finding a good and wealthy husband. The characters are well developed, providing great depth into Austen's classic personalities. With plenty of twists, you may be surprised by how things end for several of the characters, and there are some that justly deserve what is dealt to them. Amanda is an entertaining and plucky heroine who deserves to be cheered on as she spars with the delicious and irritating Mr. Darcy, the insidious and creepy Mr. Collins, and the rest of the P&P crew.
Check it out for a weekend at your local video store and get lost in the rich beauty, satire, and romance of this clever re-adaptation of the classic novel.
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