Austenland

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics, Stage 6 Films, Fickle Fish Films, and Moxie Pictures

Any nerdy girl worth her salt has sat at home on a Friday night and watched an Austen marathon on the couch, dreaming about their Colonel Brandon or Mr. Darcy. (Not that I know this from experience, mind you.) In this Keri Russell vehicle she plays Jane, an obsessed Austen fan who wants some romance in her life, instead of the slew of guys she's previously dated. In true Austenian fashion, Jane travels halfway across the world to stay at an exclusive manor in England, where she lives the life of an Austen heroine (most likely Fanny Price).

 This was an interesting film in terms of the chemistry between Russell and her leading men. Right after getting to the manor she meets and falls for a servant of the resort (McKenzie) who she messes around with while she is supposed to be engaged in other activities, like knitting and horseback riding. Halfway through the film I was unimpressed by this quick plot point, since it seemed a much better idea for them to slowly fall in love, build tension, and make the romance that much more intriguing. McKenzie comes off far less goofy than previous roles, and I would have liked to see some vulnerability, some kind of humor to him, besides that he plays the sax.

 While I wasn't always emotionally invested in the romances Jane has between Martin (McKenzie) and Mr. Nobley (Feild) this is a mechanism of the plot, which shies away from traditional storytelling. Though this is your basic Austen tale, it's told from a different perspective, and in a new way. This film really does blend elements of fantastic romance, a cut and dry romantic comedy, and a story of travel and adventure into one solid film. I was thrown by the ending, and yet very happy, as it fits well into the star-crossed lover angle that "Pride and Prejudice" did so well. Any true Austen lover will gravitate towards this film, as will anyone who wants to hear the hypnotic voice of JJ Feild.