Although I’ve lived in Utah most of my life, I didn’t attend a Sundance Film Festival screening until a few years ago. I loved the experience so much that I haven’t missed seeing at least one film each festival since. This year I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the last screening of the film adaptation of Shannon Hale‘s adult novel, Austenland. I didn’t read any early reviews so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I loved it! From what I remember of the novel the film takes itself much less seriously. As Becky (@mjmbecky) and I agreed on Twitter, adapting it as a rom com with emphasis on the com rather than the rom was a smart move. Director Jerusha Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) is correct in claiming two audiences for the film, which is for both “Jane Austen fans and people who find Jane Austen fans funny.” That said the film is over-the-top at times, particularly Jane’s character, whose Austen obsession borders on being unrealistic, not to mention some of the supporting characters being one-note. Silliness aside, the film is hilarious – you’ll laugh until your cheeks hurt. I’m very excited to see it again with everyone else when it comes to theaters at the end of the summer. In the meantime here are two teaser clips to whet your appetite:
There’s also a video of the Q&A with Jerusha Hess, Stephenie Meyer (producer), Shannon Hale, and the cast after the first screening, which is worth watching. There is no trailer yet but as soon as there is you’ll find it here. For now, enjoy!
5 thoughts on “Austenland film clips + mini-review”
Ahh I really want to watch this! You’re lucky you got to see it months ahead of most people. But it’s good to know that you enjoyed it. I hope they show it here in Singapore.
*jealous* I’m glad you liked it, though! I’m hoping that it comes my way this summer. (Along with Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing. To see both would be fabulous.) *fingers crossed*
Okay…HOW did I not realize Keri Russel was starring in this?! So ashamed of myself, but now I’m so much more excited for it. You’re right, going more com was the right decision with this one, I think it’s great that it can reach both of those audiences, and will hopefully do so well. Can’t wait to see this!
I gotta say, Utah is looking pretty good as a place to move to. I been following Shannon Hale’s tweets about the Austenland movie and it’s been torture! It’s probably one of my most anticipated movies for this year (besides Star Trek #2). Glad that you liked it – and thanks for the heads up about the humor, now I can adjust expectations a bit and be prepared for some silliness.
Ahh I really want to watch this! You’re lucky you got to see it months ahead of most people. But it’s good to know that you enjoyed it. I hope they show it here in Singapore.
I know, I am. I hope I didn’t make anyone feel bad.
*jealous* I’m glad you liked it, though! I’m hoping that it comes my way this summer. (Along with Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing. To see both would be fabulous.) *fingers crossed*
Okay…HOW did I not realize Keri Russel was starring in this?! So ashamed of myself, but now I’m so much more excited for it. You’re right, going more com was the right decision with this one, I think it’s great that it can reach both of those audiences, and will hopefully do so well. Can’t wait to see this!
I gotta say, Utah is looking pretty good as a place to move to. I been following Shannon Hale’s tweets about the Austenland movie and it’s been torture! It’s probably one of my most anticipated movies for this year (besides Star Trek #2). Glad that you liked it – and thanks for the heads up about the humor, now I can adjust expectations a bit and be prepared for some silliness.