Tags
2010's, Chloë Sevigny, Emma Greenwell, James Fleet, Jane Austen, Jemma Redgrave, Justin Edwards, Kate Beckinsale, Love & Friendship, Morfydd Clark, Period Comedy, Stephen Fry, Tom Bennett, Whit Stillman, Xavier Samuel
Film Title
Love & Friendship
Director
Whit Stillman
Starring
- Kate Beckinsale as Lady Susan Vernon
- Chloë Sevigny as Alicia Johnson
- Xavier Samuel as Reginald DeCourcy
- Morfydd Clark as Frederica Vernon
- Emma Greenwell as Catherine Vernon
- Justin Edwards as Charles Vernon
- Tom Bennett as Sir James Martin
- James Fleet as Sir Reginald DeCourcy
- Jemma Redgrave as Lady DeCourcy
- Stephen Fry as Mr. Johnson
An impressively witty period comedy that takes a largely underrated Jane Austen tale and showcases a naughtiness that is something different from her usual stories, Love & Friendship weaves a cunning and thoroughly amusing tale of one woman’s plot to maintain her position in society, no matter what the cost. Trust me, this is one of the funniest films I’ve seen in a while.
The setting is England in the 1790’s and Lady Susan Vernon is a widow. Occupying a precarious position in the class system since her late husband’s death and known for being a flirt with a bad reputation, we open with Susan leaving one home in which she has created chaos. She invites herself to stay at her in-laws; her brother-in-law Charles who is more than happy to oblige, his wife Catherine, who cottons onto Susan’s ways and her brother the dashing and much younger Reginald. Susan, though trying to lay low as rumours spread of her indiscretions, is armed with a cunning plan while at the country home to ensnare a husband for her daughter and naturally herself. She finds that young Reginald, despite his initial reservations about her, has become enamoured with her which opens up an avenue of success. For her daughter, Susan has a candidate in the shape of Sir James Martin, who has a large fortune but little intellect. Her schemes begin to take effect, aided in no small part by her trusted confidante Alicia Johnson, who helps her best friend despite knowing that she could be reprimanded and sent back to America by her husband if she doesn’t sever ties with Susan. Yet when Frederica, who is significantly nicer and more shy than her mother, runs away from school and arrives at the country house, Susan’s plans begin to go pear-shaped as her shy daughter has no inkling to marry and is instead smitten with Reginald. It seems all the spinning of webs by the crafty Lady Susan is about to get a lot more complex than intended.
Love & Friendship takes its basis from a Jane Austen novella that was published posthumously, but thought to have been written well before her more famous later work, the likes of which have been adapted countless times for movies and television. Whit Stillman effortlessly brings the not so well-known story to the screen with aplomb and vigour. His direction is unfussy yet immersive; focusing mainly on the schemes and plots of the tale rather than being overrun by period splendour and pomposity. Saying that, costume design and set decoration is stupendously done and is worthy of all the praise it should get. Thankfully, both elements of direction and decoration are supported on equally good footing, never letting one override the other and bringing out the period setting while reveling in a certain modernity to be found. One of these modern touches that was very funny was intertitles that introduced the characters and highlighted their motives, such a simple touch added a whole lot to the overall product. The ace in the pack of Love & Friendship is the script, that is as sharp as a rapier and unearths a sauciness rarely glimpsed in anything based on Austen’s material. Who knew something from the pen of Jane Austen could be so tart, cunning and cutting in the most delicious way? Well I for one loved seeing this different side to it and Stillman’s script captures the biting humour to a very excellent degree. A classical score that appears light and almost cosy acts as an ironic counterpart to Susan’s navigation and plots for those around her.
Where Love & Friendship really scores high points is in the casting and the respective performances. In the lead role of the cunning yet seriously charming Lady Susan, Kate Beckinsale shines in what is her best performance to date. Beckinsale just has such zeal and devilish delight in the part that it’s hard to resist. The character of Lady Susan has no really redeeming features as she schemes away and has no moral compass; but there is something so likable about her that we fall under the spell of her, much like every other character does. Delivering pithy put downs, breaking hearts or explaining away any blame put on her, Kate Beckinsale fits the part of the manipulative Susan like a glove with her kittenish glee and delightful sauciness. Chloë Sevigny plays excellently against Beckinsale as her confidante who bored with her life is more than willing to listen into her scandalous plans for others and the danger of it all. Possessing both the good looks and the curious temperament, Xavier Samuel is very well cast as Reginald, who falls for Lady Susan’s feminine wiles despite his better judgement. Morfydd Clark contributes a gentle and sweet demeanor to the part of Frederica, who has no intention of following her mother’s manipulations in getting a husband. As the bemused in-laws of Lady Susan, Emma Greenwell as the suspicious wife and Justin Edwards as her husband that lets everything run its course are suitably great in their parts. Stealing the scene whenever he is present is Tom Bennett as the rich James Martin, whose financial wealth is not matched by his simple outlook and lack of knowledge. He gets to say so many hysterical lines that you can’t help but laugh yet feel a bit of sympathy for the character, due in no small part because of Bennett’s winning comic timing. James Fleet and Jemma Redgrave in the supporting roles of Reginald and Catherine’s parents have a ball with what they are given and there is a funny cameo from Stephen Fry as Alicia’s older, disapproving husband.
Filled with fine acting, quick pacing and amusing exchanges, Love & Friendship is a film that is impossible to not be charmed and won over by. I genuinely cannot remember having so much fun watching a film in the cinema of late like I did when watching the witty Love & Friendship.
jwforeva said:
Cool movie! It seems like a sort of period indie that packs humour as well 🙂 I’ll definitely be watching this,thanks for the thoughtful review Vinnie!!
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vinnieh said:
Oh it packs so much humour, thoroughly delightful and devilish film. I can’t recommend it enough. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much at a movie.
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fullfaze said:
Great post. I nominated you for an award. https://rratedreviews.wordpress.com/2016/06/14/my-liebster-award/
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for nominating me and congrats on getting the award.
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fullfaze said:
I am looking forward to your answers!!!
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vinnieh said:
I’ll try and do a post answering the questions as soon as I can.
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beetleypete said:
I feel a yawn coming on…
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vinnieh said:
I had a feeling they’d be a response like that on news that I got an award.
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beetleypete said:
Well done as always mate. You know I’m just joshing…
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vinnieh said:
I know you’re just joking Pete, your sarcasm is great.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I do love a good period piece and this sounds simply stellar!
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vinnieh said:
Oh Kim, it is stellar indeed. You’ll have a hoot with this movie. Shows a very different sort of humour that you wouldn’t normally expect from a Jane Austen adaptation.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m adding this to my list!😊
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vinnieh said:
An extremely wise choice Kim.
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Jay said:
Matt had a hard time following this one and thought the accents were tough.
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vinnieh said:
There is quite a lot going on within the plot.
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kenyanlibrary said:
This sounds so cool plus I love Kate Beckinsale 🙂 Amazing post…
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vinnieh said:
Beckinsale is on sublime form in this movie, her best performance.
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Cindy Bruchman said:
I’ve heard several people liking this film, Nice review, Vinnieh. Who knew Kate Beckinsale could pull off a period film? Good for her.
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vinnieh said:
This is a joy to view Cindy. And it is truly great to see Kate Beckinsale shine as an actress. For those who just know her from Underworld, this will come as a big surprise.
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beetleypete said:
A new film, V. Did you see it in the cinema? It looks great, and judging by your review, I will look forward to seeing it.
Cheers mate, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Yes I saw it in cinemas Pete. I felt it was about time to see something on the big screen. And I;m happy I chose this movie to see.
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ninvoid99 said:
I fucking love this movie. So hilarious as anything with Tom Bennett made me laugh as he was such a buffoon but a lovely one. I really hope Kate Beckinsale gets some recognition for this as I think this is the best role she’s ever played and she looked like she was having a ball. I await for whatever Whit Stillman does next as I’m glad the film is doing well.
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vinnieh said:
I couldn’t help feel a bit bad for Bennett’s character because he was so naive and foolish, but oh so funny. In my view, this is the best performance from Kate Beckinsale ever, and I too hope she gets some awards recognition. She deserves it for her delicious performance.
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ninvoid99 said:
She needs to do more things like this instead of being in bad action movies or as the token girlfriend/wife.
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vinnieh said:
I hope she decides to do more films with good roles because she is a very talented actress.
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The Vern said:
It’s been on par with movies like Warcraft at theater where I work in terms of seats filled
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Jordan Dodd said:
Nice one mate. I am desperate to see this, still gotta wait another month. The trailers looked great, and by the sounds of it, the film carries on that witty dialogue. Can’t wait to watch this
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vinnieh said:
Even if you don’t like period pieces, this movie is a scream Jordan.
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Jordan Dodd said:
I’m sooooo looking forward to it coming out here. Kate looks in perfect form!
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vinnieh said:
It is Kate Beckinsale’s best performance in her career.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Damn now I’m even more anxious to watch it!!
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vinnieh said:
Let me know how you find the movie.
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Jordan Dodd said:
will do, tho still have a month to wait for it to hit the screens. I’ve gotta say though i’m very tempted to download it, I hate these staggered release dates, and I’d be going to see it again when it finally comes here anyways
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vinnieh said:
Whichever way you see it, I look forward to hearing what you think about it.
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The Vern said:
It’s one I hope to see again as I did enjoy it very much
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vinnieh said:
Oh I would love to see it again as I had a right laugh watching it.
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badblokebob said:
This sounds great. I look forward to catching it eventually. Plus, I’ve seen film adaptations of every other Austen novel, so I need it to complete the set!
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vinnieh said:
Well if you like Austen this film is crucial.
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Lloyd Marken said:
Wow you have been busy while I’ve been away. Don’t know if I can catch up on every entry but enjoying your work Vinnie. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I like to keep busy, but with the weather being nice, I’ve been taking a few breaks to do other things.
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ruth said:
Awesome review Vin! It’s impressively witty indeed. I LOVE Kate B in this, she’s just perfect and sooo beautiful. But it’s Tom Bennett who’s the scene stealer and I’ve mentioned that to him on Twitter, and he thanked me 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Beckinsale was just oh so marvellous. That’s so cool that Bennett thanked you.
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ruth said:
Yeah, Bennett is really funny on Twitter too! I’d love to see more of him in movies. As for Kate, well I’m glad she finally gets a role worthy of her talent, she absolutely shines in this!
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vinnieh said:
I really want to see more of his movies as well. As for Beckinsale, she was phenomenal.
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Mark Hobin said:
I completely agree. This film is a delight!
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vinnieh said:
A deliciously, devilish delight.
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