The TV series ‘Downton Abbey’ saw period dramas return to
popularity. The British channel BBC virtually built its name on them with
many going into television history. A well written period drama can be
timeless, with stylish wit and amazing costumes on display. Adapted from
the Jane Austen novella ‘Lady Susan’, ‘Love and Friendship’ is an amusing tale
of class and romance. Those versed in Austen’s prose such as ‘Pride and
Prejudice’ will know what to expect with this film leaning heavily on her
enduring words.
Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsdale) is staying with her
in-laws whilst riding out yet another scandal. A woman often in trouble,
she doesn’t let mishaps stand the way of enjoying life. Wanting to find a
husband, whilst attempting to set up a romance for her daughter Frederica
(Morfydd Clark). One of the likely romantic candidates is the suave
Reginald (Xavier Samuel) who becomes an unwitting player in Lady Susan’s wicked
match-making game.
Directing from his adapted screenplay, Whit Stillman seems
to be in his element shooting beautifully coifed performers amidst luscious
surrounds. Money couldn’t buy that and ‘Love and Friendship’ is easy on
the eye. The cast do a fine job inhabiting their characters who are pawns
in Lady Susan’s clutches. A manipulative and opportunistic woman, Lady
Susan uses her friends like chess-board pieces. Well defined by
Beckinsdale, you understand the way she is and her hopes for her
daughter.
In spite of her good performance, Beckinsdale can only be
good as the story she’s given. Unfortunately Stillman doesn’t quite know how to
tell the tale with several narrative gaps evident. Events move too
quickly to keep up with what’s happening, leading to a somewhat confused
conclusion. It’s a shame ‘Love and Friendship’ is lumbered with a patchy
script as it had potential to be one of the better Austen adaptations.
‘Love and Friendship’ will probably appeal to those wanting
to see period costumes and wonderful locations. They’ll receive plenty in
spite of a rather under-cooked script. It shouldn’t dampen their
enthusiasm for similar works with Austen’s books continuing to enchant in this
digital age.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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