"Love And Friendship" (movie critique)

LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
movie poster

Recently The Travelling Toe and a Dear Friend hopped down to the local movie house to see a period flick, "Love and Friendship  Jane Austen wrote the novel which was published as "Lady Susan".  However, Whit Stillman, screenwriter, producer, and director, changed the title to reflect the same connection to her other books and films,  "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility".  

JANE AUSTEN
1775-1817

The movie is described in publicity communications as follows: Love and Friendship is an adaptation of Jane Austen's novella "Lady Susan". Set in the 1790s, the film follows the title character, a beautiful, manipulative young widow (Kate Beckinsale) as she arrives in Churchill, to wait out colorful rumors about her dalliances circulating through polite society. While there, she embarks upon securing a husband for her daughter and herself, but the Churchill waters are troubled when handsome, eligible Reginald DeCourcy (Xavier Samuel) and cheerful Sir James Martin (Tom Bennett) arrive. After a series of dramatic turns, Lady Susan ultimately risks destruction when her jealous rival comes to call, uncovering a revelation that leads to the denouement of denouements. WHIT STILLMAN screenwriter, producer, director The gossiping scenes between Lady Susan and her American friend Alicia Johnson are juicy indeed. Stephen Fry who plays Mr.Johnson has told Alicia she must break off contact with the notorious Lady Susan and when she is caught, he reminds her that the voyage across the North Atlantic at this time of year can be rather chilly.  Also Sir James Martin is such a simpleton, he is really funny and actor Tom Bennett, actually breathes some life into that character. Kate Beckinsale was a delight in her role giving an of-hand compliment but somehow it comes out as a put-down...very clever dialogue and she delivers it perfectly! The costumes are luscious, full of silks, satin, lace and other beautiful fabrics. Additionally, the background music really helps set the tone of the story line and reflects the time period that of the tale. Newbridge Estate Ireland CAST Kate Beckinsale Lady Susan Chloe Sevigny Xavier Samuel Reginald DeCourcy -suitor Morfydd Clark Frederica - Lady Susan's daughter Emma Greenwell Catherine Lady Susan's sister-in-law Tom Bennett Sir James Martin James Fleet Sir Reginald DeCourcy Stephen Fry Mr. Johnson The Travelling Toe gives this movie 1 big toe with some tea and scones. Disclaimer:  The Travelling to is not a professional critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.