Day 31
Film: “The Jane Austen Book Club” (2007)
Director: Robin Swicord
Writer: Robin Swicord
Stars: Kathy Baker, Mario Bello, Emily Blunt, Amy Brenneman, Hugh Dancy, Maggie Grace
Synopsis: Bernadette (Kathy Baker) ropes in friends Jocelyn (Maria Bello) and Sylvia (Amy Brenneman) along with newcomer Prudie (Emily Blunt), Sylvia’s daughter Allegra (Maggie Grace), and sci-fi fan Grigg (Hugh Dancy) for a Jane Austen book club. As the six work their way through Austen’s novels, their lives make parallels to those they are reading.
Why I Love This Film: I watched this film as a recommendation from a friend. (Happy Birthday, Megan!) And, I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical. I have never been a Jane Austen girlie. I’ve read a few of her books, mainly for school, and just never connected with them. But, when I saw that this film was written and director by Robin Swicord, I knew I was in good hands. Swicord co-wrote one of my all-time favorite films: “Practical Magic” (1998). Swicord took a very dark book and turned it into a thoughtful, engaging, and - at times - humorous film.
The first thing that I appreciated about “The Jane Austen Book Club” was the fact this was a mid-budget film from the aughts. Right now, there seems to be a dichotomy of film where there are these super blockbuster budgets or hopes-prayers-two quarters to rub together micro budgets and nothing in between. The aughts were a time where this mid-budget films existed and added so much fun, diverse storytelling to the film landscape.
Secondly, as someone who has never connected to Austen’s work, this film does a great job of drawing parallels to the novels and modern society. It highlights the universal fears of being alone, not feeling worthy of love, and how we allow our fears to self-sabotage. I really loved Hugh Dancy and Maria Bello together. They had the classic, “will they, won’t they” Austen-esque storyline. It’s the Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy of the film. I also loved that Dancy’s character was a sweet nerd who enjoyed Ursula K. Le Guin books. Grigg, a feminist icon.
Lastly, I thought “The Jane Austen Book Club” does an amazing job of examining community, and especially community among women. The women and Grigg go through some highs and lows together. It is their continued commitment to one another that keeps this group afloat. Even if their most messy moments, the women support and care for each other. (Reminds me a bit of the Bennet sisters or Anne Elliot, her sister Mary, and Louisa Musgrove from Persuasion.)
“The Jane Austen Book Club” captured what was best about 2000’s mid-budget films. It brought an impressive cast together to draw modern parallels to 19th century British literature. Even non-Austen super fans will enjoy this film.
Where This Film Can Be Found: Showtime
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