Yes, it’s most definitely a “chick flick”, but The Jane Austen Book Club has a way of bridging the gap, appealing to both men and women alike.
The film, adapted from Karen Joy Fowler’s 2004 novel of the same name, is the directorial debut of Robin Swicord, who also wrote the script. It also stars a bevy of talented female actors, among them Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences”), Maria Bello (World Trade Center, Thank You For Smoking, A History of Violence), Emily Blunt (Charlie Wilson’s War, Dan In Real Life, The Devil Wears Prada), Amy Brenneman (“Private Practice”, “Judging Amy”), Maggie Grace (“Lost”, Suburban Girl) and Lynn Redgrave (Gods and Monsters), as well as a few men to round things out (Marc Blucas, Hugh Dancy, Jimmy Smits and Kevin Zegers).
The plot is quite simple—a book club whose members (six) read all six of Austen’s novels over a six-month period, meeting once per month to discuss the book du jour. Over the course of half a year, the group tackles Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and Persuasion.
And, of course, there are parallels between the worlds Austen created, lived in and wrote about, and the characters’ modern, stress-filled and busy lives. There is a great shot during the opening credits regarding technology and how dependent we as a society are on it, which sets the light, slightly comical, definitely pointed tone of the film.
The film is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, with sound in Dolby Digital 5.1, which also serves to highlight the soundtrack full of catchy pop songs. There’s also optional French Dolby Digital 5.1, as well as optional English, French and Spanish subtitles.
Extras include a commentary track from Swicord, as well as Dancy, Grace, film editor Maryann Brandon and producer Julie Lynn. There are also four featurettes: the 19-minute “Behind the Scenes of The Jane Austen Book Club”, the 22-minute “The Life of Jane”, the 12-minute “The Book Club: Deconstructed”, and the three-minute “Walking the Red Carpet: Los Angeles Premiere”, all of which, in one way or another, delve deeper into the making of the film, the cast of characters, and the (original) author’s life.
In the end, the story isn’t too earth shattering, but what sets The Jane Austen Book Club apart is the fact that the female-dominated cast plays to their strengths, showing the audience plenty of real moments in life and love.
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