Miss Austen Regrets

I enjoyed Miss Austen Regrets with this biopic production of the life of Jane Austen. Jane Austen (Olivia Williams) plays a refreshing character with witty dialogue and intelligence. Olivia played the part beautifully and to perfection. Apparently the script was based on the letters Jane Austen sent to her sister with many of the quotes coming directly from Jane Austen’s letters and diaries, which gave the movie a sense of authenticity.

I was drawn into the life and time of Jane. However, I felt it concluded way to soon. It’s a shame that they did not make this into a Mini Series – I felt that 90 minutes was not long enough to develop the characters. Due to this, i thought i was a shame that they portrayed Jane as a slightly embarrassing flirt with every man she came in contact with – apart from her brother!

The Rev. Brook Bridges (Hugh Bonneville) reminded me of Mr Darcy in the Pride & Prejudice production played by Colin Firth, with his looks and demeanour. This was quite cleverly portrayed and perhaps a way of capturing the audience with the success of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ – let’s face it, who didn’t fall in love with Mr Darcy *swoon*!

Her brother Henry is played by Comedian Adrian Edmondson. I was quite excited to see Adrian’s name in the credits as the movie began, as a long time Bottom and The Young Ones fan, I imagined the contrast that his character may play would be interesting. I wasn’t disappointed, he played the role well as the incredibly kind and vulnerable brother.

I initially thought her sister Cassandra (Greta Scacchi) was her mother. Cassandra looked OLD and at least 20 years older than Jane. It’s a shame they decided to chose her to fill the role.

I thought they related her illness to the ‘regret’ that was produced from her own inability to marry. Perhaps that was the case, but someone as accomplished, creative and ambitious as Jane, would have had little time to dwell on that fact.

Starring: Olivia Williams, Greta Scacchi, Imogen Poots, Hugh Bonneville, Adrian Edmondson

Overall, it was a heartfelt, well acted production of which I felt empathy for Jane’s character. I enjoyed it immensely.

I Rate it: ♥♥♥♥

Advertisement