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{{Short description|2013 romantic comedy film}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Austenland
|name = Austenland
| image = Austenland Poster.jpg
|image = Austenland Poster.jpg
⚫
|caption = Theatrical release poster
| image_size = 220px
⚫
|director = [[Jared and Jerusha Hess|Jerusha Hess]]
| border = yes
⚫
|producer = [[Stephenie Meyer]]<br>Gina Mingacci
| alt =
|screenplay = Jerusha Hess<br>[[Shannon Hale]]
⚫
| caption = Theatrical release poster
⚫
|based_on = {{Based on|''[[Austenland]]''|Shannon Hale}}
⚫
| director = [[Jared and Jerusha Hess|Jerusha Hess]]
⚫
|starring = [[Keri Russell]]<br>[[JJ Feild]]<br>[[Bret McKenzie]]<br>[[Jennifer Coolidge]]<br>[[James Callis]]<br>[[Jane Seymour (actress)|Jane Seymour]]
⚫
| producer = [[Stephenie Meyer]]<br />Gina Mingacci
| screenplay = Jerusha Hess<br />[[Shannon Hale]]
|music = [[Ilan Eshkeri]]
⚫
|cinematography = [[Larry Smith (cinematographer)|Larry Smith]]
⚫
| based on = {{Based on|''[[Austenland]]''|Shannon Hale}}
⚫
|editing = Nick Fenton
⚫
| starring = [[Keri Russell]]<br />[[JJ Feild]]<br />[[Bret McKenzie]]<br />[[Jennifer Coolidge]]<br />[[James Callis]]<br />[[Jane Seymour (actress)|Jane Seymour]]
| music = [[Ilan Eshkeri]]
|studio = Fickle Fish Films<br>Moxie Pictures
⚫
|distributor = [[Sony Pictures Classics]]<br>[[Stage 6 Films]]
⚫
| cinematography = [[Larry Smith (cinematographer)|Larry Smith]]
⚫
|released = {{Film date|2013|1|18|[[2013 Sundance Film Festival|Sundance]]|2013|8|16|US|2013|9|27|UK}}
⚫
| editing = Nick Fenton
⚫
|runtime = 97 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 96:39--><ref>{{cite web|title=''AUSTENLAND'' (12A)|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/austenland-film|work=[[Sony Pictures Entertainment|Sony Pictures Releasing]]|publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|date=August 2, 2013|accessdate=August 29, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724210049/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/austenland-film|archivedate=July 24, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| studio = Fickle Fish Films<br />Moxie Pictures
⚫
|country = United Kingdom<br>United States
⚫
| distributor = [[Sony Pictures Classics]]<br>[[Stage 6 Films]]
⚫
|language = English
⚫
| released = {{Film date|2013|01|18|[[2013 Sundance Film Festival|Sundance]]|2013|08|16|US|2013|09|27|UK}}
⚫
|budget = [[Pound sterling|£]]4.9 million<br>([[United States dollar|$]]7.6 million)
⚫
| runtime = 97 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 96:39--><ref>{{cite web|title=''AUSTENLAND'' (12A)|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/austenland-film|work=[[Sony Pictures Entertainment|Sony Pictures Releasing]]|publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|date=August 2, 2013|accessdate=August 29, 2013}}</ref>
⚫
|gross = $2,140,812<ref name="BOXOFFICEMOJO">{{mojo title|austenland|Austenland}} Retrieved September 20, 2013.</ref><!--When updating this gross, please update the retrieval date.-->
⚫
| country = United Kingdom<br />United States
⚫
| language = English
⚫
| budget = [[Pound sterling|£]]4.9 million<br />([[United States dollar|$]]7.6 million)
⚫
| gross = $2,140,812<ref name="BOXOFFICEMOJO">{{mojo title|austenland|Austenland}} Retrieved September 20, 2013</ref><!--When updating this gross, please update the retrieval date.-->
}}
}}
'''''Austenland''''' is a 2013 British-American [[romantic comedy]] film directed by [[Jerusha Hess]]. Based on [[Shannon Hale]]'s 2007 [[Austenland|novel of the same name]] and produced by author [[Stephenie Meyer]], it stars [[Keri Russell]] as a single thirty-something obsessed with [[Jane Austen]]'s 1813 novel ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'', who travels to a British resort called Austenland, in which the Austen era is recreated. [[JJ Feild]], [[Jane Seymour (actress)|Jane Seymour]], [[Bret McKenzie]], and [[Jennifer Coolidge]] co-star.
'''''Austenland''''' is a 2013 [[romantic comedy]] film directed by [[Jared and Jerusha Hess|Jerusha Hess]]. Based on [[Shannon Hale]]'s 2007 [[Austenland|novel of the same name]] and produced by author [[Stephenie Meyer]], it stars [[Keri Russell]] as a single thirty-something obsessed with [[Jane Austen]]'s 1813 novel ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'', who travels to a British resort called Austenland, in which the Austen era is recreated. [[JJ Feild]], [[Jane Seymour (actress)|Jane Seymour]], [[Bret McKenzie]], and [[Jennifer Coolidge]] co-star.


==Plot==
==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries for feature films should be between 400 to 700 words. -->
Jane Hayes, an American woman obsessed with [[Jane Austen]] – especially [[Colin Firth]]'s portrayal of [[Mr. Darcy]] in the [[Pride and Prejudice (1995 TV series)|1995 BBC adaptation of ''Pride and Prejudice'']] – spends her entire savings on a trip to a [[Jane Austen]]-themed resort in England. At “Austenland”, guests receive pseudonyms and period costumes, living as ladies of the [[Regency era]]. The highlight of the resort is guaranteed romance with the male actors, though no touching is allowed.
Jane Hayes, an American woman obsessed with [[Jane Austen]] – especially [[Colin Firth]]'s portrayal of [[Mr. Darcy]] in the [[Pride and Prejudice (1995 TV series)|1995 BBC adaptation of ''Pride and Prejudice'']] – spends her entire savings on a trip to a [[Jane Austen]]-themed resort in England. At "Austenland", guests receive pseudonyms and period costumes, living as ladies of the [[Regency era]]. The highlight of the resort is guaranteed romance with the male actors, though no touching is allowed.


While Jane can only afford the cheapest "copper" package, the other guests have purchased the most expensive "platinum" option. Although she befriends fellow guest Ms. “Elizabeth Charming”, Jane is treated with disdain by the manager, Mrs. Wattlesbrook, who prefers the wealthier guests. Jane and Elizabeth meet their actor-companions – the obsequious Colonel Andrews and the unenthusiastic Mr. Henry Nobley, Mrs. Wattlesbrook's nephew – and “Lady Amelia Heartwright”, another guest. Amelia and Elizabeth flirt openly with Nobley, whom Jane finds disagreeable. (Their argument mirrors the first meeting of [[Elizabeth Bennet]] and Mr. Darcy in ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'').
While Jane can only afford the cheapest "copper" package, the other guests have purchased the most expensive "platinum" option. Although she befriends fellow guest Ms. “Elizabeth Charming”, Jane is treated with disdain by the manager, Mrs. Wattlesbrook, who prefers the wealthier guests.


Jane and Elizabeth meet their actor-companions – the obsequious Colonel Andrews and the unenthusiastic Mr. Henry Nobley, Mrs. Wattlesbrook's nephew – and "Lady Amelia Heartwright", another guest. Amelia and Elizabeth flirt openly with Nobley, who is reserved and Jane finds disagreeable. (Their argument mirrors the first meeting of [[Elizabeth Bennet]] and Mr. Darcy in ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'').
⚫
Martin, the resort’s chauffeur/stablehand, flirts with Jane. Jealous, Nobley rescues Jane from walking in the rain. She visits Martin at his quarters; after more flirting and witnessing the birth of a foal, they kiss, and spend the following afternoon together. When another actor, the muscular Captain George East, arrives and flirts with Jane, Martin rebuffs her for "parading around" with the actors. She asks if he is breaking up with her, and he replies that they were never "going steady".


⚫
Martin, the resort's chauffeur/stablehand, flirts with Jane. Jealous, Nobley rescues her from walking in the rain. She visits Martin at his quarters; after more flirting and witnessing the birth of a foal, they kiss, and spend the following afternoon together. When another actor, the muscular Captain George East, arrives and flirts with Jane, Martin rebuffs her for "parading around" with the actors. She asks if he is breaking up with her, and he replies that they were never "going steady".
⚫
Forced to play piano for the group, Jane performs the only song she knows, "[[Hot in Herre]]", shocking Mrs. Wattlesbrook. On her way to find Martin, Jane is stopped by Nobley, who warns against “cavorting with the servants". Returning to the house, Jane fights off a drunken Mr. Wattlesbrook.


⚫
Forced to play piano for the group, Jane performs the only song she knows, "[[Hot in Herre]]", shocking Mrs. Wattlesbrook. On her way to find Martin, Jane is stopped by Nobley, who warns against "cavorting with the servants". Returning to the house, Jane fights off a drunken Mr. Wattlesbrook.
⚫
Determined to find love by the end of her stay, Jane takes charge of her "story". Elizabeth helps her steal some of Amelia's costumes, and Jane charms the group with her new-found confidence. Mrs. Wattlesbrook discovers Jane’s contraband cell phone and prepares to evict her, but Amelia lies to save her. In exchange, Amelia blackmails Jane into helping her and East be alone together. The party rehearses a play, and Jane pairs herself with Nobley to allow Amelia time with East. Jane and Nobley bond, and Martin attempts to apologize to her. After the disastrous play, Jane and Nobley sneak off to her room, where Nobley requests a dance during the final ball.


⚫
Determined to find love by the end of her stay, Jane takes charge of her "story". Elizabeth helps her steal some of Amelia's costumes, and Jane charms the group with her new-found confidence. Mrs. Wattlesbrook discovers Jane's contraband cell phone and prepares to evict her, but Amelia lies to save her. In exchange, Amelia blackmails Jane into helping her and East be alone together.
⚫
At the ball, Nobley confesses his love to Jane. Disillusioned after watching the other actors fulfill their guests' fantasies with fake proclamations of love, Jane declares that she would rather have something real and leaves, spending the evening with Martin.

The party rehearses a play (mirroring what the characters did in ''[[Mansfield Park]]''), and Jane pairs herself with Nobley to allow Amelia time with East. Jane and Nobley bond, and Martin attempts to apologize to her. After the disastrous play, Jane and Nobley sneak off to her room, where he requests a dance during the final ball.

⚫
At the ball, Nobley confesses his love to Jane. Disillusioned after watching the other actors fulfill their guests' fantasies with fake proclamations of love, she declares that she would rather have something real and leaves, spending the evening with Martin.


Departing Austenland, Jane discovers that Amelia is American, and that Nobley had asked Amelia to pretend Jane's phone was hers to prevent Jane being sent away. Mrs. Wattlesbrook reveals that the actor assigned to Jane was not Nobley, but Martin – whose romance with Jane was fully scripted. Angry at being duped and certain she is not the only guest assaulted by Mr. Wattlesbrook, Jane threatens to sue Mrs. Wattlesbrook and shut down Austenland.
Departing Austenland, Jane discovers that Amelia is American, and that Nobley had asked Amelia to pretend Jane's phone was hers to prevent Jane being sent away. Mrs. Wattlesbrook reveals that the actor assigned to Jane was not Nobley, but Martin – whose romance with Jane was fully scripted. Angry at being duped and certain she is not the only guest assaulted by Mr. Wattlesbrook, Jane threatens to sue Mrs. Wattlesbrook and shut down Austenland.
Line 45: Line 48:
Back home, Jane clears out her Darcy collection. Nobley arrives, having traveled across the Atlantic to return her sketchpad. He explains that his name truly is Henry Nobley, he is a history professor who simply wanted to experience the Austen era, and that he does love her. Jane finally believes him and they kiss.
Back home, Jane clears out her Darcy collection. Nobley arrives, having traveled across the Atlantic to return her sketchpad. He explains that his name truly is Henry Nobley, he is a history professor who simply wanted to experience the Austen era, and that he does love her. Jane finally believes him and they kiss.


A mid-credits scene reveals that Elizabeth has bought Austenland and turned it into a theme park, assisted by Colonel Andrews. Mr. Wattlesbrook now works as a garbage picker, Captain East does a strip show to Amelia’s delight, Martin is snubbed by the guests, and Jane and Nobley are still very much in love.
A mid-credits scene reveals that Elizabeth has bought Austenland and turned it into a theme park, assisted by Colonel Andrews. Mr. Wattlesbrook now works as a garbage picker, Captain East does a strip show to Amelia's delight, Martin is snubbed by the guests, and Jane and Nobley are still very much in love.


==Cast==
==Cast==
[[File:Austenland Talent at Sundance (cropped).jpg|right|thumb|Makers of ''Austenland'' at the [[2013 Sundance Film Festival]] (l to r): actor [[James Callis]], book author and associate producer [[Shannon Hale]], film scriptwriter [[Stephenie Meyer]], actor [[Ricky Whittle]], actor [[JJ Feild]], actress [[Jane Seymour (actress)|Jane Seymour]], actress [[Keri Russell]], actor [[Bret McKenzie]] and director [[Jerusha Hess]]]]
* [[Keri Russell]] as Jane Hayes
* [[JJ Feild]] as Mr. Henry Nobley
*[[Keri Russell]] as Jane Hayes
* [[Bret McKenzie]] as Martin
*[[JJ Feild]] as Mr. Henry Nobley
* [[Jennifer Coolidge]] as Elizabeth Charming
*[[Bret McKenzie]] as Martin
*[[Jennifer Coolidge]] as Elizabeth Charming
* [[James Callis]] as Colonel Andrews
*[[James Callis]] as Colonel Andrews
* [[Jane Seymour (actress)|Jane Seymour]] as Mrs. Wattlesbrook
*[[Jane Seymour (actress)|Jane Seymour]] as Mrs. Wattlesbrook
* [[Georgia King]] as Lady Amelia Heartwright
*[[Georgia King]] as Lady Amelia Heartwright
* [[Ricky Whittle]] as Captain George East
*[[Ricky Whittle]] as Captain George East
* [[Rupert Vansittart]] as Mr. Wattlesbrook
*[[Rupert Vansittart]] as Mr. Wattlesbrook
* [[Richard Reid (actor)|Richard Reid]] as Nigel
*[[Richard Reid (actor)|Richard Reid]] as Nigel


==Production==
==Production==
''Austenland'' was filmed in the summer of 2012 at [[West Wycombe Park]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Other Projects - Austenland Movie|url=http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/otherprojects_austenland.html|work=Stephenie Meyer website|publisher=Stephenie Meyer|accessdate=30 April 2013}}</ref> in [[Buckinghamshire]].
''Austenland'' was filmed in the summer of 2012 at [[West Wycombe Park]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Other Projects - Austenland Movie|url=https://stepheniemeyer.com/project/fickle-fish-films/|work=Stephenie Meyer website|publisher=Stephenie Meyer|accessdate=June 30, 2021}}</ref> in [[Buckinghamshire]]. Rupert Vansittart played Mr. Hurst in the 1995 BBC mini-series ''[[Pride and Prejudice (1995 TV series)|Pride and Prejudice]]''.


==Release==
==Release==
The film [[Film premiere|premiered]] at the [[2013 Sundance Film Festival]] on January 18, 2013, and its distribution rights were bought by [[Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions]] soon thereafter for $4 million.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.indiewire.com/article/sundance-2013-stephenie-meyer-produced-austenland-booked-by-spwa| title=Sundance 2013: Stephenie Meyer-Produced 'Austenland' Booked by SPWA and SPC| publisher=indiewire.com |date=2013-01-21| accessdate=2013-01-22}}</ref>
The film [[Film premiere|premiered]] at the [[2013 Sundance Film Festival]] on January 18, 2013. A bidding war ensued shortly after which included [[Searchlight Pictures|Fox Searchlight]] and a joint bid from [[FilmDistrict]] and Exclusive Media. Ultimately, the film's worldwide distribution rights were bought by [[Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions]] for $4–5 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2013/01/sundance-2013-stephenie-meyer-produced-austenland-booked-by-spwa-and-spc-41827/|last=Thompson|first=Ann|last2=Fernandez|first2=Jay A.|title=Sundance 2013: Stephenie Meyer-Produced 'Austenland' Booked by SPWA and SPC|publisher=IndieWire|date=January 21, 2013|accessdate=June 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sundance: ‘Austenland’ To Sony WorldWide Acquisitions For North Of $4 Million; Sony Pictures Classics To Release In U.S.|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|date=21 January 2013|access-date=17 September 2023|url=https://deadline.com/2013/01/sundance-austenland-to-sony-worldwide-acquisitions-for-north-of-3-million-409541/}}</ref>


It was theatrically released in four theaters in the United States on August 16, 2013.<ref name="BOXOFFICEMOJO"/> On the weekend of August 30, it went into wider release, showing in 52 theaters.<ref name="BOXOFFICEMOJO"/>
It was theatrically released in four theaters in the United States on August 16, 2013.<ref name="BOXOFFICEMOJO"/> On the weekend of August 30, it went into wider release, showing in 52 theaters.<ref name="BOXOFFICEMOJO"/>


==Critical Reception==
==Reception==
The [[review aggregator]] [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reported that 31% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 112 reviews, with an [[average rating]] of 4.76/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "Despite an intriguing premise and fine performances from a talented cast, ''Austenland'' succumbs to outworn romcom cliches and slapstick gags."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/austenland_2013 |title=Austenland (2013) |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=[[Fandango (company)|Fandango]] |accessdate=January 3, 2020}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a weighted average score of 42 out of 100 based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/austenland |title=Austenland Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=January 3, 2020}}</ref>
The [[review aggregator]] [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reported that 32% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 114 reviews, with an [[Weighted arithmetic mean|average rating]] of 4.80/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "Despite an intriguing premise and fine performances from a talented cast, ''Austenland'' succumbs to outworn romcom cliches and slapstick gags."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/austenland_2013|title=Austenland (2013)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media]]|accessdate=June 30, 2021}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a weighted average score of 42 out of 100 based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/austenland|title=Austenland Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|accessdate=June 30, 2021}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 74: Line 78:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.austenlandmovie.com}}
*{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20131001094943/http://sonyclassics.com/austenland/}}
* {{IMDb title|1985019|Austenland}}
*{{IMDb title|1985019|Austenland}}
* {{Mojo title|austenland|Austenland}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|austenland_2013|Austenland}}
* {{Metacritic film|austenland|Austenland}}


{{Jared and Jerusha Hess}}
{{Jared and Jerusha Hess}}
{{Pride and Prejudice}}
{{Pride and Prejudice}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Austenland}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Austenland}}
[[Category:2013 films]]
[[Category:2013 films]]
[[Category:2010s romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:2013 romantic comedy films]]
⚫
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:British independent films]]
[[Category:British independent films]]
[[Category:British romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:British romantic comedy films]]
⚫
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:American independent films]]
[[Category:American independent films]]
[[Category:American romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:American romantic comedy films]]
⚫
[[Category:English-language films]]
⚫
[[Category:Directorial debut films]]
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]
[[Category:Films based on romance novels]]
[[Category:Films based on romance novels]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilan Eshkeri]]
[[Category:Films set in Buckinghamshire]]
[[Category:Films set in Buckinghamshire]]
[[Category:Films shot in Buckinghamshire]]
[[Category:Films shot in Buckinghamshire]]
⚫
[[Category:Jane Austen]]
[[Category:Sony Pictures Classics films]]
[[Category:Sony Pictures Classics films]]
[[Category:Stage 6 Films films]]
[[Category:Stage 6 Films films]]
[[Category:Works based on Pride and Prejudice]]
[[Category:Films based on Pride and Prejudice]]
⚫
[[Category:Works about Jane Austen]]
⚫
[[Category:2013 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2013 independent films]]
[[Category:Films about fandom]]
⚫
[[Category:2010s English-language films]]
⚫
[[Category:2010s American films]]
⚫
[[Category:2010s British films]]
[[Category:English-language independent films]]
[[Category:English-language romantic comedy films]]

Latest revision as of 04:05, 11 December 2024

Austenland
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJerusha Hess
Screenplay byJerusha Hess
Shannon Hale
Based onAustenland
by Shannon Hale
Produced byStephenie Meyer
Gina Mingacci
StarringKeri Russell
JJ Feild
Bret McKenzie
Jennifer Coolidge
James Callis
Jane Seymour
CinematographyLarry Smith
Edited byNick Fenton
Music byIlan Eshkeri
Production
companies
Fickle Fish Films
Moxie Pictures
Distributed bySony Pictures Classics
Stage 6 Films
Release dates
  • January 18, 2013 (2013-01-18) (Sundance)
  • August 16, 2013 (2013-08-16) (US)
  • September 27, 2013 (2013-09-27) (UK)
Running time
97 minutes[1]
CountriesUnited Kingdom
United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget£4.9 million
($7.6 million)
Box office$2,140,812[2]

Austenland is a 2013 romantic comedy film directed by Jerusha Hess. Based on Shannon Hale's 2007 novel of the same name and produced by author Stephenie Meyer, it stars Keri Russell as a single thirty-something obsessed with Jane Austen's 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice, who travels to a British resort called Austenland, in which the Austen era is recreated. JJ Feild, Jane Seymour, Bret McKenzie, and Jennifer Coolidge co-star.

Plot

[edit]

Jane Hayes, an American woman obsessed with Jane Austen – especially Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice – spends her entire savings on a trip to a Jane Austen-themed resort in England. At "Austenland", guests receive pseudonyms and period costumes, living as ladies of the Regency era. The highlight of the resort is guaranteed romance with the male actors, though no touching is allowed.

While Jane can only afford the cheapest "copper" package, the other guests have purchased the most expensive "platinum" option. Although she befriends fellow guest Ms. “Elizabeth Charming”, Jane is treated with disdain by the manager, Mrs. Wattlesbrook, who prefers the wealthier guests.

Jane and Elizabeth meet their actor-companions – the obsequious Colonel Andrews and the unenthusiastic Mr. Henry Nobley, Mrs. Wattlesbrook's nephew – and "Lady Amelia Heartwright", another guest. Amelia and Elizabeth flirt openly with Nobley, who is reserved and Jane finds disagreeable. (Their argument mirrors the first meeting of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice).

Martin, the resort's chauffeur/stablehand, flirts with Jane. Jealous, Nobley rescues her from walking in the rain. She visits Martin at his quarters; after more flirting and witnessing the birth of a foal, they kiss, and spend the following afternoon together. When another actor, the muscular Captain George East, arrives and flirts with Jane, Martin rebuffs her for "parading around" with the actors. She asks if he is breaking up with her, and he replies that they were never "going steady".

Forced to play piano for the group, Jane performs the only song she knows, "Hot in Herre", shocking Mrs. Wattlesbrook. On her way to find Martin, Jane is stopped by Nobley, who warns against "cavorting with the servants". Returning to the house, Jane fights off a drunken Mr. Wattlesbrook.

Determined to find love by the end of her stay, Jane takes charge of her "story". Elizabeth helps her steal some of Amelia's costumes, and Jane charms the group with her new-found confidence. Mrs. Wattlesbrook discovers Jane's contraband cell phone and prepares to evict her, but Amelia lies to save her. In exchange, Amelia blackmails Jane into helping her and East be alone together.

The party rehearses a play (mirroring what the characters did in Mansfield Park), and Jane pairs herself with Nobley to allow Amelia time with East. Jane and Nobley bond, and Martin attempts to apologize to her. After the disastrous play, Jane and Nobley sneak off to her room, where he requests a dance during the final ball.

At the ball, Nobley confesses his love to Jane. Disillusioned after watching the other actors fulfill their guests' fantasies with fake proclamations of love, she declares that she would rather have something real and leaves, spending the evening with Martin.

Departing Austenland, Jane discovers that Amelia is American, and that Nobley had asked Amelia to pretend Jane's phone was hers to prevent Jane being sent away. Mrs. Wattlesbrook reveals that the actor assigned to Jane was not Nobley, but Martin – whose romance with Jane was fully scripted. Angry at being duped and certain she is not the only guest assaulted by Mr. Wattlesbrook, Jane threatens to sue Mrs. Wattlesbrook and shut down Austenland.

Martin is sent to the airport to smooth things over with Jane, but Nobley appears, asserting that his own affections were genuine, but Jane dismisses them both. When Nobley tries again to express his feelings, Jane thanks him for being "perfect" and leaves.

Back home, Jane clears out her Darcy collection. Nobley arrives, having traveled across the Atlantic to return her sketchpad. He explains that his name truly is Henry Nobley, he is a history professor who simply wanted to experience the Austen era, and that he does love her. Jane finally believes him and they kiss.

A mid-credits scene reveals that Elizabeth has bought Austenland and turned it into a theme park, assisted by Colonel Andrews. Mr. Wattlesbrook now works as a garbage picker, Captain East does a strip show to Amelia's delight, Martin is snubbed by the guests, and Jane and Nobley are still very much in love.

Cast

[edit]
Makers of Austenland at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival (l to r): actor James Callis, book author and associate producer Shannon Hale, film scriptwriter Stephenie Meyer, actor Ricky Whittle, actor JJ Feild, actress Jane Seymour, actress Keri Russell, actor Bret McKenzie and director Jerusha Hess

Production

[edit]

Austenland was filmed in the summer of 2012 at West Wycombe Park[3] in Buckinghamshire. Rupert Vansittart played Mr. Hurst in the 1995 BBC mini-series Pride and Prejudice.

Release

[edit]

The film premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2013. A bidding war ensued shortly after which included Fox Searchlight and a joint bid from FilmDistrict and Exclusive Media. Ultimately, the film's worldwide distribution rights were bought by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions for $4–5 million.[4][5]

It was theatrically released in four theaters in the United States on August 16, 2013.[2] On the weekend of August 30, it went into wider release, showing in 52 theaters.[2]

Reception

[edit]

The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 32% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 114 reviews, with an average rating of 4.80/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "Despite an intriguing premise and fine performances from a talented cast, Austenland succumbs to outworn romcom cliches and slapstick gags."[6] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 42 out of 100 based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "AUSTENLAND (12A)". Sony Pictures Releasing. British Board of Film Classification. August 2, 2013. Archived from the original on July 24, 2014. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c Austenland at Box Office Mojo Retrieved September 20, 2013.
  3. ^ "Other Projects - Austenland Movie". Stephenie Meyer website. Stephenie Meyer. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  4. ^ Thompson, Ann; Fernandez, Jay A. (January 21, 2013). "Sundance 2013: Stephenie Meyer-Produced 'Austenland' Booked by SPWA and SPC". IndieWire. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  5. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (January 21, 2013). "Sundance: 'Austenland' To Sony WorldWide Acquisitions For North Of $4 Million; Sony Pictures Classics To Release In U.S." Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  6. ^ "Austenland (2013)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  7. ^ "Austenland Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
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