An atypical Jane Austen in that this is a comedy of manners!
Intrigues aplenty as the recently widowed Lady Susan Vernon (a splendid Kate Beckinsale) plots to nab herself (or her 17 year-old daughter) a wealthy husband. More The Importance of Being Earnest than Pride & Prejudice as wit and repartee positively sparkles with Chloë Sevigny the flirtatious Lady Susan’s partner in crime.
Director Whit Stillman breathes new life into the oeuvre, although the tale is ultimately so light that Love & Friendship does pall towards the end.
Rating: 60%
Director: Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Damsels in Distress)
Writer: Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Damsels in Distress) – based on the novella by Jane Austen
Main cast: Kate Beckinsale (Underworld, The Aviator), Chloë Sevigny (Boys Don’t Cry, Zodiac)
An Opinion or Two 