Love & Friendship is definitely the funniest Jane Austen adaptation you’ll ever see. There’s still plenty of 18th-century sense and sensibility here – and great period costumes – but this new film from writer/director Whit Stillman will have you laughing out loud on many occasions.
Based on a little-known novella called Lady Susan that Austen wrote when she was just 15, the story revolves around one Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), who clearly knows what she wants out of life and uses all of her wit, charm – and sharp tongue – to achieve just that. As a widow, Lady Susan must rely on the kindness of her in-laws to take her in, while striving to find a match for her daughter (Morfydd Clark) and herself, of course.
Known for his satirical looks at society, Stillman finds a kindred spirit through Austen’s words and reunites with his Last Days of Disco stars Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny, who plays Lady Susan’s only trusted friend.
At the recent press day for the film, we sat down with the gorgeous Beckinsale to talk about Austen and how perfect her work fits into Stillman’s vernacular. The actress told us about what it was like to work with Stillman and even shared a bit of information about her upcoming Underworld movie, Underworld: Blood Wars.
Hear what she has had to say in the video above and be sure to check out Love & Friendship, in theaters this Friday.