“Love and Friendship”

jerryduck47@yahoo.com

Whit Stillman directs and writes the adaptation from Jane Austen’s novella “Lady Susan”.  A Harvard graduate in 1973 he began his career as a journalist.  While on assignment in Barcalona, Spain he met his wife and began an interest in film.  He has not looked back.  He is best known for “Metropolitan” which he wrote, produced and directed back in 1990. He displays a deft hand in this clever telling of the escapades of the gorgeous Lady Susan who traipses around the countryside and London wreaking havoc along the way.  Kate Beckinsale is so good in this role that it hurts.  I hurt throughout from laughing.  The cast is superb featuring accomplished veterans the likes of Stephen Fry and Justin Edwards.  Chloe Sevigny is fun as Lady Susan’s confidante and co-troublemaker.

The biggest surprise of the film is Tom Bennett who has played roles primarily in British TV series.  He portrays Sir James Martin, a wealthy countryman with no sense of style nor grace.  He is the court jester to Lady Susan’s eloquent quick wittedness.  As such,  he is absolutely hysterical throughout.  The cast had a difficult time keeping their composure during shooting thanks to his ad libs  and general zaniness.

If you enjoy English period productions , or if you don’t, this is a must see.  It’s a bit of Downton Abbey gone wild.  The dialogue is very fast paced and funny throughout.  I absolutely hated that it was over.  I wanted a series, a sequel, something.

Set to be released on May 16 this year, I fervently hope that it gets a very wide showing so that as many as possible can enjoy this treasure.

 

About jerryduck47@yahoo.com

Born in Boston's South End where I spent my early childhood. I remember going to matinees at The National Theatre where for ten cents I could sit in the balcony and enjoy two feature films, a cartoon and a serial. Those were the days! We moved to Western Mass (the country) and I completed my education through college there. I served in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division and went on to work for Bristol Myers Squibb for thirty years; traveling all over he world. Since retiring, have lived in Tallahassee, Fl and Leesburg, VA while raising our youngest son, Jake. My wife, Jennifer and I currently split our time between homes in Florida and Maine. We have three great kids (Shawn, Shannon & Jake), two wonderful kids "in law" ( Jenn & Steve) and five amazing grandchildren (Connor, Shana, Sophia, Bodie, & Sully). Hope this site offers them an opportunity to see another side of "Dad", "Jerryman" and "Grandpa"! Since retire
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