‘Austenland’ Trailer: Jane Austen Fanatic Keri Russell Seeks Her Own Mr. Darcy
The elaborate courtship rituals of Jane Austen’s England bear little resemblance to the no-strings hookups and domestic partnerships of the 21st century dating scene, but that hasn’t stopped modern romantics from hoping to find a Mr. Darcy of their very own. In the Sundance romcomAustenland, one particularly hardcore fan gets an opportunity to do just that.
Keri Russellstars as Jane Hayes, who splurges on a trip to an Austen-themed resort complete with Regency costumes, era-appropriate activities, and even handsome suitors (played by paid actors). But the experience isn’t all she’d hoped, and in her disillusionment she finds herself increasingly drawn to “stableboy” Martin (Bret McKenzieofFlight of the Conchords). Watch the first trailer after the jump.Austenlandhas kind of an odd mix of talent behind it. It’s the directorial debut ofJerusha Hess, writer ofNapoleon Dynamite, and it’s the first film produced byTwilightauthorStephenie Meyernot based on any of her own books. This project doesn’t seem to bear much resemblance to either of their oeuvres, but I suppose if you mixed the two you might get a fluffy romcom like this one.
Though it looks broader and messier than anything Austen ever wrote, Austenland should trike a chord with her fans all the same. Jane and Martin’s romance looks sweet, if predictable, but then it’s not as if anyone who ever readPride & Prejudicewas shocked to find that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy end up together.
Austenlandpremiered at Sundance this year to so-so reviews. Not many were outright vicious, but a few, likeFilm.com, found it too “frothy and unsubstantial,” whileJoBlocomplained that it was “utterly conventional.” On the brighter side,THRenjoyed its “clever” take on the Mr. Darcy type, and several reviewers, including those atFilm School RejectsandThe Guardian, praisedJennifer Coolidge’s hilarious supporting turn as a fellow theme park guest.
Look for the film in theatersAugust 16.JJ Feild,James Callis,Jane Seymour, andGeorgia Kingalso star.
