Amanda Price (Jemima Rooper) reads Pride & Prejudice every night
Update: Well, I liked the series. It ended rather quickly, but I found the first episode charming. At the bottom of this review, find links to my reviews of Epis 2, 3, and 4.
It’s unfortunate that ITV’s 2008 ‘Lost in Austen’, directed by Dan Zeff, shares the same title with the 2007 novel by Emma Campbell. The confusion is reflected in my sitemeter statistics, where people are (presumably) clicking on my review of the novel hoping to find my thoughts about the film.
Having watched the first episode of ‘Lost in Austen’, I can attest that the script, written by Guy Andrews, is nothing like Ms. Campbell’s novel. While I had problems with the plot of the book (or nonplot), I found the film refreshingly entertaining and Jemima Hooper a delight to watch. I even chuckled on occasion. The movie is what it is: entertainment for audiences who are interested in time travel and Austenesque period pieces.
Elizabeth Bennet (Gemma Arterton) enters through the shower stall door
One must suspend all disbelief and accept the film’s fun and frolicky intent in order to enjoy it. I would not try to make historical sense of the story, for some of the details are outlandishly wrong, and I would not try to make the time travel details logical. After all, how scientific could the premise of this story be? – A fictional character from a novel steps out of a doorway into a shower stall in a 21st Century London flat and communicates with a real person. Right there, any attempt to apply the laws of physics would make absolutely no sense.
Amanda's Sleezy Boyfriend
I’m a fan of time travel novels, especially Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and Jude Devereaux’s Night in Shining Armor. (Most recently, Laurie Viera Rigler tackled time travel in the Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict.) One of my all time favorite movies is that most romantic of 80’s classics, ‘Somewhere in Time’ with Christopher Reeve (at his handsomest) and Jane Seymour (at her primrosiest best.) So, I am disposed to like any story that transports a modern day character to a previous age. In my experience, no writer has made time travel seem realistically possible, not even Robert Heinlein, that master of science fiction, who tried his best. In Outlander, Claire steps from the 1940’s through a crack in the standing rocks on the fairy hill to 18th Century Scotland.
Mr. Darcy (Elliot Cowan) saves Mr. Bingley from embarrassment
In ‘Somewhere in Time,’ Christopher Reeve wears authentic period clothes and repeats a mantra over and over to reach Elise Mackenna (Jane) at the turn of the 20th Century. A Delorian transports the heroes across the time-space continuum in ‘Back to the Future’. Would any of these methods realistically transport us to another century? Of course not, and I no longer attempt to apply logic to this genre. (See links below.)
‘Lost in Austen’ is the story of a modern woman entering a time and place she dreams about, encountering customs and social mores that are familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. We assume that with our advanced technology and knowledge of history, people from our age who travel back in time would be in a superior position. As Jemima Rooper (Amanda Price) so charmingly demonstrates, that is not necessarily the case. She is a stranger in a strange land. Although Amanda can predict the future, she is bewildered by her situation, contrasting what “should” happen (Mr. Bingley’s attraction to Jane) with his unexplained preference for her (he caught a glimpse of her cleavage).
Mrs. Bennet (Alex Kingston) warns Amanda
In this tale Mrs. Bennet is still a flibbertygibbet, but as played by Alex Kingston, her spine is made of steel. She corners Amanda at the Assembly Ball and “favors her with a warning”, cautioning her not to obstruct any of her daughters in seeking a husband.
Amanda caught out by Charlotte
Tom Mison as Mr. Bingley
Amanda manages to dance with Mr. Darcy in a witty and awkward scene. His gallantry in rescuing his friend Bingley from embarrassment and his subsequent coldness to Amanda provides a delightful parallel-universe-counterpoint to Elizabeth Bennet’s first impression of him. Amanda, acutely aware that things are going awry, also knows how the plot of Pride and Prejudice develops, and her desire to push Jane towards Bingley so that he can become enamored of her places Jane in danger.
Mary, Kitty, and Amanda
I enjoyed the depiction of the Bennet sisters. Mary, Kitty, Lydia, and Jane act as a Greek chorus, proverbially reacting to Amanda’s modern witticisms with a collective: “Ooooh! What did you mean when you said that?” Charlotte Lucas is smart as a whip, not believing Amanda’s excuse for swapping places with Lizzy.
Lydia exposed to a modern cut
My major disappointment is with Mr. Bennet. I adore Hugh Bonneville, but in this first episode his Mr. Bennet comes across as the cartoonish one-dimensional character I expected to encounter when I read the advance notices of this film. I hope his role fleshes out in future episodes and that he will seem less dense. Also, once Elizabeth Bennet steps into the 21st century, she disappears. I am curious to know what her life is like in the present.
Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Bennet
I understand that critics are disposed to dislike this production. I was one of them when I saw the advance publicity. But frankly, given the pap we’ve been fed on t.v. (Has anyone seen the horror that is ‘Date My Ex’ on Bravo? In comparison Lost in Austen is sheer genius. Yeah, for anyone in the know, that’s meant to be a punny reference to another Bravo show.)
The Bennet family walks to church. Morven Christie as Jane Bennet is on the left.
As a viewer starved for all things British, I’ll take a romp through the English countryside anytime, and watch ballroom scenes, handsome gents in tight breeches, lovely ladies in Regency gowns, and a time travel plot – even a tepid one – for a couple of hours of entertainment.
For our U.K. friends, the trailer for the second episode of this mini-series can be seen at this link. Frankly, I can’t wait to see the rest of this show (surreptitiously, of course.) It reminds me of a Chinese meal. Delicious, but one is hungry for more just a few hours later.
- Update: My review of Episode Two
- Update: Review of Episode Three
- Update: Review of Episode Four
- Here’s a review that says the mini-series isn’t all that awful.
- Review by Britwriters
- Laurel Ann’s impression
- Time Travel Paradoxes
- Time Travel
Found in the vaults of Pemberley are three letters that Elizabeth Darcy wrote to her sister Jane describing a shocking discovery about her husband. These letters have been published for the first time.
Click Here for My Oxford World's Classics Reviews of
[...] September 16, 2007 by Vic (Ms. Place) Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure, by Emma Campbell Webster Please Note: My review of the ITV movie of the same name sits here. [...]
Thanks for the great review. I am enjoying it also. It is much better than the advance publicist had lead me to anticipate. One thing that I am really happy with is that the screen writer chose to have the heroine Amanda fixated on the novel Pride and Prejudice and not the 1995 Mini-series of Pride and Prejudice. Please do not get me wrong. I adore the 1995 version of P&P and admire Colin Firth as Darcy as much as the next Janeite, but having her love the romance and characers of the book makes her an advocate of literature as opposed to lusting after the wet Darcy in the pond plunge like Bridget Jones did in the novel and the movie Bridget Jones’ Diary. I like smart heroines and this screen writer chose that difference, and I thank him for it.
I am looking forward to the next two episodes.
Cheers, Laurel Ann
I agree with you, Laurel Ann. Amanda is influenced by the novel and she’s a reader. Kudos to the script writer for sticking with Jane’s book. Thanks for your insights. I am looking forward to the rest of the series, which I am enjoying. Like you, I never thought I would say so. Vic
[...] does not find it particularly worthwhile and has enjoyed kicking it about, and Ms. Vic from Jane Austen’s World thinks it “a delight to watch.” Since it is a mixed film in itself, with historical [...]
[...] review of episode one at Jane Austen’s [...]
Sounds kind of fun. I wonder if we’ll get it here in the US anytime soon.
[...] in the UK this week and is garnering quite a bit of discussion at AustenBlog. Episode one was fun and frolicky, with more than a few improbable surprises. Catch my reveiw of Episode two on Monday, September [...]
If you know your Austen pretty well, this production is a comedy hoot with the daft modern Amanda trying to fix up the P&P plot gone horribly wrong. Nice in jokes like Amanda works for ‘ Sandition Life ‘ Great cast, fast pace, punchy lines made for TV. This is where it scores much better than a studious adaption of the standard Austen novel. Finicky viewers can study the Hogarth prints on the Bennet’s wall – the rest can only have fits at Amanda’s antics.
[...] Lost in Austen, A Review of the Movie, Episode One: On this blog [...]
[...] Lost in Austen, Episode One [...]
Just got the chance to watch the Lost in Austen series here in the US on Ovation. What fun! I’m a mother to two under the age of 5 and BBC dramas are my little vacation in my own living room thanks to Netflix. What a fun and dreamy escape this was!
I also stumbled on this on Ovation and was instantly drawn into it. I’ve read all the criticisms of it. That the characters would not say the things that they were made to say. But that’s the point of it. Amanda’s being there changes things and therefore I believe what they did and said was quite believable. Gulp, even Jane marrying Collins. Though she must love her family more that I love mine because I don’t think that I could have done it. There are so many lines I really loved. For example “That’s Jane Austen spinning like a cat in a tumble dryer!” She herself acknowledges that it’s going totally unlike the novel. Anyway, I love it and am anxiously awaiting it being released on DVD here on April 14. I’m hoping it also is on iTunes so I can carry it around with me!
Jemima Rooper Pooper whatever her name is, is downright ugly!!
Most of the characters were not charming at all. They looked like they were trying to act like the characters.
A nice idea to start with, but turns out to be a ridiculously embarrassing production.
Elle you’re an idiot.
Hi folks,
Let’s keep our remarks civilized. This blog emulates the customs of the Regency Period. If you do not like something or someone, please use irony and wit to drive your barb home. While everyone is entitled to their opinion on this blog, it is the manner of its delivery that will persuade others.
Thank you, Vic
I, too, watched this humorous, witty production on the Ovation Channel, here in the U.S. Absolutely enjoyed it. I couldn’t wait for everyone to go to bed so I could watch it by myself. My sweet little pleasure for the last four nights! I recorded it, and cant get myself to delete it now that I am done. Next up, another Jane Austen adaptation of Pride and Predjudice – the Bollywood version – also on Ovation. Love that others love the books as much as me!!!
[...] Austen’s World: One, Two, Three, [...]
I’m new to this so I am not sure but I think I’m commenting on the television series Lost in Austen. I must say I was disappointed that; after the works of Jane austen have been loved and admired for so many generations, the author of this show thought it necessary to include the worldly (and often inappropriate) expressions and actions.
I personally have found Jane Austen’s novels a welcome escape from our often sick and disturbing world. I hope with all my heart that when each and every person comes across a truly good and relatively pure book they enjoy it for its noble qualities as I have Jane Austen’s novels!
Camilla D.
LaurelAnn, I’m sorry to say that the subsequent episodes yielded to the temptation to dunk Darcy in a pond, never the best scene in the 1995 mini-series. I have just rented them as a dvd, and I also agree with Vic that it would have been interesting to watch more of Lizzie in modern London, for she does, by definition, exhibit much more of the wit that characterized Austen, rather than the slapstick that is also there. Amanda gives us more than enough of that. I didn’t think Mr. Bennett was so bad.
In regard to romantic time travel, Vic, did you see The Lake House? It was a rather sweet movie with two actors I don’t generally like, but my husband and I both enjoyed it when we rented it.
I got the dvd from the local library here in u.s. and have now watched it for the 5th time ! It becomes more enjoyable each time – The 1st time I was not sure wether I liked it or not, but anything to do with Darcy is viewable for me, but after having to see the ‘post modern’ moment again, and again and again…. I have decided that I love this film. You go girl!!!!
I saw the video last night and really enjoyed it! I may try watching it again on maureen’s recommendation. It was great fun. The writers did an amazing job. I was afraid it was going to use all the old dialogue and just put a new character in it. (The old dialogue is fine for the original, but I wanted to see something different for this story.) I was very happily surprised. It passed my expectations. Brilliant writing and great variations on the themes and insights into the characters we love! Wow!
I’m glad I not the only one that didn’t like it.
They were all trying to hard.
The story line had to many flaws.
Has anyone noticed that this is not really a time travel story? Amanda travels into the book – and moreover into her own reading of the book. This means that any anachronisms or misinterpretations can be attributed to how Amanda understands the book. Very clever of the scriptwriter to give himself this get-out-of-everything-free card!
Good point, Polly. The series is unique in that Amanda has fallen down the Rabbit Hole and meets characters, not people who once actually lived and breathed. Perhaps it was all a dream (?)
I never tire watching this series… It just makes me want to read all her published works again…
It was great when it aired in September, last year. Cosy Sunday nights in, just me, my cuppa of tea and DVD – watching Amanda takes us through her adventure and ending up with Mr. Darcy, even when trying her best to put things right with Elizabeth and Darcy towards the end. A was wonderful idea brought to TV. This stands alone in its own right. I am sure if Miss Austen was here, she would see the funny side – romance with a punch line! I cannot wait to see the film (I know old news) – Sam Mendes is reportedly planning to adapt ITV1’s Lost in Austen for the big screen. I hope this does happen and not be shelved like so many other projects…
Have you heard that the LIA film produced by Sam Mendes will have Amanda in, wait for it, New York (not London)?!! My God, will she be American too? What a disaster. Guy Andrews should forget the big screen adaptation and give us more of Jemima Rooper and Elliot Cowan et al. How about a sequel, Living in Austen? I don’t want to see the big screen version – won’t be the same.
Great Idea for a production, pitty about using Jemima Rooper. She played the part well however her humongous lips and really dark eyes gradually became more and more scary as the mini-series went on!!
Elliot Cowan played the part ok, though he is no Mc Fadden or Firth!
Wouldn’t mind seeing Gemma Arterton play Elizabeth Bennet again, say in the 21st Century
If freakishly huge eyes and lips are a qualification for the role they could give the American version to Anne Hathaway – and then turn it into a musical, which is the only genre the Austen rip-offs haven’t yet strayed into (as far as I know). As for Elliot Cowan … I never imagined that Mr Darcy looked like Sir Bob Geldof!
*Mac Fadyen that is.
They should have tried Francis O’Connor as Amanda Price. She played Fanny in Mansfield Park (the movie) only a few years ago and did it wonderfully.
[...] are tons of reviews finding the TV series Lost in Austen witty and light and fun. I wish I’d seen the same show. I championed the revisionist 1999 Mansfield Park [...]