BRIDE AND PREJUDICE well received by U.S. and Canadian Janeites at JASNA AGM
Members of the Jane Austen Society of North America had the opportunity to attend a screening of BRIDE AND PREJUDICE this past weekend as part of the festivities of the Society’s Annual General Meeting in Los Angeles. A report made its way to us that it was extremely well-received and hilarious and had plenty of P&P moments; those particularly mentioned were Mr. Kholi and the Mary character’s snake dance. Our Janeite Spy said that it was difficult to sit still during the film and many people were tapping their toes and dancing in their seats to the music. (Gurinder Chadha did not attend the screening, as had been rumored, but sent a taped greeting with a wish that the JASNA members would enjoy the film.) It was described as a loose adaptation, but recognizable compared to the original.
Those of you who expressed concern after the deadly reviews, especially the reviews that claimed that Jane Austen fans would hate the film, rest easy. We have it on good authority from real Janeites that you will most likely enjoy it very much.
Our Janeite Spy also reported that the Karen Joy Fowler panel was delightful and that some of those in attendance were overheard afterwards saying, “I didn’t really like her book (The Jane Austen Book Club) but I want to re-read it now!” The film adaptations panel was also highly praised, particularly Amy Heckerling, the director of CLUELESS, who expressed a great enthusiasm for her subject matter.
