More on Lost in Austen
“The Life of Wylie” has an entry on Lost in Austen that gives us–yes! the tar-hearted spinster purist of AustenBlog!–the faintest stirrings of hope.
Before you mention it, the cast claim comparisons with Life On Mars are wide of the mark.
Oh fine, blame the marketers. 
I saw episode one of the new four-part ITV1 drama yesterday.
It includes a scene where Amanda, played by Jemima Rooper, sings Petula Clark’s Downtown to Mr Darcy and co.
“It was bizarre – a very odd thing to do,” Jemima told us.
It sounds like it just might be…actual character development. Maybe Amanda’s not as much of a Mary Sue as we feared. Or maybe we’re just a hopeless sucker. But we cannot help thinking that it can’t but be significant–and infuriating–that ITV is giving this four hours and only gave MP, NA and Persuasion 90 minutes EACH.
Thanks to Alert Janeite Patty for the link!
An article in the Daily Mail on general ITV retrenching mentions,
One said: ‘There is no question that content is still key to turning around ITV’s fortunes. But we will have to think carefully about where the money is being spent.
‘Drama is a hugely expensive area - usually costing in excess of £500,000 an hour to make.
‘We will have to look at the plans for big scale productions such as period dramas carefully.’
The broadcaster had some success with its Jane Austen season last year, but has shelved plans to follow it up with another season of classics.
Incidentally, Amazon UK is listing street date for the Region 2 DVD of Lost in Austen as September 29 (Michaelmas!).
August 7th, 2008 at 6:50 am
I just saw screencaps of the trailer (which I don’t think I’m allowed to post here but I’ll ask…) and it looks silly, weird, funny, romantic, over the top, and there’s even a wet shirt scene….. And, the Bennet family seems very well cast, especially Alex Kingston as Mrs Bennet and Hugh Bonneville as Mr (or should I say Claude?
) Bennet.
It still seems quite ridiculous to me, but, on the other hand, it might be quite enjoyable at the same time.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Yes, it might turn to be enjoyable, but so far I prefer to take the pessimistic view and be prepared for the worst.
And I am delighted with the ITV’s retrenchment news. No more periods from them.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Err…but if they change the novel…the future will be changed!
Should I send a Pride & Prejudice book and a copy of Back to the Future to ‘Lost in Austen’ writer?
I agree with Cinthia, no more period drama for them.
August 7th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I’m also feeling a bit wary about the whole thing but I will confess that I am more than a little curious to see that wonderful stage actress Lindsay Duncan take on Lady Catherine. She was unforgettable as the decadent Marquise in the RSC production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses with Alan Rickman (sigh..); it would be interesting to see what she does with a Lady C character.
And Alex Kingston who played a wonderfully randy Moll Flanders is taking on the role of Mrs. Bennet. I’ll bet she’s going to have some fun with that one….
Lost in Austen also seems to be a mini Mansfield Park reunion of sorts for at least two of the actors. Duncan played both Mrs. Price and Lady Bertram in the weird 99 Rozema-MP, and Hugh Bonneville who is playing Mr. Bennet in LiA, was Mr. Rushworth.