A desperately single bookseller, lost in a fantasy world, finds herself forced to fulfill her dreams of becoming a writer in order to stop messing up her love life.
Chuck says:
It’s obvious Agathe (Camille Rutherford) wants to believe true love exists. She makes sure he bookstore she manages features a mirror where patrons leave romantic notes to others, some they’ve met, others they’ve admired from afar. Her writing reflects a longing for a world in which her soulmate will appear to sweep her off her feet, taking her to a happier-ever-after life. She knows doesn’t exist, yet it doesn’t stop her from wanting it, her cynical, rational brain forever in combat with her sense of idealized romance.
Laura Piani’s “Jane Austen Ruined My Life” is a light-as-air confection that, you guessed it, is modeled after the titular author’s works. You should know the set-up by now – a lonely, independent woman is desperate to find a romantic partner who not only loves her but understands her. Ready to settle for a life of spinsterhood, she fails to see that all she’s longing for is right in front of her, in the person of someone she loathes. No, there’s nothing new under the rom-com sun here but Piani and her game cast manage to bring enough conviction and whimsy to this exercise, making it a pleasant diversion.
Everyone in Agathe’s life recognizes her anachronistic nature. Her best friend, and co-worker, Felix (Pablo Pauly) understands this, telling her, “You need to get in tune with the times.” Knowing she’ll take no steps to do so or continue with her writing, he takes matters into his own hands and applies for her to participate at a writer’s retreat called the “Jane Austen Residency,” held near the author’s estate.
Stunned over having been accepted and suddenly stricken with writer’s block, Agathe reluctantly goes to the retreat where she meets Oliver (Charles Anson), a descendent of Austen’s who teaches contemporary literature and dislikes his famous ancestor’s work. From the first moment these two regard each other with utter disdain, you know where this is headed.
And while that may be the case, the film is still worth your time thanks to the work of the three principals. The antagonistic chemistry between Rutherford and Anson is delightful, each actor obviously relishing the verbal jabs they throw at one another. Their timing is spot on, lending to unexpected but pointed humor between them, one scene producing an uproarious moment that had me laughing for minutes. Pauly gets his time to shine as well when he shows up at the retreat, unknowingly putting a damper on the parrying couple’s burgeoning romance. His slowly dawning awareness of what’s afoot allows the actor to shine.
Piani wisely doesn’t belabor any of the familiar plot points, the movie sailing along, clocking in at a little over 90 minutes which, these days, is cause for rejoicing, And while the film’s romance is satisfying, it’s true impact lies in the way it looks at the purpose and importance of stories of all sorts. While we may be aware of their artificiality, it never hurts to take the hope you might find in them to heart.
3 Stars
