Austen on Film
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the book is always better than the movie, but
what fun we have watching those movies! Jane Austen’s novels have been adapted for television and film since
1938, confirming the fact that bringing Austen’s novels to the small or large screen is not a recent phenomenon.
Whether they are faithful adaptations, homages, reinterpretations or modernizations, we love to watch them
all – even if we are not always so fond of the finished product as we had wished to be. We are, however,
grateful to the producers, writers, directors, actors, and crew who draw attention to the novels of Jane Austen.
If you liked the movie, you’ll love the book!
Coming Attractions
Coming to a screen near you: Filmmakers around the world are reimagining Jane Austen’s novels in fascinating ways.
Sense & Sensibilidad, a Latina version of Jane Austen’s classic novel set in modern-day Los Angeles, is in the works. Screen Gems is planning a hip-hop musical adaptation of Emma with an urban high school setting, while Anil Kapoor (who played the game show host in Slumdog Millionaire) will produce a Bollywood version of Emma called Ayesha. In Israel a Hebrew television mini-series based loosely on Pride and Prejudice is being developed. Stephen Fry’s production company is working on Jane Austen Handheld, in which Pride and Prejudice is filmed as a reality show. Pursuing a more traditional path, the BBC has announced a new adaptation of Emma to be broadcast in England this fall.
Casting selections and release dates for these creative Austen-based movies will be added to jasna.org as information becomes available. Stay tuned.