Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (2024)

This romantic low budget French film, directed by Laura Piani, got a massive BIEN FAIT from us all.  In fact, one of our discussion group stated, “It made me fall in love with books again.”  She admitted she shed tears at the end.  We certainly all would value a visit to the famous Parisian bookshop Shakespeare and Company, which plays a major role in the film. Two alpacas were also on the cast.

Despite having some differences about Jane Austen novels, we agreed. Jane Austen Wrecked My Life was exceptionally light, wonderful entertainment.  We enjoyed gently observing Agathe’s predicament in choosing between two men, one bringing Mr Darcy to mind.

The addition of Schubert piano music was a real treat. We appreciated the interior design of the house where Agathe stayed for the Jane Austen Residency. “I believed I was there,” said one of the discussion group.

Some of us alluded to Frank Capra’s 1934 film It Happened One Night. It was interesting to hear from our French speaker that the English cast spoke impeccable French.

Although the director has said how much she enjoyed Richard Curtis British romcoms, the film wasn’t just about romance.  It is also about the creative challenge in being an author. Agathe breaks through her writer’s block when she accepts her painful past can be a stepping stone to writing. The film culminates in a scene where the touching poem Path, by Jack Hirschman, is read. 

Go to your broken heart.

If you think you don’t have one, get one. To get one, be sincere.

Learn sincerity of intent by letting

life enter because you’re helpless, really,

to do otherwise….

If it hadn’t been for RCC, we may never have seen this delightful film.

Anne