An American in Austen – Hallmark

In the world of romantic comedies, Hallmark has carved out a unique niche with its heartwarming stories and feel-good endings. But with “An American in Austen,” they’ve taken a bold leap into the realm of literary classics, blending modern sensibilities with the timeless charm of Jane Austen’s works.

This time-travel movie isn’t just another period piece; it’s a fresh take on Austen’s beloved “Pride and Prejudice,” offering viewers a chance to step into the pages of history alongside a relatable contemporary heroine.

The Plot: A Modern Twist on a Classic Tale

“An American in Austen” follows Harriet, a present-day American woman who finds herself inexplicably transported into the world of “Pride and Prejudice.” This isn’t just any adaptation; it’s a clever fusion of eras that brings a whole new perspective to Austen’s beloved characters and storylines.

Harriet’s Journey Through Time

Harriet’s adventure begins when she:

• Mysteriously travels back to Regency-era England
• Finds herself in the midst of the events of “Pride and Prejudice”
• Must navigate the social norms and expectations of the early 19th century

This fish-out-of-water scenario sets the stage for both hilarious mishaps and poignant moments of self-discovery. Harriet’s modern sensibilities clash with the rigid social structures of Austen’s world, creating a delightful tension that drives the story forward.

A New Perspective on Beloved Characters

With Harriet’s arrival, familiar characters from “Pride and Prejudice” are seen in a new light:

Character	Original Role	New Dynamic
Mr. Darcy	Prideful hero	Challenged by Harriet’s directness
Elizabeth Bennet	Spirited heroine	Forms an unexpected friendship with Harriet
Mr. Collins	Comic relief	Becomes more sympathetic through modern eyes
Lydia	Impetuous youngest sister	Her actions are contextualized for a modern audience

These fresh interactions add depth to characters we thought we knew, offering readers and viewers alike a chance to rediscover Austen’s world.

Characters: Bridging Two Centuries

The heart of “An American in Austen” lies in its characters, both old and new. Let’s take a closer look at how Hallmark has reimagined these iconic figures for a modern audience.

Harriet: Our Guide to Regency England

Harriet isn’t just a fish out of water; she’s our eyes and ears in Austen’s world. Her character serves several crucial purposes:

• Relatability: As a modern woman, Harriet asks the questions and makes the observations that today’s viewers would.
• Humor: Her attempts to fit in (and occasional failures) provide many of the film’s lightest moments.
• Growth: Through her experiences, Harriet learns about herself and gains a new appreciation for Austen’s era.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I’m starting to understand why everyone’s so obsessed with getting married. When your options are marriage or poverty, suddenly Mr. Collins doesn’t seem so bad.” – Harriet

Read more about this: See You on Venus

Mr. Darcy: The Timeless Heartthrob

No Austen adaptation would be complete without Mr. Darcy, and “An American in Austen” gives us a fresh take on this beloved character:

• Initial Impression: Still proud and aloof, as we expect
• Character Arc: Challenged by Harriet’s modern attitudes, forcing him to reconsider his views
• Romance: His relationship with Elizabeth is seen through new eyes, adding depth to their iconic love story

Elizabeth Bennet: A Heroine for All Ages

Elizabeth’s character remains true to Austen’s original creation, but with some interesting twists:

• Friendship: Her bond with Harriet allows us to see new facets of her personality
• Agency: Elizabeth’s independence is highlighted even more when contrasted with Harriet’s modern feminism
• Growth: Through Harriet, Elizabeth gains new perspectives on her world and her choices

Setting: Recreating Regency England

One of the biggest challenges for any period piece is creating an authentic sense of time and place. “An American in Austen” rises to this challenge admirably, offering viewers a vivid glimpse into the world of Jane Austen.

Costume Design: Dressing for Two Centuries

The costume design in “An American in Austen” is a crucial element in bringing the story to life:

• Regency Attire: Meticulous attention to detail in creating authentic period costumes
• Harriet’s Wardrobe: A clever blend of modern sensibilities and attempts to fit in with Regency fashion
• Symbolic Use of Color: Costumes reflect characters’ personalities and arcs

Filming Locations: The Real-World Pemberley

Hallmark spared no expense in finding the perfect locations to bring Austen’s world to life:

• Historic Estates: Several scenes were filmed at actual Regency-era manors
• Picturesque Countryside: The rolling hills and lush landscapes of the English countryside feature prominently
• Village Life: Quaint villages were transformed to reflect early 19th-century life

“I never appreciated how much work went into looking ‘natural’ until I had to lace myself into a corset every morning.” – Harriet

Themes Explored: More Than Just Romance

While romance is at the heart of any Jane Austen story, “An American in Austen” delves deeper, exploring themes that resonate with both modern and period audiences.

Fish-Out-of-Water Comedy

Harriet’s struggles to fit in provide much of the film’s humor:

• Mishaps with Regency etiquette
• Attempts to explain modern concepts to bewildered 19th-century listeners
• The challenge of hiding her true origins

Romance Across Time Periods

The central love story takes on new dimensions when viewed through a modern lens:

• Harriet’s contemporary views on relationships clash with Regency expectations
• The timeless nature of true love is explored and reaffirmed
• Modern dating woes are humorously contrasted with courtship rituals of the past

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Both Harriet and the Austen characters undergo significant personal journeys:

• Harriet learns to appreciate aspects of Regency life and reassesses her modern values
• Elizabeth and Darcy gain new perspectives on their world and each other
• Secondary characters like Mr. Collins and Lydia are given more nuanced portrayals

Behind the Scenes: Bringing Austen to Life

Creating a time-travel romance that feels both authentic to Austen and relevant to modern audiences is no small feat. Let’s peek behind the curtain at how Hallmark brought “An American in Austen” to life.

Casting Choices: Finding the Perfect Blend

The success of “An American in Austen” hinges on its cast. Hallmark’s choices reflect a careful balance:

• Harriet: Played by a relatable actress with comedic chops and emotional range
• Mr. Darcy: Cast for his ability to convey both Regency propriety and a hint of modern sensibility
• Elizabeth: An actress who captures Elizabeth’s wit and strength while forming a believable bond with Harriet

Directorial Approach: Balancing Two Worlds

The director of “An American in Austen” faced unique challenges:

• Maintaining the tone of a classic Austen adaptation while incorporating modern elements
• Using Harriet’s perspective to offer fresh insights into familiar scenes
• Balancing humor with genuine emotional moments

Adapting Austen for a Contemporary Audience

The writers had to walk a fine line in crafting the script:

• Staying true to Austen’s themes and character dynamics
• Incorporating modern sensibilities without feeling anachronistic
• Using Harriet’s presence to comment on and recontextualize elements of the original story

Comparisons to Other Hallmark Austen-Inspired Films

“An American in Austen” isn’t Hallmark’s first foray into Jane Austen’s world. Let’s see how it stacks up against some of their other Austen-inspired offerings:

“Paging Mr. Darcy”: Modern-Day Austen

• Set entirely in the present day
• Focuses on Austen fandom rather than direct adaptation
• Lighter tone compared to “An American in Austen”

“Sense and Sensibility”: Traditional Adaptation

• Straightforward period adaptation of Austen’s novel
• No time-travel or modern elements
• Allows for direct comparison of adaptation styles

“Love & Jane”: Austen as Matchmaker

• Features Jane Austen as a character in a modern setting
• Explores Austen’s legacy and impact on modern romance
• More meta-textual than “An American in Austen”

Fan Reception and Critical Response

The unique premise of “An American in Austen” has generated quite a buzz among both Austen fans and Hallmark movie enthusiasts.

Viewer Reactions

• Austen Purists: Mixed reactions, with some appreciating the fresh take and others preferring traditional adaptations
• Hallmark Fans: Generally positive, enjoying the blend of familiar Hallmark elements with literary classic
• New Audiences: The time-travel aspect has drawn in viewers who might not typically watch period pieces

Critics’ Take

• Praised for its innovative approach to Austen adaptation
• Some criticism of historical accuracy, balanced by appreciation for the film’s self-awareness
• Generally positive reviews for the lead actress’s performance as Harriet

Impact on Austen Fandom

“An American in Austen” isn’t just entertainment; it’s potentially a gateway for new Austen fans.

Introducing New Audiences to Jane Austen

The film serves several important functions:

• Makes Austen’s world more accessible to modern viewers
• Highlights the timeless nature of Austen’s themes and characters
• Encourages viewers to seek out the original novels

Sparking Interest in Regency-Era Literature and History

Beyond Austen herself, the film has potential broader impacts:

• Increased interest in other Regency-era authors and works
• Curiosity about the historical context of Austen’s writing
• Discussions about how societal norms have (and haven’t) changed since Austen’s time

What’s Next for Hallmark’s Austen-verse?

With the success of “An American in Austen,” fans are eagerly speculating about what might come next.

Potential for Sequels or Spin-Offs

• Harriet’s adventures in other Austen novels
• A series following different modern characters entering Austen’s world
• Exploration of secondary characters from “Pride and Prejudice”

Future Austen Adaptations in the Pipeline

While nothing has been officially announced, rumors are swirling about potential projects:

• Modern retellings of Austen’s lesser-known works
• Crossover events featuring characters from multiple Austen novels
• A series that brings Austen characters into the modern world

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Jane Austen

“An American in Austen” is more than just another Hallmark movie or Austen adaptation. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Austen’s work and its ability to speak to audiences across centuries.

By blending the charm of Regency England with modern sensibilities, Hallmark has created something truly unique. It’s a love letter to Austen fans, an invitation to newcomers, and a fresh way to experience beloved characters and stories.

As we watch Harriet navigate the world of balls, bonnets, and proper manners, we’re reminded of why Austen’s work continues to captivate us. The search for love, the struggle against societal expectations, the importance of family and friendship – these themes are as relevant today as they were 200 years ago.

“An American in Austen” doesn’t just retell a classic story; it reminds us why that story became a classic in the first place. And in doing so, it ensures that new generations will continue to fall in love with the world of Jane Austen.