jane austen january – Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs..

Happy Jane Austen January! Lisa from Boondock Ramblings and I are hosting a month long blog event that centers around Jane Austen. Together, we are focusing on four movies, and we will be posting non-movie related content independently as the month goes on. We would love it if you participated as well! Book reviews, movie reviews, or as Joy has already posted, a post about the places that you can visit from Pride and Prejudice! You can find Lisa’s thoughts on Pride and Prejudice here.

So for this week, our movie was Pride and Prejudice, the 2005 version. When Lisa and I were discussing our movie choices back in December, we had a hard time deciding which version to choose. Our hearts wanted the mini series and Colin Firth, but when we looked at the other factors, mainly the length, we decided to go with the 2005 Keira Knightley and Matthew McFayden version instead.

I have to admit, at first I was a little bummed. I had watched the 2005 version before, but only the one time, and I couldn’t recall it too well. And I thought I remembered not being super excited about Matthew McFayden as Darcy. (Sorry Matthew) But as we lie there watching it (because I always watch these movies all snuggled up in bed, plus it was arctic cold out) I came to the realization, that I did in fact, like it very much. Just because it wasn’t my “favorite” version, doesn’t mean that it was terrible. Such growth.

For one thing, this movie is fantastically beautiful in my opinion. The shots and cinematography to me are just gorgeous. There are two scenes that stand out in my mind. The first Joy actually mentions in her post too, and thanks to her post, I have a name for where this shot was filmed! Stanage Edge, Peak District. It’s the shot where Lizzie is standing on the cliffs, and her dress is just billowing around her, and it is just so vast and unbelievable, that it is a real place. I mean my goodness. It’s so dramatic and otherworldy.

The next scene is the one where Lizzie and Darcy are dancing at the Netherfield Ball. It’s a long scene, and the particular shot I am going to refer to is about halfway in at 5 minutes, but the two pause to banter, and you see all the other dancers continue dancing around them. Time has stopped for them, in that moment it seems – and then the whole room falls away. They pick up the dance and … the shot is just them, there are no other dancers because to them, they are all that matter, even though in this scene they do not seem to like each other very much at all. They dance, the dance concludes, and everyone is back, the moment is passed. I just loved it.

I think I like Sense and Sensibility better because Lizzie and Darcy are sort of bratty. Both of them, in their own way. I mean, Pride and Prejudice, right? I did really like Charlotte; she has a good little head on her shoulders and looks at life realistically. I loved her scene where Lizzie scoffed and was mean to her about marrying Collins, but Charlotte kind of straight talked her in a scolding fashion, and it was perfect. Lizzie really needed to hear it. I think the scene sort of shows just how immature in many ways Lizzie is, as she swings about and Charlotte schools her on reality.

I also love this actress, Claudie Blackley. She plays a main character, with just as much conviction and common sense, in the show Lark Rise to Candleford.

Things happen, I won’t go into them all because, spoilers, but I think we all know how these movies end. This is the perfect Enemies to Lovers trope by the way, if you are into that. I did really love the Sixteen Candles style ending – and that iconic line, about being completely, perfectly, incandescently happy.

I am so glad that we chose to watch this one after all. I loved it far much more than I remember, and Matthew McFayden isn’t a terrible Darcy at all – and his voice, so swoony! Oh and the scene where he walks out of the mist over the meadow… that was also so swoony…

This was a great movie to watch and I felt super cozy and happy afterward. Maybe not completely, perfectly, incandescently happy, but you know, like a normal level of happy.

Next up – Emma (1996) starring Kate Beckinsale

We would love to have you link up with us with any Jane Austen-ish post you would like! You can always find my linky at the top, but here it is again.

Much like my literary Christmas gift guide, this one made me slightly giggle at what Jane Austen would think of her writing, life, etc being all over tea towels and mugs and even lip balm! I have to admit, I have been saving Jane Austen themed items to favorites lists for years – and I have Jane Austen themed items, sitting on shelves, tucked away on tables and nooks. If you like Jane, you just can’t help it.

Here are some fun things that I found. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Please note: This post does contain affiliate links from Amazon and Etsy. I would make a small commission if you were to purchase something through the link, at no extra cost to you.

Jane Austen’s Bad Boys Mug || Obstinate Headstrong Girl Sweatshirt || Pride and Purrijudice Mug

I love these two mugs – it’s hard for me to pick a favorite of the two. They are so different though, that why would I? I have a penchant for mugs; I love them and have so many that I need to cycle through them and put some away, put new ones out, over and over again (except for those few favorites that are always out)

And this sweatshirt! It looks so cozy and I love the embroidered quote just so subtly placed. Perfection!

Cottage Tee || Jane Austen Printable Calendar || Cross Stitch Pattern

So. I need this tee. I too, am excessively fond of a cottage. Plus, it is super adorable, flowers and a cute little cottage and an open book – I just love it.

The Printable calendar is also adorable. I have a calendar that is similar to this of Gwen Frostic’s art and even though it no longer matches up with the year, I have it on display just because I love to look at the art so much. I may need this one as well, and switch them out periodically.

One of my goals this year is to do more hand stitching, even though I am abysmal at it. I would never be praised for my needlework skills were I to go back in time and live. However I do enjoy it and find it a calm and relaxing activity. I haven’t cross stitched in a billion years, since I was a kid and my mom was teaching me, and this seems very involved, but… I just might try it.

The World of Jane Austen Puzzle || Jane Austen Lip Balm || Pride and Puzzlement Puzzle

Yes, two puzzles. I couldn’t choose between the two. I wish I had the patience to put together a puzzle; I often think about it. Like, where would I put it? We only have the one table really, so I would have to get a puzzle board that would slide under the couch or bed. Hmm. Now that I am thinking about this again, maybe I will try it. And now I feel like that meme of Bilbo…Why Shouldn’t I? Just my favorite meme ever really.

Ok moving on from my tangent these puzzles are both really cool. If I had to choose, like committed to putting together a puzzle, I would choose The World of Jane Austen because maybe it is easier looking? I could be completely wrong. But there are more colors and it is brighter so it seems like a better choice for a puzzle beginner.

And I promised you lip balm! I love the little tagline, it cracks me up.

And I would be completely remiss if I did not share books when talking of Jane Austen!