Wednesday, October 24, 2007

That (Delightful) Turn of Phrase

A few weeks ago one of the film editors at Christianity Today made another one of his inflammatory remarks:

" 'The Jane Austen Book Club' is just the latest in a recent string of films focusing on arguably the most popular chick-lit author of all time. "

I'm afraid I often see red when reading Mr. Morina's remarks on "chick flicks" - that word alone makes me feel somewhat apoplectic - and his summary dismissal of Jane Austen as "chick-lit" really annoys me. I consider a man who can't enjoy Jane Austen's characterizations and turn of phrase to be a man with a narrow mind and a limited vocabulary!

My younger daughters and I do indeed appreciate Jane Austen, but I think it is the men of the family who are really tickled by her wit. We were reading Jane Austen again last night and my husband had to pause for a good long chuckle over this turn of phrase - "He wished him to be a model of constancy; and fancied the best means of effecting it would be by not trying him too long."

I don't think my nephew has read Jane Austen yet and if the Mr. Morinas of this world get to him first, he won't. But what a pity! He'd enjoy it immensely because he loves words and wit.


My nephew, Micah, on graduation from High School

Photos by 岩川写真館 in Goshogawa


I think Iwakawa is the best studio in Aomori!

Disclaimer: We may be Jane Austen fans but I haven't much interest the "The Jane Austen Club" film. What we like about Austen is that sharp 18th century wit!

4 comments:

Nick said...

"True" readers usually say at least one of these phrases:

"Book clubs are for people interested in self-help."

"The book was better than the movie."

Laurie Elliot said...

You know what, Nick? We make that second comment ALL THE TIME!

You should have heard Sarah- Daughter #4 - on the way home from the Late Show the night "Pride and Prejudice" opened in theaters here! And now that I think of it, she might have had even more to say along that line when we went to the advanced showing for Narnia.

Faith said...

Bethany was a background actress in the Jane Austin Book Club. I may wait until it comes out in video and look for her in a few scenes! (Her car was filmed as well.)

Faith

Laurie Elliot said...

Looks like maybe I'll have to watch the movie afterall! :-)