Here, Beckinsale chats Austen novels, big petticoats and kicking butt.
How familiar were you with Lady Susan, the long-lost Austen novella on whichLove & Friendshipis based?
Whats your favorite Austen book or film adaptation?
Credit: Bernard Walsh
I lovedEmmamost as a book.
What do you make of Lady Susan?
It was such a narrow, limited life that one could expect as a woman during that period.
Ross McDonnell
Lady Susan is a fighter for what becomes feminism.
Yes, shes fairly ruthless, but I admire her for rising above the limitations placed on her.
The dresses worn by you and Chloe Sevigny, who plays Lady Susans best friend, are so detailed.
How long did it take to get ready every day?
It took about 40 minutes.
Youd just sort of stand there like a Christmas tree, going, Bloody hell!
At least there was no danger of flashing anyone with all those layers.
[Laughs] Exactly.
That would have been a huge achievement.
You worked with director Whit Stillman in 1998sThe Last Days of Disco.
How has he changed in that time?
Its amazing that its been over 17 years and hes the same person as he was.
Theres nobody like him hes entirely himself.
Hes American, but hes got such a European sensibility.
Hes intellectual but also quite silly.
Theres not many of those wandering about.
InDisco, you and Chloe were rivals.
What was it like playing pals this time?
I was in a bit of a crisis.
Chloe was my Virgil, guiding me through New York.
It was particularly sweet to be back with her.
You begin your career in period film inKenneth Branaghs adaptation ofMuch Ado About Nothing.
What about returning to the genre is special for you?
I certainly didnt intend to not do them anymore.
We werent making a lot of modern, contemporary movies.
That was great for me, because I loved all that.
I wasnt planning on not doing them any more.
[Laughs]
Youve played some fierce women who arent afraid of doling out a good butt-kicking.
Is that true of you in real life?
If somebody was mean to my mother or my daughter, 100 percent.
Im very British in that way.
