Watch Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors

Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors is a 2017 British documentary that delves into the intimate and private life of the beloved and iconic writer Jane Austen. Presented by historian Lucy Worsley, the film takes a closer look at Austen's personal experiences, the societal pressures of her time, and how they all influenced her writing. The documentary is comprised of three episodes, each one exploring different aspects of Austen’s life and work. The first episode entitled “Family” focuses on the impact of Austen’s family on her life and work. In this episode, Worsley visits Austen’s childhood home in Steventon, where she discusses Austen’s family dynamics, the relationships between her parents and siblings, and how they inspired some of the characters and events in her novels. Worsley also analyzes Austen’s letters to her sister Cassandra, highlighting the wit and humor which characterized the writer’s style of correspondence.

The second episode, “Society”, examines the society in which Austen lived and how she used her novels as a means of critiquing it. Worsley investigates Austen’s own experiences in social gatherings, and how she used her characters to satirize the social codes, rituals, and values of her time. The episode also looks into the relationships between men and women in Austen’s era, and the impact it had on her writing.

The third and final episode, “Love and Marriage”, takes a look at how Austen’s personal experiences with love and marriage both influenced and reflected her novels. Worsley examines Austen’s relationship with Tom Lefroy and how it inspired her most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice. She also explores the character of Mr. Darcy, one of Austen’s most iconic characters, highlighting how he reflects the ideal of a romantic hero of her time.

Throughout the documentary, Worsley provides her own expert analysis on Austen’s life and work, taking viewers on a journey to explore the woman behind the books. Alongside Worsley, the documentary includes other experts such as Debbie Charlton and Jeanice Brooks, who also provide valuable insights into Austen's world.

One of the documentary's biggest strengths is its ability to bring Austen’s world to life through stunning visuals and authentic reenactments. They transport viewers back to Austen’s time, putting them in the middle of her world, and giving them a visual tour of her life and experience. This is augmented with dramatizations and interviews that provide a deeper understanding of what it meant to be a female writer in the early 19th century.

In conclusion, Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors is a compelling and insightful documentary that shines a light on the life of one of the world’s greatest literary figures. Through expert analysis and stunning visuals, the documentary captures the essence of Austen’s life and work, bringing her world and experiences to life in a way that is both engaging and informative. For fans of Austen’s work, this documentary is an absolute must-watch. However, it’s also an excellent introduction to Austen for those who are new to her world.

Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.