Filmmaker Whit Stillman described as the Patron Saint of  luxury on a budget by GQ wrote and directed Love & Friendship that is based on Jane Austen’s  epistolary novella called Lady Susan. The novella was published after Austen’s death by her nephew.

We caught up with Stillman during the 59th San Francisco International Film Festival, where Love & Friendship was the opening night film. This is a deliciously funny film that centers around a window and her desire to find a well-heeled man for her daughter and herself. Set in the late 18thc England, this Austen novella is bitingly funny and highlights how women had to fend for themselves in that period.

We spoke with Stillman about the making of Love & Friendship, working with Beckinsale and Tom Bennett and his love for history and writing. I wondered if he should have written for The Paris Review. Tune in to find out what Stillman had to say.

LISTEN: FILMMAKER WHIT STILLMAN ON LOVE & FRIENDSHIP, KATE BECKINSALE & TOM BENNETT:

Beckinsale plays the role of  Lady Susan Vernon, who has a wonderful ability to play with people’s emotions and has a way of getting things done her way. Chloe Sevigny plays a close confidante and conspirator of Beckinsale in the film. Others in the film include Stephen Fry, Xavier Samuel, Emma Greenwell, Jemma Redgrave and Tom Bennett.

Here are a couple of reviews about Love & Friendship that might interest you. The New Yorker describes the film as deeply satisfying, while The New York Times critic AO Scott describes Love & Friendship as howlingly funny.

Love & Friendship releases in the San Francisco Bay area on Friday, May 20, 2016.

Check out our interview with Beckinsale on Love & Friendship.