“Becoming Jane” (Miramax Films)
See Jane Write
Jane Austen is one of the most famous female authors in history. In the new film “Becoming Jane” we get the backstory as to how her life was affected by one romantic encounter, and how it spurred her on to become one of the most celebrated authors who ever lived. It is a story full of charm, wit and drama and it perfectly establishes the mood of the times in which Jane Austen lived.
The movie opens with Jane (Anne Hathaway) living with her family. Her father (James Cromwell) is a minister and her mother (Julie Walters) runs the household. Her sister Cassandra (Anna Maxwell Martin) is engaged and her mother hopes Jane will soon follow suit.
Jane has a suitor of sorts in Mr. Wisely (Laurence Fox). He is the nephew of Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith) one of the richest and most influential people in Jane’s neighborhood. Jane likes Mr. Wisely but she does not love him, and she does not plan to marry without love.
Love comes to her in the person of Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy), a barrister with no means of income other than the good favor of his uncle (Ian Richardson). Tom is a womanizer and an all around roustabout. Jane at first can not stand him, but later she begins to come under his spell. Their love story makes up the core of the film.
The movie opens slowly and spends its own sweet time getting its story told. But about halfway through it gains momentum and captures the audience’s imagination. By the end of the film everyone is under Jane’s spell.
Hathaway is very good as Jane. She gives her spirit and charm. She is not as immediately appealing as was Keira Knightley in “Pride and Prejudice” but she manages to endear herself to the audience in the long run.
Opposite her McAvoy is charm itself. He manages to make Tom the bad boy of the group but his innate likeability stands him in good stead. He and Hathaway make a good match as Tom and Jane.
The supporting cast is wonderful. They sink into their roles and are swallowed up by them. It is always a treat to see Maggie Smith on screen, and Cromwell and Walters are scene-stealers as Jane’s parents. Fox has some good moments as the lovelorn suitor, especially towards the end of the film.
The film is rated PG for mild profanity and brief nudity.
“Becoming Jane” is a period piece that moves slowly but surely towards a satisfying ending. The script, the acting, the scenery and the music all add to the charm and enjoyment of the movie. It is Jane Austen’s story told in the style of her books. She is a fascinating character from history but one we never knew that much about. This movie fills us in on all there was during this crucial time that made her who she became.
I scored “Becoming Jane” a novel 6 out of 10.
