Becoming Jane (B or 3/4 stars)
'Becoming Jane' (directed by Julian Jarrold) chronicles Jane Austen's (Anne Hathaway) tumultuous youth before reaching fame. Plain & simple, it's the story of her romance with a mischievous lawyer, Thomas Lefroy (James McAvoy). The film starts with Jane's mom (Julie Walters) nagging her to find a suitable husband (with money); namely, Mr. Wisley (a fictional character in Austen's life, played well by Laurence Fox). Headstrong & spirited, Jane turns down all marriage proposals; she's married to her writings (though she confesses to herself that she uses far too many adjectives in her works). When Thomas Lefroy enters the picture, her practical world turns upside down. At first she finds him arrogant, self-centered, & wild-beyond-means.
But they slowly get to know each other, flirt (in great scenes), and eventually fall head over heels in love. Obvious problems arise: Her parents are against their relationship (as he has no money). They have a deal with Lady Gresham (cantankerous Maggie Smith) that Jane is to marry Mr. Wisley (creating a union of moneys, not love). Similarly, Lefroy's many relatives, including Uncle Langlois (recently deceased Ian Richardson), disapprove of the match with an un-wealthy Jane & threaten to disinherit him. Both depressed, Thomas comes up with an elopement plan and things are set in motion. Will they elope? What could stop them now? Can she find peace in Ireland? Or will she stay in England to write her eventual masterpieces?
Jane Austen never married & died at age 41 of Addison's Disease. That's not to say she didn't have a fulfilling last 20 yrs. of her life. This film just highlights a very important snippet of her life. It inspired her to write 'Pride & Prejudice' (in which Mr. Darcy is probably modeled after Lefroy), Sense & Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, etc. Apparently, the real Austen used indirect speech & irony to express herself. This is portrayed extremely well by Hathaway in the film. Also adapted well is the love & correspondence shared by Jane & her beloved sister, Cassandra (Anna Maxwell Martin). 'Inspired' by real events, the screenplay takes liberties (as in Shakespeare in Love, and offers an interesting take on Austen's life, though it's not nearly as successful as said, Shakespeare).
In truth, there WAS a Thomas Lefroy, and she loved him desperately. James McAvoy is stellar in this role. He has just enough charisma, intellect, & energy to ignite the sexual synergism required for Jane to take notice. Their tongue-in-cheek lover's quarrels work very well in this script. Hathaway is charming, but is also effective when avoiding her mother's tedious 'spinsterhood' lectures. The cinematography & use of color is exceptional (moody blues, dark maroons, & dreamy creams). Most of 'Becoming Jane' is clever & enjoyable. But it has its dark moments near the end. It's because we know Jane Austen's sad fate that the film rides a thin line between palpable romantic escapism, and unavoidable heavyheartedness. This film teeters humdrummingly; but is saved by its actors' wit & charm.
But they slowly get to know each other, flirt (in great scenes), and eventually fall head over heels in love. Obvious problems arise: Her parents are against their relationship (as he has no money). They have a deal with Lady Gresham (cantankerous Maggie Smith) that Jane is to marry Mr. Wisley (creating a union of moneys, not love). Similarly, Lefroy's many relatives, including Uncle Langlois (recently deceased Ian Richardson), disapprove of the match with an un-wealthy Jane & threaten to disinherit him. Both depressed, Thomas comes up with an elopement plan and things are set in motion. Will they elope? What could stop them now? Can she find peace in Ireland? Or will she stay in England to write her eventual masterpieces?
Jane Austen never married & died at age 41 of Addison's Disease. That's not to say she didn't have a fulfilling last 20 yrs. of her life. This film just highlights a very important snippet of her life. It inspired her to write 'Pride & Prejudice' (in which Mr. Darcy is probably modeled after Lefroy), Sense & Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, etc. Apparently, the real Austen used indirect speech & irony to express herself. This is portrayed extremely well by Hathaway in the film. Also adapted well is the love & correspondence shared by Jane & her beloved sister, Cassandra (Anna Maxwell Martin). 'Inspired' by real events, the screenplay takes liberties (as in Shakespeare in Love, and offers an interesting take on Austen's life, though it's not nearly as successful as said, Shakespeare).
In truth, there WAS a Thomas Lefroy, and she loved him desperately. James McAvoy is stellar in this role. He has just enough charisma, intellect, & energy to ignite the sexual synergism required for Jane to take notice. Their tongue-in-cheek lover's quarrels work very well in this script. Hathaway is charming, but is also effective when avoiding her mother's tedious 'spinsterhood' lectures. The cinematography & use of color is exceptional (moody blues, dark maroons, & dreamy creams). Most of 'Becoming Jane' is clever & enjoyable. But it has its dark moments near the end. It's because we know Jane Austen's sad fate that the film rides a thin line between palpable romantic escapism, and unavoidable heavyheartedness. This film teeters humdrummingly; but is saved by its actors' wit & charm.