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Becoming Jane (2007) DVD Review
Becoming Jane (2007) DVD Credits:
Becoming Jane (2007) Directed by:
Julian Jarrold
Becoming Jane (2007) Written by:
Kevin Hood, Sarah Williams
Becoming Jane (2007) Cast:
Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, James Cromwell
Becoming Jane (2007) Released by:
Ecosse Films
Region:
1
Becoming Jane (2007) DVD Release Date:
12th February 2008
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Becoming Jane (2007) Synopsis:

The film centers on a love affair Jane Austen, the writer of Pride and Prejudice began as a 20-year-old -- with brilliant, roguish Irishman Tom Lefroy -- that inspired her career as one of the world's great romantic writers. The movie also looks at how the writer's relationship with Lefroy helped create the male characters in "Pride & Prejudice."

Becoming Jane (2007) DVD Review:

Jane Austen has long been a popular topic in British film, and more importantly in British television but recently the famed author has struck the fancy of American audiences as well. There was a time during the 90s when this happened before, with Emma being made with American star Gwyneth Paltrow and an even more popular adaptation of the tale for Amy Heckerling’s Clueless.

Austen’s tales of love, though there were only six, have made a lasting impact on film that few other than William Shakespeare could relate to. The problem with having only six stories is that fans are always left wanting more. This would explain why there have been countless adaptations of each of these tales, but lately filmmakers have gotten slightly more experimental. With The Jane Austen Book Club the beloved author’s themes were applied in literal modern contexts and in Becoming Jane we are given a vision of how these stories were formed by Austen’s own brief experience with love as a young woman.

Becoming Jane adopts the themes of Austen’s novels, just as The Jane Austen Book Club does, but they are easier in their application as the film largely suggests that many aspects of her novels were taken directly from her experiences. Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries, The Devil Wears Prada) stars in the British film as Jane, daughter poor parents (James Cromwell and Maggie Smith) who differ in opinion over what Jane should marry for. While Jane’s mother would rather see her marry a wealthy suitor who she has no feelings for, she begins a brief love affair with an irrational and poor lawyer, Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy) visiting the countryside as a punishment from his uncle. Jane wishes to marry for love, and she rebels against what is thought to be respectable with wishes to live by her writing as well.

Although there was somewhat of a disturbance over the casting of an American actor in the role of one of England’s most beloved authors, Hathaway is effectively pleasant as always. Her wide-eyed gaze paired alongside McAvoy’s brilliant blues is constantly engaging, particularly in their dancing together. These looks of longing and joy speak louder than any of the words, capturing the visual qualifications in presenting these spectacle filled stories of simple love.

The bonus features are appropriately fit to the love of the author on display. There is a featurette about the real Jane Austen, bringing forward details in her relationships that correspond with the film. There is also a feature that allows pop-up facts and footnotes while you watch the film, which is an easy way to find out more details without having to sit through a commentary track. There is also a commentary track for those who like the direct information, often more technically in-depth. This commentary contains director Julian Jarrold, writer Kevin Hood, and producer Robert Bernstein.

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Becoming Jane (2007) DVD review written by: Ryan Izay

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