Product: Becoming Jane [Blu-ray] (2007)
Rating: 4.0
Great Period Film! (Speculative Biography...)
I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen's works, so I ended up buying this before ever seeing it (despite it's mixed reviews).Some "Janites" have criticized this movie based on Jane Austen's life (perhaps for some valid reasons).Now, if you're expecting this is a fully accurate biography- you're wrong- so be advised. And if you're looking for the type of ending Miss Austen wrote for the heroines in her novels, be on your guard.I already knew this going into it, since I've seen several biographies on Jane (search "The Real Jane Austen" by the BBC).But you'll likely enjoy the movie if you like the following:1. Costume/Period Drama's (particularly the Regency era)2. Anne Hathaway (Princess Diaries 1 & 2, Ella Enchanted, Devil Wears Prada, etc.)3. James McAvoy (*small role* Lorna Doone, Penelope, Atonement, etc. )It's a fact that Miss Austen did have some sort of a romantic interest in "Tom" Lefroy - an up and coming barrister. To what extent it's not really known, since Jane instructed her sister Cassandra to destroy the majority of her letters containing his mention after her death.This movie speculates that it was more than just a crush on either end. And it uses little bits and pieces of info, to connect the dots.Another thing that might irk fans, is that one of the movies main motto's is that their romance is "what inspired her novels". The thing is, Jane had been turning out small masterpieces for her family since she was around 12 (search "Jane Austen juvenilia"). So it's not as if she got some harebrained idea to write after she met Tom!POSSIBLE MOVIE SPOILERS:Also, the writer(s) inject bits of her novels into the storyline & characters (maybe a little too much). Now, it's not a far stretch of the imagination to say that she could have gotten idea's from the people in her actual life, and turned them into her fictional characters. But it's no-brainer which of the films characters are JA's novel counterparts.The thing that may most be confusing to viewers is that "Mr. Wisley" (who is their version of Harris Bigg-Wither), and "Lady Gresham" ("Wisley's" aunt- who is obviously the mirror immage of "Lady Catherine DeBourgh"/Mr. Darcy's aunt in P&P;), only serve to further the plot.In actuality, Mr. Bigg-Wither did indeed propose to Jane, but not during the time this movie was supposed to take place (in Dec. 1795- Jan. 1796)!_______I feel that overall Anne was a worthy choice for Miss Austen. Not only does she look the part, but her method acting is brilliant! To try and best emulate the accent she moved there a month beforehand. She also took the time to learn the piano for just 2 small scenes. And even surpassed the writing teacher to bring Miss Austen's famous words to life!This was only the 2nd movie I had seen James McAvoy in (the first was only a small role); so I had little to base his acting on. But, in this particular movie, I think he establishes himself fit as a leading man, and has quite an emotional depth about him!The majority of the cast are also equally suited. Anna Maxwell Martin (Cassandra) is a very talented actress whom I've especially enjoyed in other period productions (specifically the BBC's "North & South", and "Bleak House" miniseries).The cinematography is gorgeous (despite it being shot in Ireland, and not England). And the soundtrack very complimentary!In conclusion, while the film may not be a totally accurate biography; I felt it nicely embodies Jane Austen as a person. I'm certainly glad I chose to add it to my collection of period drama's!If you're interested in seeing more of Jane Austen captured on film (particularly her later years), you may also enjoy "Miss Austen Regrets".