Product: Becoming Jane [Blu-ray] (2007)
Rating: 3.0
Passable, but lacking...
Becoming Jane takes a stab at being an historical romance similar akin to Shakespeare in Love, but something always seems to be missing. The central idea is that "Pride and Prejudice" may have been autobiographical. While not a bad concept, the film fails to capture either the willful spirit and poignant suffering of its subjects.It fudges the facts as many films do, but still, the more compelling emotional truth remains hidden. After seeing this movie, you'd think that Jane could barely construct a coherent sentence until she fell for a arrogant young lawyer who, thusly, became the inspiration for Pride & Prejudice. Jane Austen did not lead the life of Elizabeth Bennett, as this film insinuates, and the context in which her life was presented is a vague insult to an illustrious, historical figure.Anne Hathaway was ill-suited to play this role. Jane Austen truly deserved the majestic and passionate acting skills of Keira Knightley or Kate Winslet - not to mention someone with a strong and natural English accent.James McAvoy however, is quickly making his mark as a romantic leading man. As Tom Lefroy, he gives his character the circular anguish of a life being pulled apart by the dictations of society and his burgeoning love. My only complaint is his constant pouty, spoiled child personality, the "woe is me, look how terribly my fate is" routine. Other than that, I'm looking forward to his future career.