Product: Becoming Jane [Blu-ray] (2007)
Rating: 5.0
Inspiration
The past few years have ushered in an unprecedented level of media interest in the enigmatic Jane Austen. Most films have been based upon her novels. Becoming Jane, like PBS's Miss Austen Regrets, is based upon her own life, important details of which were intentionally obscured by her protector, brother Henry Austen. It's fun to watch Anne Hatheway, who is probably infinitely more beautiful than the real Jane, as she portrays her in her youth, an aspiring writer struggling with the same identity/life issues as any other 20 year old. It's difficult to believe that Jane was actually beset simultaneously by three avid suitors, but what this script conveys well is a way in which one of the central themes of the novels, whether tis better to marry for love or money, might have played out in Jane's young life. What this movie does not convey is the truth about the poverty in her family, who in this production appear to live as well as their wealthy acquaintances (except for those rare occasions in which they are shown digging potatoes or looking at the pigs.) Talking about being poor is not the same as seeing it.That said, Beooming Jane is a treat to watch. Costumes, scenery, music, indoor sets - all beautifully done. The acting is of the highest quality. Unless some heretofore hidden documentation comes to light, we probably will never know whether Jane's 20th year played out as shown here. But it's wonderful to see her as young, romantic, and human. After all, how could a prig have written such subtly erotic literature?