DVD Review: Becoming Jane

By June L. Feb 12, 2008, 16:18 GMT

Anne Hathaway ("The Devil Wears Prada," "The Princess Diaries") gives a radiant performance as a young, love-struck Jane Austen in the witty and engaging romantic comedy "Becoming Jane" from Miramax Films. It\'s the untold romance that inspired the novels of one of the world\'s most celebrated authors. When the dashing Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy, "The Last King Of Scotland"), a reckless and penniless lawyer-to-be, enters Jane\'s life, he offends the ...more

It is just wonderful when something you have been anticipating meets or exceeds your expectations.  Such is the case with Becoming Jane, an imagined adventure in the life of the young Jane Austen.  It is based on shadowy facts that are hinted at in the letters and writings that remain, that were not consumed by Jane’s sister Cassandra’s privacy protecting fire.  In any event, this is a beautifully crafted and acted film, worth seeing multiple times, to enjoy the complex layers.

There are many who love Jane Austen, and every time a new film adaptation of a novel, or biography or inventive story about Jane’s life appears, there is much trepidation.  Whatever grand idea that possessed Jane’s sister Cassandra to burn anything at all of Jane’s, has left the following generations with the idea that Jane had secrets, and that each one of us is the ONLY one to really understand. 

Beyond her wit, wisdom, humor and often wickedly sharp social commentary, so beautifully displayed in her novels and letters, we like to imagine Jane as our friend.  Her personality as dreamed up by each one of us usually reflects our tastes and ideals that are expressed in her writing. 

That is why we are so anxious when someone else’s portrayal or vision of Jane Austen or one of her beloved characters comes to screen.  We are afraid it won’t be recognizable as OUR Jane. 

That is a chance that filmmakers and writers take, and it is up to the viewer to decide if the effort captures the spirit of Jane Austen, or totally misses the mark.  Becoming Jane is the adventure I would wish for Jane Austen, and hope that it might have happened just as is shown!

Becoming Jane stars Anne Hathaway as a young and vibrant Jane Austen, who has the endearing and annoying characteristics of her best fictional characters.  As sparkling as Elizabeth Bennet and as self centered as Emma, she is surrounded by loving family and friends, who smilingly encourage her vanity. 

Into her country paradise comes a young Irishman Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy) a friend of her brother and as reckless and dashing as any young woman could wish.  In training to be a lawyer, Mr. Lefroy is a match for Jane’s wit and intelligence, the only trouble is that he is totally dependant on a rich uncle for his education, and is penniless.

Most of the characters in Becoming Jane are based on people that actually lived and were part of Jane’s circle.  The writers have had fun making the viewer see some of these as the inspiration for Jane’s well known fictional characters, plus adding people to be the models for others. 

It is a treat to watch the film, looking for these literary clues and hints, little jokes with the audience who know and love the novels.  The love stories, for there are several within this film are beautifully portrayed, with both joy and heartbreak.  The scenery is gorgeous, as is the costuming and film design. 

Becoming Jane is presented on a single disc, in widescreen format.  The running time is 120 minutes, and it is available in English and Spanish language track, and French and Spanish subtitles. 

The special features on the disc are delightful.  There is “Discovering the Real Jane Austen” featurette, and audio commentary for the feature with Director Julian Jarrold, Writer Kevin Hood and Producer Robert Bernstein.  There are Becoming Jane pop up facts & footnotes, and deleted scenes from the film. 

Whether this Jane is YOUR Jane, this film is still a beautiful addition to the visual interpretations of both Jane’s life and her work, and well worth watching.

Becoming Jane is now available at Amazon and AmazonUK. Visit the DVD database for more information.