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Becoming Jane: A Film Review

Anne Hathaway is Jane Austen in Becoming Jane, a 2007, British-Irish biographical film. Except for the scene that comes just after the title cards, where Reverend George Austen and Mrs. Austen engage in an early morning sexual intimacy on their bed, this film is watchable and on occasions, par excellence. Jane Austen is the youngest daughter of Reverend George Austen, who is the topic of some heated debates at her home regarding her marriage.

Image Courtesy: Google
One day, Thomas Lefroy, aka Tom visits the naïve, green, and mostly agricultural countryside, after being “punished” by his wealthy uncle, Judge Langlois for a short stay, away from the mischievous and promiscuous city life. Thomas Lefroy is a young lawyer who is into many adventures that seem nasty and indecent for the status of a gentle man.

Lefroy stays with another of his uncle in the country, where he meets Jane. It is not a love at first sight, but fall in love they do. In fact, in the beginning, Jane was furious about Lefroy’s response towards the reading she conducted in front of family and friends. Their love happens in an environment much like that of one of Jane Austen’s novels, Pride and Prejudice—Austenesque, so to speak.
 
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Two men pursue Jane as the destination of their romantic search. Becoming Jane also is about the transformation of an unassuming village girl into a writer of considerable importance, who is still read, from Texas, the US to Kerala, India. Julian Jarrold directed Becoming Jane. Although Jane’s affection towards Thomas Lefroy could not fulfill its course and reach the designation of marriage, the course of these events triggered the “first impressions” of a great writer.

Anne Hathaway is remarkable in Becoming Jane, as Jane Austen. Julie Walters, mother of Weasleys in Harry Potter movies, is playing Mrs. Austen and James Cromwell is Reverend George Austen. James McAvoy is as good as Robbie Turner in the film version of Ian McEwan’s novel Atonement. James McAvoy is Thomas Lefroy.
 
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The way the countryside and the Austen household are portrayed in the movie is class. One would obviously fall in love with the nature, landscape and the feel of countryside that is represented in this film. The cinematography deserves appreciation. Hampshire is lovelier than Hampshire. Congratulations Eigil Bryld (cinematography).   

Post Blogum: The dresses used in this film are marvelous. It is no surprise if you desire for one, in some secret corner of your heart for your beloved.            

This is your Saturday Flick.  HERE for more.

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