Becoming Jane-an English Major’s dream movie
Based on a biography of Jane Austen, ‘Becoming Jane’ tells the story of a young woman who would rather marry for love than for money, and who sees no reason why she can’t expect to support herself with her writing rather than have to rely on a rich man to take care of her. This could be the story of any young woman today, except it’s the story of author Jane Austen, and the setting is 1795.
Anne Hathaway is utterly charming as Jane, her English accent not at all annoying like some, and James McAvoy is appropriately rakish and handsome as Tom Lefroy, the Irish law student who meets Jane and is instantly besotted. Jane’s parents are played by James Cromwell (”Babe”) and Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley from “Harry Potter”), Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall from “Harry Potter”) plays the wealthy woman whose nephew would like to marry Jane, and there is an excellent supporting cast as well.
This is one of those movies that just swept me right up and away. It had been years since I read any Jane Austen novels, but the director did an excellent job of re-creating the time period. I loved how Jane always bobbed a small curtsy to Lady Gresham but also to Tom when they first met. I loved the proper manners and the careful conversation, and the way all the young people knew how to do the dances. There’s something to be said for a time period where people were polite to each other.
Jane Austen might have written the six most famous novels in the English language, but she was also a young woman with feelings and desires just like anyone else. However, she also knew that just because she had read books and developed opinions did not mean that she should voice them at all times; in 1795 women were not expected to be so bold. Ultimately, her intellect proved her downfall when she realized that as much as Tom loved her, she could not let him give up the job his Uncle had promised him if he did NOT marry Jane. Tom had parents and siblings to support, and Jane could not ask him to run away with her to be starving artists when he had responsibilities. In the end, Jane never married, perhaps there was never going to be the perfect balance for her between love and freedom.
I know there are a lot of movies based on Austen’s novels, but I recommend ‘Becoming Jane’ as a way to get a better understanding of the author herself. You can buy Becoming Jane
I admit I went out and saw this on opening weekend, more for a love of James McAvoy than Jane Austin — but also loved the story (which is highly fictionalized). I think Anne Hathaway did a terrific job as Jane, and the movie piqued my interest in watching Masterpiece’s current series, The Complete Jane Austen.
Really, really well done.
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I really wanted to see this movie, I’ll have to rent it for sure.Anne is a favorite here in the house because of Princess Diaries.
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Sounds like a good film. A must for Austen addicts!
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Yay thanks for this review. I found it through google after I saw the trailer. I thought it was boring but after reading your review I’ll definitely buy the DVD now.