In this film starring Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy as Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy, respectively, the premise is one that is sure to intrigue anyone who has ever read an Austen novel.
Basically, "Becoming Jane" explores Jane Austen's early love life and how she came to meet the dashing Tom Lefroy, a would-be lawyer with a love of partying and women. I wouldn't say he's a womanizer, in fact, his laid-back personality only gives him the illusion of being care-free. Truthfully, Tom is indebted to his uncle (a sour sort of fellow)and his entire family back in his hometown of Limerick, Ireland depends upon him for their welfare.
"Becoming Jane" has its flaws, yes, but the film has a few redeeming qualities that will undoubtedly give it a great following of fans. There are moments of great wit and subtly from the parts of Hathaway and McAvoy, and the film boasts some lovely cinematography, though it, on more than one occasion, seems to draw inspiration from Joe Wright's 2006 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." This is shown in the dance scenes as well as in some of the dialogue, which, to a lover of that film, seems to be in poor taste.
I had a few complaints with the film upon watching it twice:
1) Anne Hathaway didn't seem to embody the striking and headstrong persona that was Jane Austen. Her accent slipped at times and I felt like she was poorly-casted. However, she obviously tried and her delivery of lines was good. My BIGGEST complaint, however, about her was the pitch of her voice. At times she would while attempting a British accent, go far too high in her voice. She seemed to be squeaking at McAvoy half of the time. (I still love Anne Hathaway, though)
2) Some of the dialogue was obviously placed in for humor and sounded cheesy and corny. Also, the mock-Austen dialogue where they tried to embody the way of speaking in Austen's books only works when McAvoy speaks.
Which brings me to the HIGHLIGHT of this film: JAMES MCAVOY! Oh, my goodness, he is excellent in this movie. He portrays the part of conflicted Tom Lefroy with such conviction and you cannot take your eyes of his character. He steals every scene; I am not kidding! I have written about another one of McAvoy's films and that review shares many of the same sentiments, but I promise you that I am not an addicted fan-girl, rather an appreciator of film and of good acting. Anyways, McAvoy brings dimension to a character who, played by anyone else, would have been flat and static. You really feel as if Lefroy loves Jane and his eyes burn with passion and regret in the later scenes.
On the whole, "Becoming Jane" is an average film with a heart-felt ending and a few excellent characters. It is a great showcase of McAvoy's talents as well as a vehicle for a new generation to become familiar with the always lovely Jane Austen.
Basically, "Becoming Jane" explores Jane Austen's early love life and how she came to meet the dashing Tom Lefroy, a would-be lawyer with a love of partying and women. I wouldn't say he's a womanizer, in fact, his laid-back personality only gives him the illusion of being care-free. Truthfully, Tom is indebted to his uncle (a sour sort of fellow)and his entire family back in his hometown of Limerick, Ireland depends upon him for their welfare.
"Becoming Jane" has its flaws, yes, but the film has a few redeeming qualities that will undoubtedly give it a great following of fans. There are moments of great wit and subtly from the parts of Hathaway and McAvoy, and the film boasts some lovely cinematography, though it, on more than one occasion, seems to draw inspiration from Joe Wright's 2006 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." This is shown in the dance scenes as well as in some of the dialogue, which, to a lover of that film, seems to be in poor taste.
I had a few complaints with the film upon watching it twice:
1) Anne Hathaway didn't seem to embody the striking and headstrong persona that was Jane Austen. Her accent slipped at times and I felt like she was poorly-casted. However, she obviously tried and her delivery of lines was good. My BIGGEST complaint, however, about her was the pitch of her voice. At times she would while attempting a British accent, go far too high in her voice. She seemed to be squeaking at McAvoy half of the time. (I still love Anne Hathaway, though)
2) Some of the dialogue was obviously placed in for humor and sounded cheesy and corny. Also, the mock-Austen dialogue where they tried to embody the way of speaking in Austen's books only works when McAvoy speaks.
Which brings me to the HIGHLIGHT of this film: JAMES MCAVOY! Oh, my goodness, he is excellent in this movie. He portrays the part of conflicted Tom Lefroy with such conviction and you cannot take your eyes of his character. He steals every scene; I am not kidding! I have written about another one of McAvoy's films and that review shares many of the same sentiments, but I promise you that I am not an addicted fan-girl, rather an appreciator of film and of good acting. Anyways, McAvoy brings dimension to a character who, played by anyone else, would have been flat and static. You really feel as if Lefroy loves Jane and his eyes burn with passion and regret in the later scenes.
On the whole, "Becoming Jane" is an average film with a heart-felt ending and a few excellent characters. It is a great showcase of McAvoy's talents as well as a vehicle for a new generation to become familiar with the always lovely Jane Austen.