During her youth, Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway) met an Irishman her age named Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). A romance is considered to have probably developed between them, but Austen ended up never marrying. This film posits a fictional account of what may have happened. As in her novels, social and financial pressures exert an undeniable influence on the course Jane’s life takes. At the same time, we see the iconic writer beginning to emerge.

CRITIQUE

Adaptations of classic English literature are common on movie screens, as are biopics of famous authors. A much rarer number of films do something else- dramatize a brief part of an author’s life to illuminate the nature of inspiration. This film is one example of that type of story. Romantic, but also bittersweet and as affecting as one of her novels, Becoming Jane lovingly depicts Jane Austen amid gorgeous production values.

Though the casting of Anne Hathaway may take adjusting to for some viewers, she is a strong performer and not so different physically from the idea we have of Jane as you might think at first. The fiercely intelligent and independent woman on screen here feels exactly right. She also clearly prepared well for the role.

Another important aspect of why this film works is her leading man, James McAvoy. He achieves subtlety and yet forcefulness at the same time in his character. The chemistry between these two is effective as well. This, of course, stems from the romance of the story.

However, unlike Austen’s novels, a happy ending isn’t offered here. Those who know even a small amount about Austen’s life will know that, but the depth of the emotions between these two characters are so well established that sadness of the resolution loses none of its impact.

Director Julian Jarrold makes that especially true in a couple of ways. First, he gets wonderful work from his artisans. The production design, costuming, and music are not only gorgeous but seem to heighten the feeling of a scene. My personal favorite is the music. Second, in general terms of shots, including camera movement and transitions, he is adept at connecting characters and swiftly moving along the story.

The recent film that this movie may earn comparison to is Shakespeare in Love and the parallels are admittedly there-- the love story that inspires great words but ends without the couple being together. The tone is similar as well, with humor generously on display alongside the poignancy.

Furthermore, both films also ingeniously pepper the script with moments of direct reference to the works of the writer we’re watching. Jane has a goodnight on a staircase like the one in Northanger Abbey, for example. Becoming Jane is a work very like Austen’s novels themselves-- full of romance and emotion.

THE VIDEO

The widescreen format of this DVD is perfect for the visuals, and is the best for home viewing. The transfer is also free of any color or picture glitches from the theatrical presentation.

THE AUDIO

For the English track, the format is the very reliable Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. There is also a Spanish language track, and French and Spanish subtitles.

THE EXTRAS

Discovering the Real Jane Austen: This featurette reveals the depth of preparations by Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy. It also points out the way Austen’s novels are slyly referenced in the film. The interview with the Austen expert is a nice touch. Definitely watch this.

Deleted Scenes: 13 scenes make up this extra and only a few are extended. Mostly, you can tell why they were cut, but in a few, there are nice moments. In the extended church scene, a good bit of comedy appears, and the added moment where Austen’s deaf brother George reacts to her elopement is poignant. The viewer should know that this is from the rough footage that was filmed, so the boom microphone can be seen in every shot.

Pop-Up Facts and Footnotes: Exactly what it says it does, this feature can be turned on and off to provide facts related to the film. Some of the facts are silly (the history of corsets or candelabras don’t seem very pertinent to the story), but some are interesting (the middle name of Tom Lefroy’s daughter named Jane). It’s worth checking out once.

Director Commentary: Julian Jarrold joins with writer Kevin Hood and producer Robert Bernstein for a track and it is a good listen. The information here varies from the usual details about shooting, like the storm that almost delayed the cricket scene, or of some things about the characters that are also seen in the “Pop-Up Facts” feature. I like learning most about how composer Adrian Johnston went about his work and the fact that CGI, believe it or not, was used as part of the process to age the characters for the film’s final scene.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Becoming Jane has the romantic, engaging story of one of Austen’s novels, as well as excellent direction and performances. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the author herself would be proud of it. Buying this DVD is a must for all Austen fans, of course, but those who enjoy romances in general will want to make a purchase, too. The extra features are good and add incentive towards that decision.