Becoming Jane

I guess I'm on a bit of a streak of not-so-good movies. Becoming Jane is mostly uncharming and very full of itself. Anne Hathaway does a good job with her accent, and the supporting cast Julie Walters, Maggie Smith, James Cromwell and James McAvoy are great, but the movie isn't very good overall. In fact, it felt quite ridiculous.

This movie aspires to be the Jane Austen version of Jane Austen's real life, but falls very short. Jane's stubborn independence and sharp wit are on constant display but they don't reveal a lot of depth to the character - the movie seems to presuppose that you admire her. It's like watching Keira Knightley stomp and chomp her way through Pride and Punishme - I mean Prejudice.

Many surrounding situations hint (too heavy-handedly) at the future storylines of Jane Austen's novels. I found this almost insulting to Jane Austen's talent and imagination.

On top of all this, there are some terribly awkward - even hideous - camera transitions. So many styles of camera positioning and pace are employed that it starts to feel like the over-eager first production by a film student.

I wonder if the story and characters would be received better if they weren't trying to tell the story of Jane Austen? Possibly the plot and characters would stand alone and make for a not-bad movie. However, trying to be not just Jane Austen-like but the definitive Jane Austen story, this film is too contrived, too shallow and too short. Again, kudos to James McAvoy and the supporting cast, and no complaints about Anne Hathaway. I think I'll blame this one squarely on the director. (Big thanks to Kevin for going to see it with me! )