DVD
REVIEW: BECOMING JANE
02/10/08
When story telling, love
and inspiration are combined on paper, we are talking about
one of history's most beloved and famous writers, Jane
Austen. Based on her life Miramax films makes an attempt at
bringing some of the historical facts in the young years of
this author's life in cinematography by creating, "Becoming
Jane". This chapter of Jane's life proves that Austen's most
moving love story is her own. Along with James McAvoy who
plays Thomas Lefroy a poor, and humiliating lawyer to be who
challenges Jane's writing skills and place in society. An
ironic Jane stops at nothing to prove Lefroy wrong but in
this game she would seek marriage for love putting on the
line her family's name and economic status.
Robert Bernstein 's production was highly criticized for
having an American artist play the role of Jane Austen as
opposed to having an English. Anne Hattaway who plays Jane
is at her best in her performance and diction bringing the
delicate feminine side of young Jane and the brilliant
opinionated character that distinguished her during her
time. Director Julian Jarrold definitely picked the right
person for this endeavor and without any regrets. It is no
surprise that when the movie was released in 2007, it won
the British Independent Film Award and the Truly Moving
Sound Award.
This entertaining and moving film has three very exquisite
touches to resemble Austen's 1700's living environment.
While the scenery might not show the splendid of Ireland,
this was done on purpose to depict the early country side
living of Jane. Along with the scenery, the make up and
costumes by Veronica Brebner and Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh
were splendid adding to the sophistication and elegance of
the time. Finally, the classical music is exquisitely chosen
for each of the scenes adding to the mood and story line.
Watching this film open my curiosity to find out more not
only about the life of Jane Austen but how this film matches
the facts. While in the film itself we see the beginning of
"First Impressions" and some of her poems, the imagination
flourishes for Jane as she gets older and becomes face to
face with absurd confinement of women in that society.
Bourlesque, and ironic as in her novels, this film is a
wonderful production and interpretation of this writer's
life. Fortunately, the DVD being released on February 12,
2008 includes both bonus features "The Real Life of Jane
Austen" along with audio commentary with director Julian
Jarrold, writer Kevin Hood and Producer Robert Bernstein.
This is a film that completes perfectly a collection of
educational family entertainment DVD series.
VIDEO:
1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
AUDIO:
English,
Spanish and French
5.1 (Dolby Digital).
Subtitles - English Spanish - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Discovering the
Real Jane Austen – The best known author of her era,
she continues to sell books and inspire films almost two
hundred years after her death, but what do we really know
about Jane Austen? Find out some surprising truths in this
fascinating featurette. (17:00)
Becoming Jane Pop-Up Facts & Footnotes - Interactive
insights pop up during the film when selecting this option.
Audio Commentary with director Julian Jarrold, writer Kevin
Hood and producer Robert Bernstein
Deleted Scenes: A total of 13 deleted scenes
(19:29)
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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VIDEO |
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AUDIO |
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