Becoming Jane

“Becoming Jane” is not so much a biopic as a well-imagined presentation of what happens one summer when Jane (Anne Hathaway) meets Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). And although they are unsuited to each other, Jane and Tom fall in love. You see, neither has any money and as Jane’s mother says, “Love is nice, but money is indispensable.” While there is no historical evidence that this relationship goes beyond a summer flirtation, screenwriters Kevin Hood and Sarah Williams would have us believe that Lefroy is the reason Austen never married. “Becoming Jane” illustrates quite clearly that in the late 1700s, women had few choices; however, it also shows that independent women are not satisfied to meekly do what is expected. Certainly if Austen had married Lefroy or married anyone, she would not have written any of her books. Beautiful cinematography and a strong supporting cast round out an enjoyable moving going experience. (9/4/07)