The FiFi Report 163

Becoming Jane …Directed by Julian Jarrold best known for the film Kinky Boots
Based on: Although the film goes well beyond what is proven fact in assuming a real relationship between Austen and Lefroy, the speculative original screenplay was inspired by real events, which were chronicled in a book by Jon Spence called Becoming Jane Austen ( he was a historical consultant on the film.)
Genre: romantic historical drama commonly known as a Chick Flick
Who: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie SmithThe Plot: England 1790’s. Country girl sits at home writing. Parents try to marry her off to dull and daggy rich bores. Girl does not want to wear Prada (silly girl). She dances with the devil and falls in love with dastardly sexy man about town ( previously seen pissed with The Last King Of Scotland.) They dash off to balls. Dance a few jigs. Argue. Flirt. Kiss. Make up. Meet in London. But his cranky old uncle hates gauche country girl. Oops. No money No Honey. Will they run off together destined to never wear Prada ever again? Or will she sit home alone writing fabulous novels and earn enough money from her books to buy up Prada? And Miu Miu and…
Acting: "About 20 minutes in, you realise you’re actually quite enjoying this; and, horror of horrors, Anne Hathaway’s actually doing a rather good job at this Regency lark." Thelondonpaper
Photography: The photography in this movie is fabulous. Arty with interesting angles and beautiful light, it makes you want to live in the English Country side.
Design: The set design is gorgoues with everything from the pigstys to the country houses looking artfully arranged and chic.
Wardrobe: Gorgeous pretty empire dresses are very Lanvin S/S 06 with touches of Prada.
Salon de Beaute: Not sure about Anne Hathaway’s red lipstick. She is too pretty and coiffed to be Jane Austen.
Botox: Maggie Smith and Julie Walters: No. (they should.) Anne Hathaway: yes. Waterproof Mascara: In any Jane Austen movie you need lashings of Aqualash although the ending is absolutely silly ( sorry).
Blood ’n’ Guts: You will see a few boxing matches and blood noses. You can deal with those.
Mind drifted to shopping: in the boxing matches and the blood noses ( and seeing the English houses)
Smokin’ smooches: It’s Jane Austen. Nuf said. Smooches and smoke. No fire.
Car chases: Galloping horses are the car chases of the 18th century
Rename It: Miss Potter’s extreme makeover
Movie Mistake ‘It’s late 18th, possibly early 19th century and, as Jane and her sister walk along the beach, a construction crane is visible on the horizon.
Best Reviews; "Think Austen In Amour, à la Shakespeare In Love. A warm, charming, bittersweet romance – destined to make a thousand dates” Total Film
Best Worst Reviews: “Something of a disappointment, thanks to some dreary photography and a boring, unimaginative script that completely wastes a talented supporting cast.” ViewLondon
See it or donate to the Prada Bag fund? How lovely to sit back and enjoy something so retro, old fashioned, pretty and romantic. You never wanted that modern futuristic silver bag anyway.
http://www.bvimovies.com/uk/becoming_jane/