Plot
Personally, I think that Tom Lefroy is the main character of the film, rather than Jane Austen herself.
Observe the storyline.
Start – Jane’s life before Tom.
Middle – Jane’s life with Tom.
End - Jane’s life without Tom.
The film is about Tom and the influence that he has on all of Jane’s life. I know this was meant to be a biographical film about Jane Austen’s beginnings as an author, but turning this into a romantic film just turned the entire plot away from the supposed subject.
Don’t get me wrong. I am a sucker for romantics, but this particular film did not sit well with me. I might have been more pleased with it, if Tom and Jane did end up together, but then would be fabricating too much of poor Jane’s life.
If the director and the writers did intend to completely retell Jane Austen’s life down to pat, they would not have put revolved the whole film around her love life, but her circumstance and her family. Of course, they would have to include her spat with love to some degree, as it does influence her writing a great deal, especially that of her widely acclaimed novel, ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
What really warmed me was the end scene. Jane reading to Tom’s daughter with him watching over, with a sad, but sweet smile upon his face. It is clear that they still love each other dearly, so much so that Jane has not been able to marry, as she is of the opinion that marriage cannot come about without affection on both sides and it is clear that her affections have been indebted to Tom for the entirety of her life.
The film ends with her closing the book and folding her hands on it, and looking up at Tom. Jane looks emotionally stronger at the end and very refined. This impacted me a great deal, as I was suddenly overcome with images of what could have been. If they had not included that particular scene at the end, I might have lost it and started bawling my eyes out. This also gives the audience the hope, that perhaps, just maybe, a few sparks might rekindle for the sake of both our beloved Mr. Lefroy and Miss. Austen. However, upon closer thought, it is not very likely, since Jane does end up dying soon after that scene.
Observe the storyline.
Start – Jane’s life before Tom.
Middle – Jane’s life with Tom.
End - Jane’s life without Tom.
The film is about Tom and the influence that he has on all of Jane’s life. I know this was meant to be a biographical film about Jane Austen’s beginnings as an author, but turning this into a romantic film just turned the entire plot away from the supposed subject.
Don’t get me wrong. I am a sucker for romantics, but this particular film did not sit well with me. I might have been more pleased with it, if Tom and Jane did end up together, but then would be fabricating too much of poor Jane’s life.
If the director and the writers did intend to completely retell Jane Austen’s life down to pat, they would not have put revolved the whole film around her love life, but her circumstance and her family. Of course, they would have to include her spat with love to some degree, as it does influence her writing a great deal, especially that of her widely acclaimed novel, ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
What really warmed me was the end scene. Jane reading to Tom’s daughter with him watching over, with a sad, but sweet smile upon his face. It is clear that they still love each other dearly, so much so that Jane has not been able to marry, as she is of the opinion that marriage cannot come about without affection on both sides and it is clear that her affections have been indebted to Tom for the entirety of her life.
The film ends with her closing the book and folding her hands on it, and looking up at Tom. Jane looks emotionally stronger at the end and very refined. This impacted me a great deal, as I was suddenly overcome with images of what could have been. If they had not included that particular scene at the end, I might have lost it and started bawling my eyes out. This also gives the audience the hope, that perhaps, just maybe, a few sparks might rekindle for the sake of both our beloved Mr. Lefroy and Miss. Austen. However, upon closer thought, it is not very likely, since Jane does end up dying soon after that scene.
The Leads
Tom Lefroy
Mr. Lefroy is somewhat brash, witty, happy-go-lucky type of guy. He seems to have not the care in the world and enjoys his rather obscure lifestyle. However, this aspect of his person dulls down quite a bit after he falls in love with Jane and is suddenly swamped with the harsh realities of the world that keeps his love apart from him. Life catches up to him and he is subdued, pulled down much further then he can climb out.
Although, I do like that he does become a very sensible, outstanding and overall wiser person by the end of the film, it pains me to see that part of him that I adored so much, with his quick tongue and dry humour, slowly disappear. However, I do agree with the direction that the plot takes his character. Without this development, he would have forsaken both his needy family and the promise of wealth to elope with Jane, which in reality would not have quite worked out as well.
Mr. Lefroy is played by James McAvoy, who does a marvellous interpretation of him.
Although, I do like that he does become a very sensible, outstanding and overall wiser person by the end of the film, it pains me to see that part of him that I adored so much, with his quick tongue and dry humour, slowly disappear. However, I do agree with the direction that the plot takes his character. Without this development, he would have forsaken both his needy family and the promise of wealth to elope with Jane, which in reality would not have quite worked out as well.
Mr. Lefroy is played by James McAvoy, who does a marvellous interpretation of him.
Jane Austen
Miss. Austen is shown to be a good, stubborn, well-educated young lady with a clever tongue. Her character progresses quite a bit throughout the film, with her horizons being broadened by Mr. Lefroy. She also experiences a deep, overpowering affection for the first time, with the recipient being Mr. Lefroy.
I think in any girl’s life, this is a major milestone as it said that one cannot forget their first love, and in Jane’s case, only love. Jane becomes fully aware of the dire financial needs of her family and also the meaning of others feelings. Her writing matures and so does her mind. Although along the way, she loses a great part of life, matrimonial love. In that place, however, she gains the ability to bring pen to paper in such a way that has made her one of the most celebrated authors of English Literature.
Miss Austen is played by Anne Hathaway, who is able to portray Jane with great elegance.
I think in any girl’s life, this is a major milestone as it said that one cannot forget their first love, and in Jane’s case, only love. Jane becomes fully aware of the dire financial needs of her family and also the meaning of others feelings. Her writing matures and so does her mind. Although along the way, she loses a great part of life, matrimonial love. In that place, however, she gains the ability to bring pen to paper in such a way that has made her one of the most celebrated authors of English Literature.
Miss Austen is played by Anne Hathaway, who is able to portray Jane with great elegance.
Ratings - 3/5 Stars
Overall I quite enjoyed the film. Sure it did have some scenes I was yelling at the screen, but most of it was heart-warming and based upon reality and that of Jane Austen's actual life. However, I do not think it should be a true biographical reference to Jane Austen’s life.
