2.Main Content
Becoming Jane (PG) Preview plus conversation with Julian Jarrold & Kevin Hood
Thu 8 March 2007

Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen in Becoming Jane
In association with Buena Vista International & The Screen on the Hill
The apparently true story of the real life love affair that sparked the young Jane Austen to become English literature’s greatest romantic writer, Becoming Jane features a naïve young Jane at just 20 years old, meeting and falling head over heels for a handsome young Scottish rogue.
The next instalment of the Austen-at-the-movies cottage industry which has seen titles from Emma and Sense and Sensibility, to Bride & Prejudice and last year’s triumphant Pride & Prejudice, score box office gold, Becoming Jane has many a tough act to follow, but manages it with ease, grace, charm and plenty of acerbic barbed observations on society’s mores and manners…

Maggie Smith at her best - Becoming JaneAssuming that Austen’s own background was a mirror of some of her best-loved classics the set-up is a chaotic houseful of young ladies pursuing potential suitors, with domineering mother and kindly old dad, and even featuring a man who looks like he could be a Darcy… But then comes the magical moment when the lovers meet at which point the film suddenly becomes something very different altogether. Anne Hathaway (Brokeback Mountain, Devil Wears Prada) as Jane, and James McAvoy (Last King of Scotland) as her mis-matched lover, have sparkling screen chemistry, and matched with a strong screenplay and skilful direction, Becoming Jane sits well within the increasingly impressive Brit film catalogue.
Immediately after this preview we’re delighted to welcome director, Julian Jarrold (Kinky Boots), and one of the films’ co-writers, Kevin Hood (Man and Boy), for a conversation about bringing Jane Austen to life.
Thursday 8 March, 6.15pm for 6.30pm
The Screen on the Hill
Haverstock Hill, Hampstead, London, NW3
(nearest tube Belsize Park)
Tickets are on sale now priced £10 from Screen on the Hill Box Office on 020 7435 3366 (open from 12.30pm daily)