Based on history
Alert Janeite Kirsten sent us a link to an article in USA Weekend Magazine about the historical content of upcoming films “based on a true story,” including Becoming Jane.
The History Channel’s resident historian Steve Gillon (his series Our Generation returns this Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET) knows, and he is willing to go easy on the movies. “We have to give the studios some leeway,” he says. “As long as a movie is faithful to the essence of history, filmmakers can take a certain license. What’s important is that a movie ignites the imagination and inspires people to seek the truth.”
Even with this generous outlook, Mr. Gillon seems disinclined to give Becoming Jane a total pass.
CAUTION
“The film is about a two-week relationship, of which little is documented. Who knows what the couple said to each other? I hope the filmmakers won’t try to oversimplify Austen.”
So do we, but we think it a hopeless business.
