Forecasting the Oscars ® since 2003

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BECOMING... BEST ACTRESS?

Anne Hathaway is acceptable (or Golden Globe-worthy) but far from impressive (or Oscar-worthy) in "Becoming Jane"

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By Joey Magidson

Trivia: Was Jane Austen the author of “The Princess Diaries”? Of course not, but given that Ms. Austen is portrayed by Anne Hathaway in the anticipated "Becoming Jane," the subject bears merit. Despite a serious role in “Brokeback Mountain”, Hathaway seems to still be known as an actress that entertains pre-teen girls. It is the hope of the makers of the new film “Becoming Jane” that not only will this no longer be true, but that Hathaway will have some Oscar gold to show for it as well. Is this likely?

Don’t count on it. Too many things are not going in this film's favor. The early buzz on the flick has not been too great, claiming that film plays like a lesser version of Austen's own “Pride and Prejudice” and that Hathaway herself is far from spectacular. Early reviews of the film have said that Hathaway is “acceptable” (Steven Rea, The Philadelphia Inquirer) and that “she is not suited to the role and lacks presence” (James Berardinelli, ReelViews).

In regard to Hathaway, she will most likely be another American actress to fall prey to the dreaded English accent (is it just me, or is it odd that every English actor can pull off a flawless Texas drawl but so few Yankees can convincingly sound like they belong in London?). “Variety” and Derek Elley seem to be in the minority here, praising her accent and even calling it “flawless”. It seems to me that these reviews sound distinctively unlike reviews that would foreshadow a trip down Oscar lane.

Films like this tend to not pay enough tribute to the famous person, and in the case of someone who is considered to be one of the great writers of all time, this may make the movie seem pointless and little more than a costume melodrama.

This does not strike me as a film with Oscar written all over it. I could be wrong, but it seems like this film will quickly come and go, with Hathaway’s performance (good or bad) being forgotten quickly too. The reviews that have trickled in so far only strengthen my stance. This is a film that at best is a lesser version of Austen’s work “Pride and Prejudice” (as previously stated) and at worst is an exercise in watching Anne Hathaway play dress up.

Well, there’s always the Golden Globes to look forward too…

Possible Nominations:

Best Actress (But not very likely)

What do you think? Is Hathaway a player in this year's Best Actress race?
 

Comments?
 

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