If you are a lover of the famous book by Charlotte Bronte and are concerned that you didn’t get a chance to see it at Drexel or Lennox, just wait for DVD on this one. There are some very positive things about this film, but it is very disappointing to this lover of the classic.
I admit: I am a purist when it comes to movie adaptations of books. It was not a bad movie; the fault of my disappointment belongs almost entirely to the screenplay, a fault that might not be obvious to those not familiar with the novel. I felt betrayed with this adaptation, but I do think the screenplay’s lack of linear storytelling will be confusing for those who haven’t read the book. If you are not confused, Jane Eyre is a beautiful movie.
This film version starts at a point much later on and looks back at the events that led Jane to fall close to death on the doorstep of strangers. As her health improves, Jane has flashbacks when she is questioned or remembers her past. Jane was an orphan sent to a strict boarding school where she learned discipline and true friendship. When she leaves the school to become a governess, she searches for independence and a place to belong. She arrives at Thornfield, an enormous, spooky estate owned by Mr. Rochester. There she begins to harbor strong feelings for her master, even as his life becomes stranger and she knows he keeps dangerous secrets from her. When they attempt to share their mutual love, Mr. Rochester’s past conflicts with Jane’s idea of self-respect.
The casting of Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender as Jane and her master is the best part of the film. Wasikowska is tiny, plain and blunt to Fassbender’s gruff, dominating and sometimes playful Mr. Rochester. Another positive attribute of the film is its look. The wide shots show much of the countryside and gloom of the location, a great way to show how the past haunts them and creates loneliness for Jane.
Most of the film feels muted when one is familiar with the story. The characters’s actions and behaviors are more subtle and therefore less engaging. The brilliance of dialogue is missing along with it being less scary. Readers will also notice startling omissions from the story, most notably the gypsy scene, the veil scene and much of the ending.
I would recommend seeing this film, both to viewers familiar and unfamiliar with the book, but don’t make it a priority.
Rating for Jane Eyre: B+ as a movie, C as an adaptation
For more information on this film or to watch its trailer, click here.
For another fairly good adaptation, you might also enjoy Franco Zeffirelli's version. It stars the wonderful Charlotte Gainsbourg.
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