Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Jane Eyre 2011

Jane Eyre, starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, and Jamie Bell.
Ever since I heard back in December that this movie was coming, I nearly died of excitement and anticipation every time it was mentioned. Jane Eyre is one of those stories that has been adapted to film several times, but they never seemed to get it quite right until now. With this adaption they got it right. At least, right enough that I'm happy if they never make another. It lived up to all my expectations for a film adaption, but no movie can ever completely capture the beauty of the book.

I was most happy with Mia Wasikowska as Jane. There is something about her that fit the character perfectly. She looks like a real person, not stunningly gorgeous. There is a strength and confidence that shines through that makes her seem beautiful.

Rochester was just okay. He was just rude enough at the beginning, but he turned sweet way too quickly. I suppose the time constraint of the two hour movie forced the story along, but I barely understood that he was grouchy and troubled before he turned into a really nice guy. It happened so fast that it was barely there.

Adele was perfect, exactly as I imagined her. Mrs. Fairfax was perfect.

St. John didn't look right for the part, but Jamie Bell is an amazing actor and he pulled it off. Not quite stunningly handsome enough, and way too likeable, but he managed to be amazing anyway.

The cinematography was simply beautiful. Some of the first shots took my breath away.

If you haven't seen the movie yet, you may be surprised to know that they rearranged things a little bit. The movie begins with Jane arriving at St. John Rivers' house, then tells her backstory through flashbacks. Eventually it catches up to itself and goes on to the ending from there.

It was unusual, but I liked how they did it. It allowed the audience to meet grown-up Jane before seeing her childhood, and I think it was very effective. It didn't take away from the story at all, it was just a new way of telling the story.

There were a few little things I was disappointed with, but I won't discuss them yet. When the movie comes out on DVD I will watch it again and do another general post about it, as well as a content review.

Any thoughts on this movie? Let me know in the comments!

~Jane~

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have seen many Jane Eyre adaptions through the years, but the one I remember from start to finish is the Masterpiece Theater one. I really liked it a lot!

T.D. said...

Good review- I liked it very much.
Sadly enough, I still have yet to see this film (I want to very, very badly!!!!!) but I first found out about it because of Mr. Bell ;) I'm currently reading the book for the first time.
Again, thanks for the review!

Melody said...

I feel sad that it's rated PG13...

Marian said...

Great review!! We went to see Jane Eyre last month; I really enjoyed it, though I still have to post my review one of these days. :) I wasn't sure about the flashbacks when I first heard about it, but I think they did a brilliant job.