Jane Eyre
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Movie Reviews of Jane Eyre
Movie Review: A Moody, Evocative JANE EYRE
Summary: 4 Stars
Oddly enough the Charlotte Brontė's classic novel 'Jane Eyre' has had more cinematic transitions than almost any of the old novels. The story is powerful but with the frequency of film adaptations, even the story grows tired, unless someone breathes new life into the interpretation. In this case that breath comes from director Franco Zeffirelli who has engaged Hugh Whitemore to open the story as a screenplay. The results give a different emphasis to the story and one that for this viewer works well.
In this particular incarnation the rags to riches heroine Jane Eyre is played with subtlety by the beautiful Charlotte Gainsbourg (with Anna Paquin as the younger version) and Rochester the master of the manor is a William Hurt, playing his character more for life and flesh than the usual darkly sinister keeper of secrets. What results from the combination of cast and crew is a film that is far more a romance than a vapid mystery: the fire between Jane and Rochester is palpable and is given more space and time than the other versions which elect to dwell on the mad 'wife' upstairs finally destroyed in the fire that brings Rochester down to Jane's initial stance on the social scale.
The cinematography by David Watkin captures the period beautifully as does the musical score by Claudio Capponi and Alessio Vlad. As with all period pieces the cast of supporting characters paint the various aspects of the novel and here such luminous actors as Joan Plowright, Geraldine Chaplin, Joséphine Serre, Maria Schneider, Elle Macpherson, and John Wood among many others offer fully realized portraits of the class distinctions that ruled the era. This is a fine film version of the Brontė novel and one well worth watching repeatedly. Grady Harp, October 06
Movie Review: Good movie version of a classic book
Summary: 4 Stars
I love Jane Eyre, and this movie version I found to be very appealing. While it is not a strict adaptation, I feel it successfully brings the novel alive. William Hurt was excellant as Mr. Rochester and it was easy to see why Jane would fall in love with him. I also very much liked the actress that played Jane Eyre. She did look the age and looked plain and depressed (like I think anyone with Jane Eyre's life would look). The look of the film was also excellant. Anna Paquin as the young Jane Eyre was also an excellant choice. I prefer this version over the 1997 Samantha Morton version. That version Mr. Rochester is far from appealing, Jane is not so believable and it is hard to believe the two would have an attraction for each other. The 1997 version's Mr. Rochester is very ugly (uglier than I'd imagined Mr. Rochester), mean, rude and very demanding/commanding. He doesn't reflect a tortured soul, but rather a plain old grumpy and mean one and his portrayal of passion and attraction is rather poor. There were no sparks between the two, only poorly delivered lines. William Hurt, on the other hand, is able to portray both the sarcasm, wit, poor manners and inner turmoil of Mr. Rochester. He is also far more capable at portraying passion and love (as is the actress that plays Jane) than comparted to the 1997 Samantha Morton version.
I cared deeply for all of the main characters in this film and was able to connect with the story. I will be adding this film to my period romance collection.
Movie Review: Jane Eyre perfectly done
Summary: 4 Stars
I found this movie to be moving. I found Charlotte Gainsbourg to be the perfect person to play the part of Jane Eyre. Charlotte plays the character with such depth. Just a look in her eyes tells the viewer how much she loves Mr. Rochester, and even how much pain she has gone through. William Hurt plays the part of Mr. Rochester. I found that he was exactly as the housekeeper (Joan Plowright) said he was: you don't know if he's happy when he's sad, or if he's joking or not (or something to that effect). I found it refreshing to see a man (Hurt) express his feelings through the emotions that played out on his face and in his eyes, rather than solely relying on dialogue. While some movies feel the need to over-emphasize the romance between characters; this movie realizes the importance of a touch of the hand, a glance, and even simple dialogue. This movie leaves it up to the viewer to notice the emotions running through the main characters (such as when Mr. Rochester uses his hankerchief on Charlotte's hand when he sees that she's hurt). The director obviously realized that the audience was intelligent enough to sense these emotions. However, the movie also knows when to satisfy the viewer's need to see the two share a romantic moment. The one complaint I could possibly have about this movie is that it seemed rather drawn out. But the more I watch it, the more I realize that each part in the movie serves a purpose. Even the music moved me.Movie Review: An alternate view.
Summary: 4 Stars
I've never read the book, but perhaps this gives me a unique perspective from which to review the movie that is different from most of the other reviewers.I found the movie very captivating. The characters are generally likeable (where they are supposed to be) and well developed, and are given depth and shading. So the movie doesn't reflect the book - when does a movie ever do that? It's hard to capture complex books in a (comparatively) short movie.
Case in point: Lord of the Rings. I think the first two installments are excellent movies, but they don't capture every aspect of the books. I don't know that you can even capture some things about the books in a movie. It's just a different medium of communication.
I also disagree with the statement by another reviewer... "every trace of rebellion against gender, race, and class hierarchies is completely eliminated". I think it's just subtle. I know that Bronte makes strong use of these issues in her books, and maybe the movie isn't as in your face about it?
Anyhow, I think the movie is worth a chance. And for what it's worth, it does make an excellent romance, purists notwithstanding.
Movie Review: Very beautifully done!
Summary: 4 Stars
It isn't as close to the book as the BBC version is, but if you want a version that is more theatrical and dazzling, then go ahead and buy it.
The film quality is perfect and the music really puts out a lot of feeling and passion. I was quite moved by the childhood part.
However, in the first half of the movie, it has a good godly outlook on life and I don't feel that the producers kept that feeling going throughout Jane's adulthood. Zefirelli has reduced 'Jane Eyre' into a mere romance movie.
Joan Plowright said that 'Jane Eyre' was like a fairy tale, a "Cinderella story in reality." She is so wrong. It's more than just a romance novel, it promotes standing up for what's right even when the pressures are hard, practicing what you preach and not looking down on other people because of their station.
That's about the only thing I'm dissiatisfied with in this film. Every actor did a wonderful job-only William Hurt is a little stiff. Go ahead and buy it. It's worth the price.