Wide Sargasso Sea
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Movie Reviews of Wide Sargasso Sea
Movie Review: A masterpiece rendition of a literary masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Jean Rhys came to fame following her novel Wide Sargasso Sea. Most often the novel is read as a colonial-feminist corrective to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. The madwoman in the attic is here given a voice through her daughter who reenacts a self-same fate. The merits of the novel are manifold, and it is an exceptional feat that here is a rendition of the narrative with such vivid emotional energy and lush psychological initmations that it must be regarded as a magical piece of moviemaking. Mind you, my ratings are on the main consevative, but it would be best to append cum laude to this quiet production. The cast is outstanding so much so that the nuances of the tale are diffracted with dexterity while retaining the ambiguity of the textual equivocations, whereby no one character is easily packaged in an easy interpretation. Rather we see the coils and wranglings of passion, culture, conceit, pride, diffidence and the allure for the "other" with such sparkling clarity through a spectrum of carnivalesque dialectics that each character unveils a personality both complex and of vertiginous depth. The texture of the plot thickens with every turn and the allusions to Jane Eyre transcend the indulgence of the passions lived by the two main protagonists and the "colonial markings" are traceable everywhere. Adumbrations of postcolonial trauma, the wretched of the earth of the Carribean so to say, inform the espousal of two culture with that jarring brush of victimhood that stems from a people of insurmountable resources and affectations that are illegible to its counterpart. History is brought in as necessary but always contextual and well-pleated within the unfolding of the story. The music, the landscape, the overall pulsing energy makes of this tale of madness a prism through which women speak the candor of their inner turmoil as men betray themselves in an attempt to civilize the mind and soul of the truly free. And please there is no romanticizing involved here. In fact, even nostalgia proper is absent. Romantic reservations climax upon a crisis of identity that is ostensible and undeniable. It is a snapshot of a picture that bleeds with emotional beauty, and where the mixing of blood is frustrated by a magical hex that seizes the protagonists in an impasse that is heartfelt and indelible. Picture perfect.Movie Review: A STORY IN ITSELF ALONG THE WAY TO 'JANE EYRE'
Summary: 5 Stars
It would take some nerve to write a story based upon a well-known book by none other than Charlotte Bronte (Jane Eyre). Wide Sargasso Sea is successful, and in it's own right. So why did the beautiful wife of a young Englishman get locked up and get labeled mad? Why the fire?
Jean Rhys story has been beautifully brought to film with Rebecca Hall making the romantic loves and losses of Antoinette believable. Her nude scenes leave little to the imagination inside the honeymoon Jamaican house. She throws herself into assuring the young Edward love her. If nudity and sexual situations offend, stop here. It's unrated but probably should be considered an R due to the fleshy parts.
It is 1830, and Antoinette forfeited all control of her 30,000 dowry. Does she not deserve passionate romance? But secrets and whispered tales abound. Antoinette is caught between the English and Jamaican worlds, owned by no one except...her now suspicious husband. Will her history destroy the future? You will feel for the heartbroken Antoinette through her unsuccessful attempts to lure back her Englishman's love. Who's right? Who's betrayed? Who's mad?
This is a 5-star book adaptation worth a second viewing, and then the third watch can be coupled with "Jane Eyre". Very well done by BBC Wales (Kudos) and then Acorn Media with the DVD.
Movie Review: The movie adaptation of a novel written by Jean Rhys
Summary: 5 Stars
Wide Sargasso Sea is the movie adaptation of a novel written by Jean Rhys, as a deliberate prequel to Charlotte Bronte's classic tale "Jane Eyre". In the story, Rhys imagined how Mr. Rochester from "Jane Eyre" met and married his first wife, and how she became a madwoman in the attic. Set in early 1800s Jamaica, the young Englishman Edward Rochester (Rafe Spall) captivates the beautiful Creole heiress Antoinette Cosway (Rebecca Hall); yet the passionate lust of the newlyweds quickly gives way to suspicion, fear and betrayal. Originally aired in the United Kingdom, Wide Sargasso Sea is now available to American audiences on DVD with special features including a biography of Jean Rhys and cast filmographies. An absolute "must-see" for anyone who has enjoyed Charlotte Bronte's great works of literature. 84 min., color, widescreen, subtitles.
Movie Review: A great (and steamy) prequel to Jane Eyre!
Summary: 5 Stars
Although it kind of takes a bite out of the Jane Eyre story that I know and love, I definitely enjoyed this steamy new movie version of the prequel by Jean Rhyss. Veteran Brit actor Rafe Spall and Rebecca Hall (Woody Allen's newest discovery) have wonderful chemistry and the story is haunting.Movie Review: Love this prequel to Jane Eyre
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is so beautifully made and what a great story. The crazy woman from Jane Eyre was a young woman who just wanted to be in love.
The scenery and music are great!