Charlotte Brontë adaptation with Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland), from the director of Sin Nombre. Also starring Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins and Jamie Bell.
Jane Eyre (Wasikowska) flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender, Inglourious Basterds). As she reflects upon the people that have defined her, it is clear that the isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested her resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. Jane must now act decisively to secure her future and come to terms with the past, and the terrible secret that Mr Rochester is hiding...
Jane Eyre is two hours long and yet it never lags. Tense and beautifully acted, every scene is riveting, the result of all parts – moody direction, sizzling chemistry and surprising storytelling – coming together.
Charlotte Bronte’s classic has been adapted for screen countless times, and yet Cary Fukunaga’s version feels anything but staid or obvious. He and screenwriter Moira Buffini have chosen to start the story well into the source material, with the heroine’s breathless escape from Thornfield Hall, her black cape falling around her pale skin as she traverses the wild landscape alone.
Pulling things along, aside from flashbacks to Jane’s nightmarish childhood, is a sense of sexual repression. Like its insipid contemporary spawn Twilight, the virginal heroine is pursued by an intimidating hero, their desires illuminated by candlelight as they engage in amusing banter. Things continue to smoulder even after they’ve put out the blazing bedsheets. Aussie actress Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) as Jane and intense Irish actor Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) as Mr Rochester have such electrifying chemistry it elevates the plain Jane into an object of desire. And yet Wasikowska is commendably subtle as Jane, the smallest nuances communicating emotion, while Fassbender musters the ideal combination of steeliness and passion and Dame Judi Dench creates a dependable observer in Mrs Fairfax.
Jane Eyre was always a tale of deceit, a theme this film dutifully portrays even if the unveiling of Rochester’s dark secret doesn’t quite shock as it could have done. But this Jane Eyre nonetheless maintains its gothic allure. It will no doubt send Bronte-virgins back to the books.
By Rebecca Barry Hill, Flicks.co.nz
good story
I loved this movie so much it inspired me to start reading classic novels
There have been many large and small screen versions of this tale. This was not my favourite. Perhaps it's time to put the old girl to bed.
Jane Eyre is one of my favourite novels, so understandably I was a wee bit cautious about this movie. Plus, so many versions have been made... however, I needn't have been worried! This film was brilliantly done - the acting was spot on, and the Gothic features of the story were really portrayed very well :) For those of you who have read the novel, it will make you want to re-read it, and for those of you who haven't - well, I reckon you will be sooner or later :D Definitely a classic for a reason.
Having once meant to read Jane Eyre and not ever starting, having just watched the film I am glad for it. I had no text to compare the film to and truth be told I was not familiar with the story. I have not come out of a film in so long and have been left tethered to the emotions, conflicts and journey of two characters more than Eyre and Rochester. The journey so satisfying and beautifully rendered by cinematography and stellar direction. Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender smoldered on screen together, such perfect chemistry between two actors I haven't seen in a long time. I definitely recommend this film, especially those who might be put off by period piece drama. It is well worth it. Fantastic.
This is a quiet, contemplative Jane Eyre, a childproofed one with all the pointed edges sanded off.
Voluptuous visuals and ambitious art direction.
There’s no question it’s stunningly mounted, and Wasikowska makes a much stronger Jane than Alice, but the romance is overripe and the climax underdone.
Less melodramatic than most adaptations of this tough-minded story...
With Fassbender's charisma igniting his costar as well as himself, these sparring interchanges, both captivating and entertaining, are where this Jane Eyre finally catches fire.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 22nd Sep 2011.
Release date: September 22nd 2011.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
