Jane Eyre (B or 3/4 stars)
'Jane Eyre', written by Charlotte Bronte in 1847, is a literary classic. There have been a plethora of film versions. And here is yet another; directed by Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre). Did this version need to be made? No, it didn't. I honestly feel that it was made to showcase 2 budding actors (Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender); and maybe because the director has a deep love for the source material. But again, kinda redundant to make another.
The 1st scene of the film shows a disconsolate Jane (Wasikowska) fleeing Thornfield House; where she worked as a governess for wealthy Edward Fairfax Rochester (Fassbender). Out in the wilderness, Jane is rescued by a seemingly kind missionary named St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell). Scenes involving St. John Rivers are used as a narrative framing device to establish the present. But the film employs a lot of flashbacks, & we are then transported back to Jane's bleak childhood at Gateshead Hall (where she's loathed by her vindictive Aunt, played by Sally Hawkins). After attending the miserable Lowood Charity School, she sets out in the world as a governess. And for a while, she's happy to work at Thornfield; taken in by friendly housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax (the great Judi Dench). With time, she meets her cold, abrupt employer, Mr. Rochester. She tutors his ward, forms an uneasy bond with him, & develops a deep, submerged infatuation with him. Little does she know that his heart has warmed & he feels the same. Things seem to be going swell for them until Rochester's horrifying secret threatens to destroy their union forever. Due to her awful upbringing, Jane built up a cold resilience to life, but this latest setback with Rochester could ruin her.
I haven't read 'Jane Eyre' {shocker, I know}. But I've seen enough films & read enough about the book to recognize that this recent version appears to be an intelligent, literate adaptation. I enjoy this cold, dreary story about love, loss, & madness (this IS Jane Eyre, after all {haha}). Mia Wasikowksa is quite talented; having now seen her in several movies. Her face expresses emotions better than her dialogue delivery infers. But I liked her steely determination in this role. And I think Michael Fassbender is going to blow up this year (in popularity/recognition). There is chemistry between the two. But I can't tell if it's their fault or the director's that their chemistry is as subdued as it is (I felt like I needed to fill in some blanks). The sexual tension is there; just not off the charts. I understand that their lack of overt connection is a reflection of the novel. But one looks for just a little more passion in a romance; no matter how gothic it is.
Also, though the actors do well to impart Jane & Rochester's inner lives, I wish that we were given more emotional context (perhaps via dialogue) of her anxieties & his evolution from beastly employer to lovesick hero. Another small issue I have with the film is its stately manner -- it's too stately. There are a few unique flourishes here & there. There are some effective "boo!" moments to compliment the grim undertones. But overall, the film lacks some 'spirit'. The mood of the film is too hushed, at times. And so, viewers who are unfamiliar with the source material may find portions of the film boring.
What I loved about the film were its technical elements. Cary Fukunaga creates a dark, near-nightmarish atmosphere; aided by some great cinematography choices. The natural lighting (both indoors & out) is luminous. Candlelit rooms added to the already heavily romantic feel of the film. I even love how weather is portrayed in the story (almost paralleling the characters' inner-emotions); the way the vast countryside looked during the film's many gloomy thunderstorms. Additionally, the colors in the film are mostly muted/de-saturated for further effect. The art direction/sets are exquisite. I love the interiors & exterior of the isolated, but imposing Thornfield Hall. Ditto that for the costumes, too - wonderfully detailed.
In the end, I understand why 'Jane Eyre' is considered one of the most romantic stories ever told. It's meant to challenge the heart & mind. The movie is solid. I just don't know that director Cary Fukunaga brings anything new to this story other than (as I've mentioned) showcasing 2 blossoming performers in Wasikowska & Fassbender. The movie lacks some internal fire. Still, I'm glad I saw it.
The 1st scene of the film shows a disconsolate Jane (Wasikowska) fleeing Thornfield House; where she worked as a governess for wealthy Edward Fairfax Rochester (Fassbender). Out in the wilderness, Jane is rescued by a seemingly kind missionary named St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell). Scenes involving St. John Rivers are used as a narrative framing device to establish the present. But the film employs a lot of flashbacks, & we are then transported back to Jane's bleak childhood at Gateshead Hall (where she's loathed by her vindictive Aunt, played by Sally Hawkins). After attending the miserable Lowood Charity School, she sets out in the world as a governess. And for a while, she's happy to work at Thornfield; taken in by friendly housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax (the great Judi Dench). With time, she meets her cold, abrupt employer, Mr. Rochester. She tutors his ward, forms an uneasy bond with him, & develops a deep, submerged infatuation with him. Little does she know that his heart has warmed & he feels the same. Things seem to be going swell for them until Rochester's horrifying secret threatens to destroy their union forever. Due to her awful upbringing, Jane built up a cold resilience to life, but this latest setback with Rochester could ruin her.
I haven't read 'Jane Eyre' {shocker, I know}. But I've seen enough films & read enough about the book to recognize that this recent version appears to be an intelligent, literate adaptation. I enjoy this cold, dreary story about love, loss, & madness (this IS Jane Eyre, after all {haha}). Mia Wasikowksa is quite talented; having now seen her in several movies. Her face expresses emotions better than her dialogue delivery infers. But I liked her steely determination in this role. And I think Michael Fassbender is going to blow up this year (in popularity/recognition). There is chemistry between the two. But I can't tell if it's their fault or the director's that their chemistry is as subdued as it is (I felt like I needed to fill in some blanks). The sexual tension is there; just not off the charts. I understand that their lack of overt connection is a reflection of the novel. But one looks for just a little more passion in a romance; no matter how gothic it is.
Also, though the actors do well to impart Jane & Rochester's inner lives, I wish that we were given more emotional context (perhaps via dialogue) of her anxieties & his evolution from beastly employer to lovesick hero. Another small issue I have with the film is its stately manner -- it's too stately. There are a few unique flourishes here & there. There are some effective "boo!" moments to compliment the grim undertones. But overall, the film lacks some 'spirit'. The mood of the film is too hushed, at times. And so, viewers who are unfamiliar with the source material may find portions of the film boring.
What I loved about the film were its technical elements. Cary Fukunaga creates a dark, near-nightmarish atmosphere; aided by some great cinematography choices. The natural lighting (both indoors & out) is luminous. Candlelit rooms added to the already heavily romantic feel of the film. I even love how weather is portrayed in the story (almost paralleling the characters' inner-emotions); the way the vast countryside looked during the film's many gloomy thunderstorms. Additionally, the colors in the film are mostly muted/de-saturated for further effect. The art direction/sets are exquisite. I love the interiors & exterior of the isolated, but imposing Thornfield Hall. Ditto that for the costumes, too - wonderfully detailed.
In the end, I understand why 'Jane Eyre' is considered one of the most romantic stories ever told. It's meant to challenge the heart & mind. The movie is solid. I just don't know that director Cary Fukunaga brings anything new to this story other than (as I've mentioned) showcasing 2 blossoming performers in Wasikowska & Fassbender. The movie lacks some internal fire. Still, I'm glad I saw it.