Jane Eyre (2011)

When I think of Jane Eyre, I think of gothic darkness, of secrets and mysteries, of survival borne with courage and sacrifice, and of love. It is frightening, but full of passion. The film Jane Eyre captures all this and more, and I for one could not have asked for more.

Jane Eyre is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (of Sin Nombre fame) based on the screenplay by Moira Buffini. It’s a sharp re-telling of Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 novel, and captures its brooding darkness, emotional complexities and tension-filled relationships.

It is undoubtedly romantic – and that is as it should be, but kudos to the filmmakers for not overly dramatising this. Jane and Rochester’s love is complex; there is almost too much to overcome. Class, wealth, social perceptions and marital vows all conspire to destroy what is delicate, essential and barely admitted to oneself.

Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender star in the lead roles, and do ample justice to the iconic characters. Wasikowska brings out a Jane that is resolute and wise beyond her years, as shaped by the hardships endured from childhood. The world is hard and cruel, but doing what she considers right for herself and for the moral wellbeing of all concerned gets her through.

Lost in a wilderness of feeling, only to find her strength...

Bronte was in pursuit of “a heroine as plain and small as myself.” In Wasikowska’s Jane there is a plain and simple girl with few worldly desires, but an intellect and a plain-speaking mind that responds to Rochester’s probing gaze.

It is also very refreshing to see Jane being portrayed as a young woman of about 18, discovering love and the desperate kind of longing it brings with it. Wasikowska’s portrayal of Jane beautifully captures this emotional fragility.

For me the most beautiful feature about Jane Eyre is the silences it contains. These let the viewer and Jane reflect on the changes racing through her life. These silences capture Jane lost in thought, shaken by her inner turmoil, wondrous at falling in love, and consumed with misery at the continuous misfortunes she appears to attract.

Love and longing... 

Fassbender brings the cynical, but sensitive, Rochester to life wonderfully, all the while keeping an alluring sense of sexual charisma alive. His gradual awakening to Jane’s emotional maturity and her willingness to address him on an intellectually equivalent footing unleashes a torrent of emotion in him, bringing in a sense of near vulnerability that is touching.

The politics of Rochester’s relationship with his wife has been left out of the film’s narrative, and this is somewhat disappointing. His marriage is not all about paternal force and economic necessity, as portrayed in the film, but may be that is left for a different discursive space.

To have been able to cast Dame Judi Dench as Mrs Fairfax says something of the film itself. She is a homely presence, well versed and grounded in her role, her duties, and her place in the bigger scheme of things. She does not let the demands and airs of Rochester shake her, although the class divide makes her rather reverential to him. The film sees her character develop as a comforting contrast to Rochester’s sharp tones, although one can never be sure how much she knows.

Dame Judi Dench as Mrs Fairfax
Credit: Laurie Sparham, Source: focusfeatures.com/jane_eyre

It is a beautifully shot film too. The muted colours of the rocky landscape, and the smoky and mystery-inducing backgrounds make for the perfect backdrop for the story. Thornfield rises majestically above such environs in all its intimidating gothic glory. Its transformation is simply glorious; it goes from being a confronting and ominous presence to a sunlit vision of lush greenery and finally becomes a burnt out ruin wherein all suffering has been purged from its inhabitants.

Another great twist is the flashback scenes. These bring Jane’s years at her aunt’s house, at Lowood, and her later days with the Rivers family into clearer focus, with each getting equal positioning in Jane’s life. Her time in the Rivers’ household is seldom given such prominence, and this too serves as a fresh perspective.

Jane Eyre, the film is a classic capturing the essence of another classic. Jane Eyre’s story will always resonate in our hearts, and this movie will make the discovery of her story all the more enchanting.

For more info, images and the trailer for Jane Eyre visit focusfeatures.com/jane_eyre In the meantime, here is a clip from the movie... it's a great scene and so well acted...



Video credit: FocusFeatures on YouTube
Image source: image.net (unless specified otherwise)