'Jane Eyre' Gets Some Flair
December 6th 2007 18:59
There is nothing at all “poor, obscure, plain [or] little” about this Jane Eyre – a two-part BBC film series directed by Susanna White. Instead, it is a production of rich distinction, a lustrous and most grand adaptation of a beloved Brontë tale.
Brilliantly cast, with a discerning eye for new and untapped talent, the film stars twenty-five year old Ruth Wilson as the spirited Miss Eyre. Wilson, previously all but unknown, was BAFTA nominated for this role, which she portrayed with seemingly effortless authenticity. She captured the very essence of Jane’s carefully restrained yet intrinsic passion; her expression a pure reflection of the contradiction of Jane’s senses, her passion, pride and assurance warring with her politesse and insecurities.
The way I read Jane Eyre, she considers herself plain, as do others, especially in comparison to the fashionable blonde beauty of Blanche Ingram (Christina Cole), and yet there is something about her, something striking but not at all stylish – a quieter yet stronger magnetism about her.
Wilson fits this image almost perfectly. She is petite but her stature doesn’t define her as weak or incapable. Her face is clear, her eyes astute and almost wary. Her dark hair and slashing brows are most unfashionable, somehow adding to the challenge of her frankness and her mystery. But it is her mouth which saves her from conventional beauty, the quirkiness of a slightly too-long upper lip – and makes her so right as Jane Eyre.
Starring opposite Wilson, as the gruff yet vulnerable Edward Rochester, is thirty-eight year old Toby Stephens, son of Dame Maggie Smith and the late Sir Robert Stephens. Having only gotten better with age and the lengthening of his hair, Stephens is most convincing as the Master of Thornfield Hall. Between the two protagonists there is a great chemistry, lending real fervour to the romance and tragedy of their story.
Stephens also has that quality about him, which marks Wilson so profoundly. He is not handsome in any conventional sense; rather, he has a more forceful allure. As Rochester he is strangely compelling, achieving his brusqueness, his tenderness, his arrogance and his uncertainty with considerable style.
Overall, with its brilliant depiction of the characters, its straight-telling and magnificent scenery, with the momentum building throughout, this adaptation is the best I’ve seen. The only thing I was disappointed with was the initial representation of Jane’s time at the Reed house and Lowood School. Many of the encounters she had in her early life, particularly with the Reed family and the Reverend Brocklehurst, and the relationships she formed with Miss Temple and Helen Burns, were skimmed over, despite the influence they had on Jane’s later life.
The 1996 film adaptation by Franco Zeffirelli, (starring Charlotte Gainsbourg, William Hurt, Anna Paquin, Fiona Shaw, Maria Schneider and Elle McPherson) illustrates this better, but while it is still a strong film in general and definitely worth seeing, the BBC version is the better one, for sheer passion and strength of performance.
Michaelie Clark
Ruth Wilson as Jane Eyre - Image courtesy of bbc.co.uk
The way I read Jane Eyre, she considers herself plain, as do others, especially in comparison to the fashionable blonde beauty of Blanche Ingram (Christina Cole), and yet there is something about her, something striking but not at all stylish – a quieter yet stronger magnetism about her.
Christina Cole is fortune hunting Blanche - Image courtesy of news.bbc.co.uk
Starring opposite Wilson, as the gruff yet vulnerable Edward Rochester, is thirty-eight year old Toby Stephens, son of Dame Maggie Smith and the late Sir Robert Stephens. Having only gotten better with age and the lengthening of his hair, Stephens is most convincing as the Master of Thornfield Hall. Between the two protagonists there is a great chemistry, lending real fervour to the romance and tragedy of their story.
Toby Stephens - Image courtesy of moonfruit.com
Stephens also has that quality about him, which marks Wilson so profoundly. He is not handsome in any conventional sense; rather, he has a more forceful allure. As Rochester he is strangely compelling, achieving his brusqueness, his tenderness, his arrogance and his uncertainty with considerable style.
Toby Stephens as Rochester - Image courtesy of answers.com
Overall, with its brilliant depiction of the characters, its straight-telling and magnificent scenery, with the momentum building throughout, this adaptation is the best I’ve seen. The only thing I was disappointed with was the initial representation of Jane’s time at the Reed house and Lowood School. Many of the encounters she had in her early life, particularly with the Reed family and the Reverend Brocklehurst, and the relationships she formed with Miss Temple and Helen Burns, were skimmed over, despite the influence they had on Jane’s later life.
Jane and Rochester in the gardens of Thornfield - Image courtesy of asp.usatoday.com
The 1996 film adaptation by Franco Zeffirelli, (starring Charlotte Gainsbourg, William Hurt, Anna Paquin, Fiona Shaw, Maria Schneider and Elle McPherson) illustrates this better, but while it is still a strong film in general and definitely worth seeing, the BBC version is the better one, for sheer passion and strength of performance.
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by Holly Go Lightly
Movie Mage
Comment by Andy 2
Cop it Sweet
Metamorphosis
Random Travels
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
I'm a bit like Andy 2.
Had to suffer through the whole Jane Eyre thing in Eng LIt - so was a little apprehensive when the series was touted.
Andy - do yourself a favour and get the DVD - its a keeper - my kids in particular love it.
MNG
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
You'll have to fight one of my friends for him! This film is very in keeping with the book - there are only a few bits where it differs, most notably the sequence with the charades etc, is replaced with all the guests convening around a ouija board.
Thanks for stopping by!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Definitely get the second part of the film - I found it just kept getting better as the story progressed, and was much more satisfied with the depiction of the last half.
I'm sure Mr Chips will be glad of your note.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Yeah the guys don't usually dig it so much. Lol. It's great that your girls love it though - it's such a classic. Just make sure they read it too! In the end, no-one tells it so well as old 'Currer Bell'!
Mich
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
What an excellent review. I loved this series when I watched it a while ago and thought it was excellent. You've captured its essence so well.
Byeee
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by Anonymous
I love love love your post and I guess it goes without saying that I also love this adaption of Jane Eyre.
It is no easy task bringing to life this beloved piece of literature and doing it justice at the same time. The casting was brilliant, especially of the famous Ms. Eyre, who was captivating from beginning to end. I couldn't help but stare at her face which is stunning despite no being conventionally beautiful.
Thank you for the Mr. Rochester eye-candy
Love Annie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
And I put the extra photo of Rochester in just for you!
Love Mich
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
oooh Jane Eyre is one of my favourite novels. I read it at least once a year.
I'll have to keep an eye out for this one. I can`t stand it when they take a classic and add their own bits and pieces to it and by the end it has lost the whole magic of the story.
Bronte was an excellent writer and wove so many grand ideas into her work. Love it!
Ash
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I think Charlotte is my favourite of the sisters, though Emily is a very close second. An extremely talented family, the Brontes!
Thanks!
Michaelie