A and I went to the cinema this weekend and saw Jane Eyre. I looked forward to this movie's release for months, and then waited impatiently to see whether it would be shown in our local theaters. The Globe gave it a very favorable review. Apparently, movie-goers were also pleased with the film, because its select theater release was soon expanded, and now there are limited engagements of Jane Eyre everywhere.
I love the story of Jane Eyre. But, I did not love this movie. The beginning was disjointed and confusing. The director chose to begin the story in the middle and then flash the viewer back to scenes throughout Jane's life. Unfortunately, it didn't work. The viewer never really got to know Jane as a small girl. The important influences in her early life, such as the harsh deprivation at Lowood, redeemed by her friendship with Helen Burns, and her mentor Mrs. Temple, were hinted at, but never properly developed.
The scenery, and especially Thornfield Hall, was outstanding, but I felt that Jane's entrance to Thornfield was not well executed. The film pointed out the loneliness and isolation of Thornfield, but it didn't really express it in a believable way. The film did not show us long lonely evenings, or long days with Jane at her work with only her young charge Adele as companion. Mr.Rochester was suitably imposing and arrogant, but not at all likable. His selfishness came across as pitiful on screen, and in the last scene, he was almost too pitiful to watch. I did not sense any chemistry between Jane and Mr. Rochester.
It's always difficult to transfer a book to the screen. Scene selection is everything, I think, and I wonder at the scenes that were left out. The fortune-telling scene would have helped convey the developing tender feelings between Jane and Mr. Rochester. In the movie, his proposal seems even more unexpected than it did in the book.
In all, this movie fell flat for me. A said that it was boring and depressing--it gave her a terrible first impression of one of my favorite stories of all-time! The movie didn't really capture the gothic atmosphere (although it did provide a few unexpected "bangs' that made me jump), the romance, the horror and betrayal, the loneliness--really none of the magic of this story at all. Far too much was missing, most especially the important themes of moral triumph, the worth of the individual (equality), and atonement and redemption.
But, please don't take my word for it. This movie has a very high approval rating at sites like Rotten Tomatoes. It's quite possible that you may love it.
