A few weekends ago I watched the new Jane Eyre (upon Amy Merrick's suggestion). While this version just scratches the surface of the book and doesn't feel quite dark enough, the photography, styling, and acting won me over. Filmed with a hand held camera, the movie is a beautiful peek into Jane's world. It drew me in emotionally and let me escape into the world of a girl I admire.
On a purely visual note: Mia Wasikowska dons the loveliest navy calico dresses, capes and intricately braided hair as she runs through secret gardens and off through moors. Michael Fassbender looks like a young Christopher Plummer (I am smitten!). Rumor has it that Mia took behind the scenes photos with her Rolleiflex camera. I would love to see them (couldn't find the photos released anywhere!). Have any of you seen the new Jane Eyre? What did you think?
P.S. The book is so special to me. I still remember reading and crying over it my Freshman year of college on Christmas break. Have you read it?
Photos: Focus Features.
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I agree that it was not NEARLY dark or gothic enough. But the visuals and emotions they portrayed were incredible. I even found myself praying "please don't let him be blind!" even though I knew he would be, wanted him to be, and would be mad if he wasn't. All in all, a masterpiece.
Posted by: Sabriel Parker | April 14, 2011 at 11:14 PM
I love Jane Eyre and am looking forward to the recent version, at least for the visual styling.
Regretfully, I got rid of my copy of Jane Eyre, which was a cool illustrated version with the artwork done by a graphic novelist named Dame Darcy.
Posted by: Kate | April 14, 2011 at 11:16 PM
the images in this look amazing!
Posted by: Amanda Thorson | April 15, 2011 at 12:06 AM
You're definitely right that it isn't quite dark enough, but it is certainly a visual feast. Delightful styling and landscapes, and I LOVED Jane's hair! I came away from it wanting braids like hers and thinking that Mr. Rochester was gorgeously attractive. Never understood the appeal of that man in all ky readings, but this version of him was enchanting.
Posted by: chelsea | April 15, 2011 at 12:59 AM
I`ve read the book several times, and I can never get enough of it. I saw a few film versions as well, and I am looking forward to this one. You made me curious.
Posted by: eva | April 15, 2011 at 05:10 AM
I am actually a huge fan of jane Eyre but for me the BBC version (mini series) was the best I have seen yet. However, I have not seen the newest version maybe I will be surprised.
Posted by: Rene | April 15, 2011 at 07:08 AM
I really enjoyed it. I thought Mia played Jane very smartly. Wonder if perhaps we all know the tale so well that it loses a bit of its darkness, hmmmmm. . . but, oh, the landscapes!
Posted by: Janet | April 15, 2011 at 08:32 AM
I am definitely hoping to see this! Still am yet to see any film versions of it beyond that one with George C. Scott back in the day. George C. is no Mr. Rochester, but I love John Williams' film score for it.
Posted by: mariel | April 15, 2011 at 09:14 AM
I have not seen this movie yet, but I am trying to finish the book first. I started when I was in middle school and thought it was slow and depressing, but I'm loving it as an adult and wished I had picked it up again sooner! I watched the 1996 movie with Charlotte Gainsbourg and really enjoyed that version and am very much looking forward to this new one! I also heard the soundtrack was fabulous fitting.
Posted by: Melinda | April 15, 2011 at 10:15 AM
I loved this version! The cinematography was gorgeous, and Fassbender was a great Rochester - broody and delicious :)
Posted by: josephine | April 15, 2011 at 10:20 AM
I enjoyed the movie too and loved Michael Fassbender (I'm excited because he's in an upcoming Flann O'Brien adaption with all my other favourite Irish actors too!)
I don't think productions of Jane are ever dark enough (as dark as the book is), but this was a beautiful production. And I liked that they didn't go for a big visual in ever frame, just moments (especially around windows) where the scene overtook the acting.
Posted by: Jane Flanagan | April 15, 2011 at 10:43 AM
So freaking beautiful.
Posted by: emerson merrick | April 15, 2011 at 03:17 PM
I need to re-read the book. I read it sophomore year of high school because I had to, and I don't remember much about it. And since I also had to read Wuthering Heights that year, I think I get some of the details mixed up. (Different authors, I realize, but both Brontes.) The previews I saw for this film version made me excited to read it again, though, and I can't wait to see the movie. I'm glad to know you liked it, even though it wasn't *quite* what you expected.
Posted by: Kristy | April 15, 2011 at 03:32 PM
i can't wait to see this movie, hopefully this coming week. a friend and i were contemplating if it would be okay to take our 11 year old daughters to. i love the book, i've read and re-read it many times.
Posted by: jill | April 16, 2011 at 04:26 AM
I've been wanting to see this! I loved the Bronte sisters so much when I was in junior high/high school. Haven't read them since then...I should probably go back and try again.
Posted by: Eva / Sycamore Street Press | April 16, 2011 at 09:49 AM
yes, several times... Villette is also an amazing read.
Posted by: Kelly Oshiro | April 16, 2011 at 10:41 AM
I have not seen this movie yet. I'm waiting patiently for them to release it in my town. I read the book not that long ago. I have to admit I'm not an avid reader and I have a hard time getting through a book. I could not put this book down. What I find so fascinating about Charlotte Brontes' writing style is she caters to all of her "readers". This book is for anybody and everybody.
Posted by: Cindy Hosmer | April 16, 2011 at 08:13 PM
I LOVE Jane Eyre! I still haven't seen the movie yet, but I love Mia and I've heard she is wonderful in it.
Posted by: Laure | April 17, 2011 at 10:12 AM
I remember seeing the 80's version with Timothy Dalton and being totally blown away by it. I must have driven my mother insane because I talked about it for weeks. I can't imagine it being filmed without a highs level of doom and creepiness but I'd love to see this version.
Posted by: erin | April 17, 2011 at 08:23 PM
I haven't seen the new movie yet. I've convinced a few girlfriends to read it and am (still) waiting for them to finish it so we can go together to the theater. My favorite version is the BBC version since it is able to be more faithful to the novel since it was a miniseries (I do always seem to favor BBC versions over Hollywood ones though).
Posted by: Becky | April 18, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Jane Eyre is my favorite book... ever. I read it in 7th grade, and have re-read it every year or two since then... (so let's just say I have read it many times.) I have not seen this version of the movie yet, but I do want to.
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | April 18, 2011 at 10:24 PM
This one was a little pallid for my tastes, although I am generally a Michael Fassbender fan. I didn't think it compared with the BBC version with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson ... she *truly* is an unconventional beauty (I find MW too pretty) and he smolders - the tension and attraction between them is awesome. I read an interview with Fassbender where he said that Stephens' Rochester was his favorite, too. Makes me want to watch it again!
Posted by: evencleveland | April 19, 2011 at 02:56 PM
I haven't seen the film yet, but I loved the book so much! Those Bronte sisters were a bad influence as far as developing my soft spot for brooding men!
Posted by: Kristine | April 23, 2011 at 05:32 AM