See The Sun

Jane Eyre

Thursday, February 8th, 2007 | Book, Film

I have just seen the most recent adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic, the 2006 BBC miniseries. And I can’t stop thinking about it. I feel the same I did when I read the book years ago. I’ve always loved the novel but never any adaptions. I was starting to think I maybe misunderstood the book. But now with this new excellent film I’m as much in love with this story as ever.

I did love Anna Paquin in the 1996 version as the young Jane. The part of Jane’s early years is still the best in that adaptation; even when taking into account the many deleted scenes from that early part of Episode 1 in the new film I still prefer the other version. Charlotte Gainsbourg as the grown up Jane however, was just plain, lifeless and quite self righteous. How such a spirited and strong-willed young girl could grow up into such a woman, I could never understand.

Samantha Morton as the grown up Jane Eyre in another film was quite good actually, she did the best she could with the script. But I’ve never liked any Mr. Rochester.

The problem with the story I suppose is that it is very complex, subtle at the same time as dramatic, subdued as well as enormously passionate. Mr. Rochester especially is one of the most complex characters, nothing is black and white with him. It is only over the course of time that the characters are fully revealed for who they really are. And 90 minutes are just too short a time to do that justice. That’s the big advantage of the new film - it streches over 4 episodes.

While I deeply love the Pride & Prejudice story, the love between the characters is rather superficial when compared to the love bond that develops in the Jane Eyre novel. Through the talks (which have substance) and time spent together Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre really get that bond of love that allows them to cry across space. Their connection really is intellectual, emotional and passionate. And I felt all that in the new film.

Why I identify so much with Jane: she’s passionate, but also intelligent, her passion covered under something more quiet. She’s a combination of the clichés: a person thinking with the heart and the mind. That’s how I feel about myself. And just like Jane needed Mr. Rochester (and the year spent with the Reeds and living an independent life) to become the strong and mature woman she is at the end I think I need someone (or something to happen) to help me become who I really am.

Apart from doing all of the above justice, I also love the new film for its visual beauty. The northern rugged countryside, the fog and almost mystical atmosphere when the 2 meet for the first time and how the leading actors are believably plain and not-handsome (when judged at first appearance) while at the same time being attractive and more so as we get to know the characters. As Jane says: Beauty is from within, who you are.

Yes, dialogue has been changed, alterations have been made. If one want to find fault with this one, one will. But what’s the point of making a new adaptation if you’re doing the same as in all the previous ones? I for one can accept these changes and love both the original dialogue from the book and the one here. To me it is important that I can feel the story, the characters, the love, the passion, the emotions. And clearly I do.

The only ‘fault’ is maybe the change of how St. John found out who Jane really was. The way it is in the book, that he finds her painting with the signature feels much better. And the final scene is simply lifeless compared to what we’ve seen in the past four episodes. But then, I suppose, it’s hard to top something as passionate. North & South was less obviously passionate during the 4 episodes, so it was quite easy to make the most beautiful & romantic final scene ever. Sandy Welch (the screen writer) is talented. I love ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘North & South’ and ‘Our Mutual Friend’, all adapted by her.

No comments yet.

Leave a comment