Review of Jane Eyre (2011) by Sean D — 18 Jan 2012

I have not read Charlotte Bronte's novel. That being said, when I first saw the trailer, I assumed it was an adaptation of "Jane Eyre: Vampire Slayer" judging from psychological and creepy quality. When I saw that it was just "Jane Eyre," I was very surprised and intrigued.

Throughout the movie, there is this hanging mystery that surrounds Jane Eyre, the thoroughly repressed, and imaginative main character played excellent by Mia Wasikowska. As the movie unfolds, you see that Jane has basically, for lack of a better term, been shit on for most of her life. Enter the even more mysterious Mr. Rochester, a splendid Michael "Lt. Archie Hicox and Magneto" Fassbender, who falls for Jane Eyre and has a wild range of moods from rage to sarcastic to mildly melancholic to happy.

I do not believe the film itself will get much recognition come awards season when it comes "Best Picture" or Best Director (despite a wonderful debut Cary Fukunaga who really did an excellent job at establishing a drab and dreary setting). However, I think some attention should be due for Wasikowska and Fassbender. They both bring Bronte's fascinating characters to life and have wonderful on-screen chemistry. Props should also go to the always wonderful Dame Judi Dench as the excellent head housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax who provides welcome warmth in such a cold setting.

Credit also needs to be given to the wonderful cinematography. The contrast between the dullness and grayness of the rain that occurs throughout most of the movie, the stark white light that occasionally floods in the drab rooms, and the almost vibrant colours of spring time is spectacular and works well in the movie. It almost rivals movies like "Days of Heaven" and "Mississippi Burning" for beautifully shot movies.

This powerful and wonderful adaptation of "Jane Eyre" will leave you appreciative of the complexity of Bronte's characters, with the great acting, and of the wonderful visuals and camera shots that make this film beautiful.