Review of Jane Eyre (2011) by Margaux W — 23 Apr 2014

The disappointment I felt upon watching this film was enormous. That could possibly be due to the fact that I had just finished reading the book and I felt they did not give enough credit to the very scenes that deserved it most.

I feel Jane or 'Mia' did not play Jane justly, she was too reserved, too emotional at the wrong times and she had such a sad, scared and forlorn look about her, nothing of the strong Jane I had grown to admire during the novel.

I wouldn't want to sound all negative, and I know that films usually don't follow the book exactly word by word (I did keep all this in mind before watching it!), but even my joint-second favourite character, Helen Burns, was robbed of her inspiring speeches, fantasies and imaginations in this film. I found the layout of the film immensely disagreeable. the jumping back and forth with Jane's childhood somewhat dampened the interesting flow that was present in the book (and while am at it complaining away to my hearts content, in hopes it will make me feel better; did they really have to leave out what really happened in the Red room and Bessie and her kindness?).

As for St John and his sisters, I was delighted to find that their clothes matched the descriptions in the book, even if their faces were not! I had to suppress my initial disappointment when Jane appeared sobbing right at the beginning and did not look through the window of Moor House at the two sisters, or that she was not first turned away by the house-keeper. This should have been a warning to me of the poor character of Jane of the film.

Mind, I have not finished watching the film, having only reached 35 minutes through. I'm hoping to maybe pledge myself to it sometime after the soreness and disappointment dies down a little. if it ever shall.