Review of Jane Eyre (2011) by Helen S — 16 Sep 2011

Eloquent and elegant, visually spot on, good script and I can't fault the casting. Very fine performances from Wasikowska and Fassbender, who both wisely don't try to hard with the Yorkshire accent, and both prove they are hugely talented actors.

It reminded me a lot of "Bright Star"; a dignified and restrained film that is allowed to unfold and develop without feeling forced. However the pace of the direction was a little too even in places - Jane's desperate flight from, and urgent return to Thornfield barely increase the tempo - but there is plenty of passion under the surface of those starched Victorian costumes. I found it helped to be familiar with the novel as cutting out a few peripheral storylines does prevent some characters becoming fully rounded, but then again trimming it also stops this fine piece of film-making become a workaday four part TV mini-series so on balance it was necessary.

A worthy adaptation of a much-loved claasic.