Currently Watching- Jane Eyre

“Jane Eyre” Arrives at the Talkies Again

On March 11, 2011, another adaptation of “Jane Eyre” hit the big screen. Mia Wasikowska, most remembered for her role as the namesake of the 2010 film “Alice In Wonderland,” stars as Jane Eyre. Her co-stars are Michael Fassbender (of 2009’s “Inglorious Basterds”) as Rochester, and Oscar-winner Judy Dench as Mrs. Fairfax. Cary Fukunaga directs the film; previously known for directing the 2009 film “Sin Nombre.”

Charlotte Brönte, the author Jane Eyre, began writing the novel in 1846 and had it published in 1847 by London’s Smith, Elder & Company. She published the book under the pseudonym Currer Bell. Although she kept the book as a secret from her father, he eventually found out about it, and so did the rest of the world. These days her given name is most associated with other greats in literature for her masterpiece Jane Eyre.

Therefore, it was no surprise that Hollywood paid great attention to this illustrious novel. The current adaptation of the Brönte classic is preceded by scores of films that were produced since 1910. A “Jane Eyre” film was produced approximately every decade since then, starting with a silent film and ending with this latest installment of the “Jane Eyre” film collection. Given the film’s popularity, it might be safe to say that this installment will not be the last.

The numerous adaptations of the film can be attributed to the popularity of the novel. From personal experience, Jane Eyre is a novel that can be read over and over again. In the film industry, many producers have taken this same concept and provided the public with these innumerable “Jane Eyre” films. Over and over again.

Some may prefer to call it road-kill film-making, but others may prefer to say otherwise. A blog site called “Legacy.com” further explores one area of this issue:

“It [“Jane Eyre”] starts in the middle of the story and tells many of the novel’s events in flashback, allowing a tightened version of the story (read: impatient) movie audiences.”

Some viewers (and maybe some critics) may appreciate the effort of filmmakers to make a “Jane Eyre” film accessible to the waning attention span of society.

So far, the 2011 “Jane Eyre” did appeal to modern audiences and has received some rave reviews. Mia Wasikowska, again as the namesake of another film, garnered praise from film critics who dubbed her as “the best cinematic Jane Eyre yet.”

I have not seen the film yet, but I am planning to (and I am very excited about it!). However, I’m going to refresh myself with another read of Jane Eyre. I don’t know what you will do, but hopefully this trailer will help you decide.



-Kerri Byam

Information Sources: http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/48822/jane-eyre-2011/

http://www.legacy.com/ns/news-story.aspx?t=the-many-faces-of-jane-eyre&id=300

http://www.bookrags.com/Jane_Eyre

http://incompetech.com/authors/cbronte/

Image Sources:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnOFHsjeDV4/TZrjTMr3AYI/AAAAAAAAAgY/sy496o56sAU/s1600/New+Jane+Eyre+Movie+Review+2011.jpg

http://www.rarebookschool.org/2005/exhibitions/eyreapparent/img/charlotte_big.jpg