JANE EYRE (REVIEW)
Rated
M - 120 mins
Mia Wasikowska, Jamie Bell, Michael Fassbender, Sally Hawkins,
Imogen Poots, Holliday Grainger, Dame Judi Dench
Endlessly
rehashed, do we really need another screen adaptation of the magnificent original
novel from author Charlotte Bronte? No.
The Orson Welles 1947
version and the under-appreciated 1996 interpretation with a young Anna Paquin,
fresh from an Oscar in 'The Piano', are the standouts for me. Thankfully the timeless
story of the feisty orphan girl who finds true love in a spooky mansion never
gets old. While the latest incarnation is faithful to the novel, it does change
the structure slightly to progress storytelling but purists need not panic. The
filmmakers draw the audience into the claustrophobic world of bonnets and corsets
with sharp observation and dramatic tension.
Beginning as the
governess, Jane Eyre suddenly flees the establishment where she has been teaching,
only to be given shelter by the Pastor St. Johns Rivers and his family. The revolving
flashbacks explain what Jane is running from and how her abrupt departure could
be due to a forbidden fondness of brooding housemaster Edward Rochester who holds
an important secret. These secrets and lies lead to heart pounding romanticism
in a period where the misty moors and bleak foggy mornings are the perfect backdrop
for the constantly unfolding gothic drama. Care has been taken to set the mood.
Around
the two would-be suitors is a procession of individual characters that provide
equally provocative moments that more than compensate the quiet scenes of sweeping
landscapes of grassy knolls. The haunting music from composer Dario Marianelli
is appropriate. Also to the film's advantage is its low-key approach, simply letting
the young leads shine. Chemistry is imperative to such an admired classic.
Thankfully
Australia's own Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) as Miss Jane and Michael
Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds) as Rochester are nothing short of flawless. The
focus on their faces in long compelling close-ups showing emotion without words
is a masterstroke when not highlighting their range in commitment to Bronte's
prose. Jane may be stoic at first, but it isn't long until her attitude blossoms
enough to convert a whole new generation that experience this tale of raw tenderness
and unflinching true love that doesn't involve vampires.
As
expected for a production such as this, the British support cast are unforgettable
no matter how small their involvement. Sally Hawkins as Mrs Reed and Dame Judi
Dench as the friendly housekeeper Mrs Fairfax command your attention with every
breath of glorious dialogue. Almost, but not quite stealing the limelight is unique
young newcomer Holliday Grainger. Her Oscar-worthy brief scenes as Diana Rivers
will no doubt skyrocket her career.
The lust of Jane Eyre lives
in this surprisingly above-average version where everything just clicks. Bring
on another 'Wuthering Heights' if it's this good.
Shane
A. Bassett
