Jane Eyre

Still the staple (and perhaps the bane) of many a school child's English classes, Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre has been adapted for the big screen for what seems like the gazillionth time. Directed by Cary Fukunaga, the film tells the story of Jane Eyre who, after a traumatic childhood, starts work as a governess for the abrupt Mr Rochester. However, as the two become closer and Jane falls in love with her employer, his 'terrible' (many a revision guide's word, not mine) secret is exposed. With a fine cast, sumptuous cinematography and more corsets than you could undo in a lifetime, this adaptation shines amongst the eighteen or so other film versions of the 1847 novel.

There are few things that British cinema does as well as costume dramas. Americans lap them up quicker than a double cheeseburger with free fries and whilst they may not be to everyone's liking, there's no denying the fact that they are an important part of British cinema history. Jane Eyre (co-produced by BBC Films) showcases the best of this sub-genre and boy, does it pack a punch visually. The cinematography is stunning and really adds to the feeling of isolation which Jane feels throughout much of the film. The sweeping landscapes of Northern England, coupled with the bleak castle-like features of Thornfield Hall are shot in a way which reinforces the Gothic elements of the novel and creates an uneasy, desolate atmosphere. Fukunaga's use of natural lighting and the reliance on candlelight gives many scenes a claustrophobic feeling and lights the actors in an almost supernatural way. On the subject of actors, there are some superb performances, especially from Mia Wasikowska who plays the tortured yet defiant Jane. Casting such a relatively unknown actress in a role such as this was a big gamble but it certainly pays off. Wasikowska's ability to reflect a whole life of unhappiness in a single close-up or glance towards her feet was very impressive and her performance, coupled with Michael Fassbender's dominating Mr Rochester really made the film for me. A strong supporting cast including the inimitable Judi Dench helped cement the two central performances and made the whole film ooze quality.

There is no doubt that the production values are astronomically high. From the costumes to the sets, the attention to period detail is breathtaking. Even if you have no interest in the story (either because you were scarred at school or, more probably, because you're a guy) this film is a delight to simply look at. Not since you sat on that beach in Hawaii with your other half as the sun set slowly below the never-ending horizon have you seen something which is so easy on the eye. In terms of narrative, the clever use of flashbacks enabled the audience to understand Jane's behaviour and her reactions to the situations in which she found herself. I was struck by how dark the film was (and I don't mean that BBC Films forgot to pay their electricity bill). The fact that 90% of the audience knew Mr Rochester's secret already meant that it became even more effective and loomed over the action as Jane became more uneasy during her time at Thornfield Hall. Whilst I did feel at times that the plot was rushing through events as though the director was keen not to miss out much of the original novel, it was still an accomplished adaptation especially in terms of dialogue. On an overall level, the film maintains just the right level of emotion and its themes of love, betrayal and the triumph of human spirit are as tightly woven into the screenplay as in the original novel. The story of Jane Eyre is, and will always be, a classic and this most recent adaptation will most certainly stand the test of time and it shows that, as Brits, we're blooming good at sticking actors in breeches and corsets. 

Clapperboard Rating: * * * *