Even though it fails to keep true to the book in many areas, and takes liberties with the characters, it is still far more emotional, passionate, and stirring than the others (though not as much as the book), including the version starring William Hurt. It could have been better had it stuck more closely to the book (honestly, it annoyed me that some of the best interactions and dialogue between Jane and Mr. Rochester was not included) still, I prefer this adaptation. Both Ciaran Hinds, and Samantha Morton brought such power and believability to their roles that, even though much detail is excluded, the passion and depth of Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship, and the complexity of both characters, is pretty well conveyed because of their intensity. If they would have made this a mini-series, it would have blown the Timothy Dalton and William Hurt versions into oblivion!
So, all-in-all, this adaptation is superior to the others, and one worthy of being added to any collection. Enjoy!
******
Someone lent me the video of Jane Eyre. I watched it over and over, mesmerized, for weeks, sometimes several times a day. Every time I saw it I was moved anew. I've read Jane Eyre and read it again during the time I was watching the video. I agree that it would be better as a miniseries; a lot of the richness of the book is lost in this piece. However, I felt that the boiling emotions under the surface in both main characters were quite well conveyed. I thought the casting of the housekeeper was brilliant, the perfect foil for Jane and Rochester. By the time I'd memorized the video I was madly in love with Ciaran Hinds...
(Note: Aw! Me too!)
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Ciaran Hinds IS Mr. Rochester
Although I was disappointed in the short length of this adaptation (should have been a miniseries so they didn't have to cut so much out), Ciaran Hinds as Mr. Rochester made up for it!! When I read the few negative reviews by people who thought he was terrible and even some who said he was "too unattractive," I wondered if they had watched the same film I had. In less than two hours, Ciaran Hinds manages to expertly portray this complex character. Mr. Rochester is not supposed to be eye candy (although I personally thought Hinds was very handsome by the end of this film -- he made me love Mr. Rochester). Edward Rochester is not described as good looking. He is also a moody, sometimes blustery man who is haunted by pain. He truly has the capacity to love, although it is scary for him because of his past and because he's hiding something. The little glimpses of vulnerability and gentleness that he brings out in the character among all the gruff defense mechanisms really make one see why Jane could feel so drawn to him. I've seen an older film version and the live Jane Eyre musical on stage before watching the A&E version and this one has basically ruined all previous versions for me (except for the book) because nobody but Hinds will ever be up to par as Mr. Rochester for me now. He was WONDERFUL, as was Samantha Morton's portrayal of Jane. It's not only my favorite version of Jane Eyre; it's my all time favorite film!
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Cirian Hinds and Samantha Morton are wonderful actors, but why didn't the screenwriters even glance at Charlotte Bronte's book when they wrote this screenplay? It was a really strange experience to see some of my favorite characters of literature saying and doing things that weren't even remotely connected to the story (Rochester screaming at Jane to leave Thornfield? Jane and Rochester "bumping into" Blanche Ingram downtown while shopping for wedding clothes? I don't think so!)
Two things they got right -- the age difference and chemistry between Rochester and Jane. If you just like to watch good acting, you might like this. But if you, like me, are a fan of the book, this is a really jolting and unpleasant ride.
(Note: I have to tell you guys, tht I loved the *differences* between the book and the movie...! That was refreshing!)
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This is an excellent version of Jane Eyre, keep in mind it is a movie and not a book. Samantha Morton does a good job as the poor teacher, and I thought that Ciaran Hinds did a wonderful Job as the tormented Rochester, and for others who wrote reviews, you would think that the disturbing (if at all disturbing)aspects of the movie fits the spirit of the excellent book.
******
I saw the film on A&E, and was simply blown away by Ciaran Hinds' truly outstanding performance as Mr. Rochester. In fact, I'd say out of all of the previous incarnations of the brooding master of Thornfield I have ever seen, Hinds is the most true to Charlotte Bronte's vivid description--the force and spirit is all there in Hinds' dark eyes--as is his intelligence, wit, and passion.Samantha Morton portrays a somewhat subdued, rather softer version of Jane, but still very much on the mark--moreso than her predecessors in the role.
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All in all, I really LOVED this version of my favorite book of all time!!! It is definitely not, by any means, the most faithful rendition of Bronte's classic novel--but, in my book, it is by far the most passionate.
(Note: I only saw Zeffirelli´s version and this excellent one, and this is very passionate indded! That´s why I love it so far!)
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is film is an adaptation of Charolette Bronte's nineteenth-century novel. Consequently, as an adaptation, it is not an exact replica of Bronte's tale. Though not all viewers will agree with the choices the writers made in eliminating parts of the the story it is still a beautifully moving film. Instead of focusing on Jane's perception of her life in Regency Era England, this version focuses on the relationship between Jane and Rochester. Morton and Hinds set the screen on fire with the intense intellectual and emotion passion that these isolated souls experience in one another.
Unfortunately I have not seen and, therefore, cannot compare the Timothy Dalton version of Jane Eyre (the apparent favorite) with this version. But I have seen the Orson Wells-Joan Fontaine version many times. (The William Hurt version does not deserve mention.) The 1940s version is a superb gothic romance, but it fails to reach the emotional intensity of this version.
I teach this book in a college course and know it well. Though the details and the focus are not identical to the book, in and of itself this version of Jane Eyre is pure enjoyment
