I wanted to love this latest film version of Jane Eyre. I really did. But I recognize that I probably walked into the theatre with overly HIGH expectations.
· Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time. There may still be a book or two out there or one yet to be written that will challenge this ranking, but until then, Jane Eyre sits on top.
· I first saw a preview for this film months ago, and the hype has been building in my head ever since. I have mentally been preparing to see yet another take on this my favorite text.
· And then there was a delay in seeing the film because it was not widely released. I had to wait 3 weeks until it came to Indiana. (Oh the agony!) The delay only mounted my suspense and eagerness.
· I like the actor playing the male lead role of Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester. Michael Fassbender, a German-born Irish actor, has been on my radar ever since Hex. Don’t judge me. Fact: I have a thing for the supernatural. It is what it is.
· I watched several film clips online times before I got to see the film in its entirety. The clips (like this one) mesmerized me and gave me hope. (Sigh!)
Alas, it was a false hope, and the film did not deliver.
1. The sparkling chemistry between the lead roles in the film clip (like the one linked above) WAS the extent of the passion in the period film. Thus just watching the clips would have provided me with the best of. So sad!
2. Some of my favorite lines and scenes in the book were ignored or twisted into unrecognizable dialogue.
3. I found the LOST-esque visits between Jane in the present and Jane in the past to be rather wobbly and dizzying. I started to wonder if Mrs. Rochester would appear as a smoke monster in this version? It might have actually worked, too, and then that would have been something to talk about.
4. I dislike the taint of 21st century ideals on 19th century literature. Everyone seems keen to portray Jane as an early feminist, as if that was the author’s sole intent with this work of fiction. I recognize that Charlotte Brontë isn’t here to confirm or deny any such theories. Personally, I have always read Jane Eyre as a love story, but call it feminist rhetoric if it pleases you.
When I left the theatre, I was disappointed. I had wanted so much more from this film. But honestly, I will probably relent a bit and feel less strongly about it upon further acquaintance. In due course, I’ll buy the DVD and add it to my collection because I’ll need it to complete my set, of course. In a year or two, I will find more merits within the piece that will partially redeem it. And eventually, another film will spring up and cause me to delight in this 2011 version even more.
Call me fickle, but I rather see it as my dwindling expectations. Perhaps, I’ll expect less the next time.
2 comments:
Well, that's disappointing. I was hoping it would be all fabulous...but I'm still very curious to see it after reading your comments. Lost-ish time travel? That ought to be interesting.
BTW, have you read (surely you have) The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fford? If not, drop everything and go get it.
Go now. Seriously.
Susan, I might have been slightly exaggerating the LOST-esque time travel, but when you see it, I think you'll understand what I meant by it. :)
And yes, I just started the 3rd book in the Thursday Next series. I'm really enjoying Jasper Fforde's writing style. Love the satire, wit, charm, whimsy and madness all rolled up into each book. Good stuff!
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