There's a fairly comprehensive piece on the new film version of Charlotte Bronte's JANE EYRE opening Friday, in today's NY Times online. (Can't wait to see it.) Here's a link to the new trailer. The piece in the Times has several links to previous adaptations of the story as well. While reading it I was remembering all the versions of JANE EYRE over the years and thinking I'd probably seen them all except for the very earliest. I only go back as far as the Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles 1944 film which I first saw on early television.
But there have been several that I've judged my favorites. The one with Orson Welles, certainly. He was the epitome of dark and brooding, his eyes lit by tiny pinpoint lights which heightened his mysterious allure. Joan Fontaine was a bit mealy-mouthed for Jane, but on the whole I didn't dislike her.
I liked the version with, of all people, George C. Scott as Mr. Rochester. The truth is, I mostly like George C. Scott in anything. Suzanne York played Jane. I haven't seen this in years since it's not currently available on Netflix, but maybe I can hunt it down somewhere. I really do want to see it again.
There are two I didn't like much: one with Ciaran Hinds as Mr. Rochester, he just wasn't right for the part. And the more recent one with Toby Stephens. Neither of these men embody Rochester for me. The one with Ciaran Hinds also had a not very winning Jane Eyre as well.
My favorite I must admit is the series done in 1983 starring Timothy Dalton. Though the idea of Dalton not being deemed 'handsome' is a laugher. I thought Zelah Clarke playing Jane was a bit too old, but other than that, I loved this episodic version.
Here's the Review from today's NY Times, for the new JANE EYRE film, by critic A.O. Scott.
*laughs uproariously* Timothy Dalton wasn't considered handsome?! That is hilarious! It's been quite some time since I've seen a Jane Eyre production, so I don't know which one I could possibly pick that would suit my tastes today. I will say that this new film looks promising, based solely on the trailer (but then again, anything looks good with those Hollywood previews). Still, I'm so excited to see this one!
ReplyDeleteWell, remember the scene where Rochester asks, "Do you find me handsome, Jane?" And she responds, "No, sir." That's what I meant. Maybe in THOSE days, dark, craggy windswept men were not considered handsome enough for the times.
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for the story, so I make sure to see the new ones year after year. :)
Yes, that scene is definitely what cracks me up! Timothy Dalton makes any movie even better (some exceptions apply, of course...) *swoons*
ReplyDeleteDalton was a hottie (still is, for all I know), no question. For me, he embodied Rochester to a T. I'm not so crazy about this Fassbinder dude, though. His hair looks funny. :)
ReplyDeleteYvette, i adore jane eyer!
ReplyDeletei have to admit that timothy dalton was the best mr.Rochester ever!
i also liked the version with william hurt and Charlotte Gainsbourg!!!
it's so great waiting to see another jane eyer!
I actually liked the Toby Stephens one but, in general, I don't think I've ever seen an adaptation that I like as much as the book. I have high hopes for this new one, though. Michael Fassbender is my new favorite actor.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there has been an A+ one yet. Maybe this will be it.
ReplyDeletecan't wait to see it :)
ReplyDeleteI liked Toby Stephens a lot. Must be a guy thing. Nice cast in this one. Mia W. is an accomplished actress for someone so young. She was one of the saving graces in that manic Tim Burton ALICE. I liked her in THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT also. Always like Jamie Bell, too.
ReplyDeleteMartha: I liked Charlotte Gainsbourg too! Well, you know, it's pretty hard to mess up the Jane Eyre story. There's always something to like about it. And with Timothy Dalton, there was a lot to like about it. :)
ReplyDeletePeter: I'm not as sanguine as you about Fassbender. He looks a little odd with that hair sticking out at the sides. But, I'm willing to wait until I see the film. :)
ReplyDeletePatti: I doubt there will ever be a perfect one. There's always something that can be picked apart. ;)
ReplyDeleteBrioche: Me either! I might have to wait for Netflix though. But that's just a couple of months away.
ReplyDeleteJohn: I would have liked to have seen Jamie Bell as Rochester. I like him a lot. I think this will be a terrific Jane Eyre casting, but I'm taking a wait and see attitude about Fassbender.
ReplyDeleteYup, it must be a guy thing. Toby Stephens is not my idea of dark and brooding. ;)
I'm not weighing in on Jane Eyre, not a favorite of mine, book or movie.
ReplyDeleteBut I will weigh in on Timothy Dalton--what a handsome guy and a good actor, to boot. What's not to like?
Timothy Dalton is a hunk, no question. He's wonderful as Mr. Rochester.
ReplyDelete