Genre: Romance/Drama
Director: Cary Fukunaga
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins
RunTime: -
Released By: Shaw
Rating: TBA
Official Website: http://focusfeatures.com/jane_eyre
Opening Day: 19 May 2011
Synopsis:
In a bold new feature version of Jane Eyre, director Cary Joji Fukunaga (Sin Nombre) and screenwriter Moira Buffini (Tamara Drewe) infuse a contemporary immediacy into Charlotte Brontë’s timeless, classic story. Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) and Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) star in the iconic lead roles of the romantic drama, the heroine of which continues to inspire new generations of devoted readers and viewers.
In the 19th Century-set story, Jane Eyre (played by Ms. Wasikowska) suddenly flees Thornfield Hall, the vast and isolated estate where she works as a governess for Adèle Varens, a child under the custody of Thornfield’s brooding master, Edward Rochester (Mr. Fassbender). The imposing residence – and Rochester’s own imposing nature – have sorely tested her resilience. With nowhere else to go, she is extended a helping hand by clergyman St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell of Focus Features’ The Eagle) and his family. As she recuperates in the Rivers’ Moor House and looks back upon the tumultuous events that led to her escape, Jane wonders if the past is ever truly past…
Aged 10, the orphaned Jane (played by Amelia Clarkson) is mistreated and then cast out of her childhood home Gateshead by her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed (Golden Globe Award winner Sally Hawkins). Consigned to the charity school Lowood, Jane encounters further harsh treatment but receives an education and meets Helen Burns (Freya Parks), a poor child who impresses Jane as a soulful and contented person. The two become firm friends. When Helen falls fatally ill, the loss devastates Jane, yet strengthens her resolve to stand up for herself and make the just choices in life.
As a teenager, Jane arrives at Thornfield. She is treated with kindness and respect by housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax (Academy Award winner Judi Dench). Jane’s interest is piqued by Rochester, who engages her in games of wit and storytelling, and divulges to her some of his innermost thoughts. But his dark moods are troubling to Jane, as are strange goings-on in the house – especially the off-limits attic. She dares to intuit a deep connection with Rochester, and she is not wrong; but once she uncovers the terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever, she flees, finding a home with the Rivers family. When St. John Rivers makes Jane a surprising proposal, she realizes that she must return to Thornfield – to secure her own future and finally, to conquer what haunts both her and Rochester.
Movie Review:
Forget Alice, here’s Jane.
After being overshadowed by the colourful
backdrops in Alice in Wonderland (2010), Australian actress
Mia Wasikowska finally gets to show us her prowess as the
titular character in this British romance drama. Based on
the 1847 novel of the same name by Charlotte Brontë,
this beautiful adaptation of the important feminist classic
has Wasikowska playing Jane Eyre, a girl who begins obscure,
plain and little, but eventually matures to become a confident
whole woman.
The era was 1840s. Our heroine starts off
with a bleak childhood, where unkind adults made life difficult
for the poor girl. Despite the suffering, she grows up to
become a governess and meets a mysteriously cold and abrupt
man in her new position. Their relationship strengthens and
she finds herself falling in love with the man of the house.
Just as she thinks that happiness is finally upon her, a terrible
secret threatens to destroy it forever.
Younger viewers may not realise how influential
the original literature text was, thus overlooking its importance
in today’s society. With the advent of noisy and CGI
laden blockbusters in cineplexes, it is easy to ignore films
like this one. After many TV series, musical productions and
film adaptations, it is important to take stock and introduce
this tale of love and independence to the contemporary audience.
Beautifully filmed by Brazilian cinematographer
Adriano Goldman, this polished production has an alluring
brooding and moody quality which is nothing but luscious when
viewed on the big screen. Be prepared to immerse yourself
in the awe inspiring landscapes of London, Derbyshire and
Chatsworth, where residences bear a foreboding presence, portraying
the cooped up frustrations of the protagonist. The clothing
style of that foregone era also had a unique look –
and thanks to Academy Award winning costume designer Michael
O’ Connor (The Duchess), you have to give credits to
the cast for donning those costumes which probably made movement
rather difficult.
At its simplest, the 120 minute film is a
love story. It is also a tale of how a woman wants to be recognised
for her individual’s worth. Watch out for the scene
where Wasikowska’s Jane Eyre agrees to marry her employer
Mr Rochester after proclaiming herself as his equal. The 21
year old actress personifies that respected spirit with much
gusto, and proves herself to be one of the finer actresses
of her time. The character’s subsequent decision to
leave Mr Rochester is also a testament of her personal demand
to be treated as an indpendent human being with her own needs
and talents. As one sees Wasikowska wandering through the
vast grasslands to Academy Award winning composer Dario Marianelli’s
(Atonement) gorgeous score, it is hard not to feel the triumph
of the human spirit.
Director Cary Fukunaga also had a talented
cast to work with on his second feature film project. Michael
Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) plays the idealised but
flawed male protagonist Mr Rochester, who is tricked into
an unfortunate marriage before meeting our heroine. The German
born Irish actor exudes an appealing charm which complements
the character’s personality. English actor Jamie Bell
(The Eagle) plays a clergyman who later befriends Jane Eyre,
while Academy Award winner Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love)
plays a kind and respectful housekeeper who disapproves of
Jane Eyre’s relationship with her employer.
With
a stellar cast and fine production values in place, what’s
required of you as a member of the audience is to use your
heart to fully appreciate the film’s admirable themes
of love, passion and independence.
Movie
Rating:
(A
sophisticated production that reminds us what it’s like
to live a life of love and passion)
Review by John Li
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