Review: Jane Eyre

Written by John Sunday, 03 April 2011 14:29

Before I begin, I must confess that despite minoring in English at an Ivy League school I have failed to read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I blame it on my dislike of Jane Austen’s novels and a prejudiced belief that all such stories are about marrying rich, something my ego tells me is not the primary goal in my own life. Now, that aside I still was enough of a college student to jump at a preview for Cary Fukunaga’s adaptation and savored my inner cinema studies minor as much as I soured the English one.

In comparison to the spectacle the mise-en-scene is, the acting put forth by Mia, best known for her lead role in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, can arguably be seen as “plain” but it is in the nature of Jane Eyre’s character as such and makes her moments of insight all the more powerful. Her humbleness also serves as a great literary foil to the questioning and authoritative character Fassbender portrays on screen.  Without a doubt the awkward screen chemistry of these two would be enjoyed far greater if one was familiar with the works of Bronte prior to entering the cinema. But if you have not and still bear an interest in the regency era? You might walk out of there with a new book on your Amazon wish list. Either way, an interest in the era or Bronte’s works is highly recommended to get the most out of the film.