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After a bleak childhood, Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) goes out into the world to become a governess. As she lives happily in her new position at Thornfield Hall, she meets the dark, cold, and abrupt master of the house, Mr. Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender). Jane and her employer grow close in friendship and she soon finds herself falling in love with him. Happiness seems to have found Jane at last, but could Mr. Rochester's terrible secret be about to destroy it forever?Written by
Mel Bellis in the U.K.
Director Cary Joji Fukunaga wanted a scene to illustrate how much Mr. Rochester's (Michael Fassbender's) presence at Thornfield Hall disrupted the lives of its permanent residents, so he wrote the dinner scene, in which Mrs. Fairfax (Dame Judi Dench), Jane (Mia Wasikowska), and Adèle Varens (Romy Settbon Moore) try to carry on a conversation while Mr. Rochester fires a gun right outside the window. This scene does not take place in the novel, and in this movie's commentary, Fukunaga claims it was the only original scene written for the movie. See more »
Goofs
At one point, Jane tells Adèle to come with her and refers to Adèle as "Madame" rather than the proper form of "Mademoiselle" which is used for a young, unmarried girl. See more »
Quotes
Jane Eyre:
I have lived a full life here. I have not been trampled on. I have not been petrified. I have not been excluded from every glimpse that is bright. I have known you, Mr. Rochester and it strikes me with anguish to be torn from you.
Rochester:
Then why must you leave?
Jane Eyre:
Because of your wife.
Rochester:
I have no wife.
Jane Eyre:
But your are to be married.
Rochester:
Jane, you must stay.
Jane Eyre:
And become nothing to you?...
[near tears]
Jane Eyre:
Am I a machine with out feelings? Do you think that because I am poor, plain, obscure, and little that I am souless and ...
[...] See more »
First of all, this is a gorgeous movie. Every indoor shot, close-up, and sweeping view of the landscape is an example of how cinematography can elevate a movie. Jane Eyre is a classic story for a reason, and this is as fine an adaptation I've encountered with great acting all-around, but it's the visuals and Gothic atmosphere that really made me enjoy this as much as I did.
On the negative side, there never really seemed to be enough interaction between the characters to justify their attachments to one another. I'm speaking specifically of Jane and Rochester, who are portrayed as being totally in love with each other without much of a reason why ever seen by the audience.
That's a small complaint, though, and one that's easily overlooked if you're watching the movie for more than just the romantic aspect, like I was. I've got to admit, Mia Wasikowska was an excellent Jane. She fit into the time and place shown like a hand in a glove, naturally speaking the poetic dialogue. Michael Fassbender continues his inexorable climb to A-list actor status, and Judi Dench (who I didn't even know was in the movie until I saw her on the screen), is a welcome presence, as always. Jane Eyre isn't a perfect movie, but for me, its strengths far outweighed its flaws.
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First of all, this is a gorgeous movie. Every indoor shot, close-up, and sweeping view of the landscape is an example of how cinematography can elevate a movie. Jane Eyre is a classic story for a reason, and this is as fine an adaptation I've encountered with great acting all-around, but it's the visuals and Gothic atmosphere that really made me enjoy this as much as I did.
On the negative side, there never really seemed to be enough interaction between the characters to justify their attachments to one another. I'm speaking specifically of Jane and Rochester, who are portrayed as being totally in love with each other without much of a reason why ever seen by the audience.
That's a small complaint, though, and one that's easily overlooked if you're watching the movie for more than just the romantic aspect, like I was. I've got to admit, Mia Wasikowska was an excellent Jane. She fit into the time and place shown like a hand in a glove, naturally speaking the poetic dialogue. Michael Fassbender continues his inexorable climb to A-list actor status, and Judi Dench (who I didn't even know was in the movie until I saw her on the screen), is a welcome presence, as always. Jane Eyre isn't a perfect movie, but for me, its strengths far outweighed its flaws.