It’s not often a special interest film like this gets made, let alone released amongst pre-summer heavyweights like its competition was a few weeks ago when it debuted. But this remake of the classic tale deserves to be lauded for its methodical and truly emotional portrayal of its heroine Jane Eyre/Elliott acted surprisingly well by the young (and now in my opinion – truly talented) Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland, Amelia).
If you haven’t seen the countless remakes of this story both in TV and movie form, it follows the life of a witty and arguably ‘too-wise’ governess that melts the heart and mind of her staunch employer only to discover that he is hiding a terrible secret that threatens not only their forbidden love, but the boundaries of decency (in its day), and more importantly, Jane’s view of her inner self which has been forged over years of abuse and cruelty by her guardians, school mistresses and even her siblings.
There are a few great standout performances on display here. I was so pleased to see Dame Judi Dench (The Chronicles of Riddick), play a supporting role as the head house governess, Mrs. Fairfax. Period dramas are nothing new for Dench, and her experience in the subject matter shows through strong and convicting. As she attempts to support Jane’s efforts throughout the film, you can sense her words are tainted with the wisdom only a 30 year veteran of governing the same household could have. Even more surprising was a turn by Jaime Bell (Jumper) as St. John Rivers. Rivers becomes enamored by Jane as she starts a new phase of her life and ultimately proves to be as controlling and abusive as others from her past. His performance was not what surprised me, but his presence in this film. I had relegated him to teen-thrillers and mild action like 2011’s The Eagle, and 2005’s King Kong. It was shocking to see him appear in this film, and of all things, playing an older experienced gentleman. His performance was far from transparent, but it was a nice eye-opener to see him stretch his acting chops.
There is a small but noticeable screen story change in this iteration of the story, and it deals with its broody and sometimes tension filled transitions. At times I asked if I was watching a horror film. Jane’s movement through vast forests, and cascades within a dimly lit house – Director Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre) did a solid job with editing and sound.
If the subject matter is your cup of tea, then you’ll enjoy this timely remake. Wasikowska is coming into her peak with this film, and if the year progresses light on dramatic performances, don’t be surprised to see her name appear on a nominee ballot. Ditto for Judi Dench – her accessibility to Jane in the third act of the film caused an instinctual thought of a supporting actress nod.
4 Stars out of 5.
Jane Eyre is rated PG-13 for some thematic elements including a nude image and brief violent content. Running Time: 120 minutes
“…Dame Judi Dench (The Chronicles of Riddick)”
For some reason this made me lol. Of all the films to cite…
I try to pick films that I loved the person in, not necessarily the ones the reader may be most familiar with. I thought of using the new Bond films, but couldn’t decide which of them to choose as a reference role for her.
“It’s not often a special interest film like this gets made, let alone released amongst pre-summer heavyweights…”
That is SO sad, and the very reason our children and young adults are growing up completely culturally illiterate. In an earlier time, as late as the 1960s and 70s, these films were considered main stream ‘chick flicks” which got kids to read the books and at the very least, educated even those who didn’t read the novels in the great literature of England and America.
Alas, the world and its people are becoming dumb and dumber. My contention is that if Hollywood promoted films like this like they used to in the 1930s and 40s, as the exciting, sexy, romantic stories they are, general audiences would flock to see them in the same numbers their parents and grandparents did. The problem? Those who are producing mass market films are dumb and have been the victims of an increasingly dumbed down educational system. Chinese kids know our literature better than our own college students do. And we wonder why we’re falling behind?