Jane Eyre (2011)
Ah, the 2011 version of Jane Eyre – also known as the version that ruins the ending by showing it first. Just as the 2000 tv movie of The Great Gatsby shows the ending first, this one shows Jane running away from Thornfield Hall. Why would you start a movie that way, unless your sole goal is to bank on audience’s short attention spans and insult the flow of the author’s original intent?
The beginning is just the beginning of the flaws with this version. Mia Wasikowska can sometimes give a brilliant performance, but not when playing the famed Bronte governess. I didn’t believe she felt intensely lonely, something needed in Jane Eyre’s character to explain why she treasures Rochester’s friendship. She should also feel surprised that her wealthy employer treats his governess as an equal, but Mia merely acts entitled to participate in such intelligent conversation. Michael Fassbender is sufficiently brooding, but in this adaptation he isn’t given very much to do. The focus is on the title character, and Mia doesn’t really fill her shoes.
I loved seeing Judi Dench as Miss Fairfax, though. She’s so sweet and friendly, and you can tell her heart really goes out to the young governess. Just as Judi Dench isn’t enough to save the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice, she isn’t enough to save this 2011 version of Jane Eyre. Do Charlotte Bronte a favor and stick with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens.
More Judi Dench movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1943's Jane Eyre here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1970's Jane Eyre here!
The beginning is just the beginning of the flaws with this version. Mia Wasikowska can sometimes give a brilliant performance, but not when playing the famed Bronte governess. I didn’t believe she felt intensely lonely, something needed in Jane Eyre’s character to explain why she treasures Rochester’s friendship. She should also feel surprised that her wealthy employer treats his governess as an equal, but Mia merely acts entitled to participate in such intelligent conversation. Michael Fassbender is sufficiently brooding, but in this adaptation he isn’t given very much to do. The focus is on the title character, and Mia doesn’t really fill her shoes.
I loved seeing Judi Dench as Miss Fairfax, though. She’s so sweet and friendly, and you can tell her heart really goes out to the young governess. Just as Judi Dench isn’t enough to save the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice, she isn’t enough to save this 2011 version of Jane Eyre. Do Charlotte Bronte a favor and stick with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens.
More Judi Dench movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1943's Jane Eyre here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1970's Jane Eyre here!