It was a lovely weekend, a three-day one thanks to that marvelous local holiday, Patriots' Day. I attended a ballet class with a new teacher, went to brunch and the ballet, got some things done at home.
My favorite part of the weekend by far was finally seeing Jane Eyre. I've been eagerly awaiting the movie ever since reading this review. I wasn't disappointed; I loved it.
Mia Wasikowska made a wonderful Jane, conveying the character's quiet intensity and steadfast integrity.
Michael Fassbender was perfect as the brooding, tormented, passionate Rochester. (He was rather more handsome than I imagine the not-handsome Rochester, but reader, I did not object.)
Judi Dench was a pleasure to watch as Mrs. Fairfax (she brings such richness to any role she plays!), and a grown-up Jamie Bell was suitably severe as St. John.
I couldn't get enough of the costumes, the scenery, the beautiful score - all of the aspects of period movies that I adore and were so well done in this film.
Most important of all, of course, for any movie adaptation of a beloved novel was its fidelity to the spirit of the book. If you're one of those people who periodically rereads Jane Eyre to savor the singular dialogue and retrace the familiar but endlessly compelling storyline, you will love this version, too. I'll be watching for it on DVD because it's one I'd like to own and watch again and again.
(photos by Laurie Sparham for Focus Features: photo of Rochester from here, all others from here)
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positively CANNOT wait to see this. CANNNNOT.
ReplyDeleteand since i have some until i'll be back in a country in which this will be possible, i have the perfect excuse to reread ms. bronte. heaven.
Yes, do reread! The thrill will then be even more acute when you hear some of the best dialogue faithfully uttered by Jane and Rochester.
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