By Shikha

Shikha (22ENG0631)
FILM REVIEW: JANE EYRE (1997)
The 1997 television adaptation of "Jane Eyre," directed by Robert Young and scripted by Kay Mellor, is a noteworthy rendition of the classic story penned by Charlotte Brontë, starring Samantha Morton as Jane Eyre and Ciarán Hinds as Mr. Rochester. Set against a backdrop of Thornfield Hall, the narrative follows the journey of Jane Eyre, a young orphaned girl who becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. Notably, this version of the story focuses on the romantic aspect while omitting significant portions of Jane's upbringing, her relationships with characters such as the Reeds and the Rivers, and her inheritance.
While the film's approach prioritises the romance, it does so skillfully under Robert Young's deft direction. Young employs creative camera angles, deep colours, and a carefully curated soundtrack to enhance the cinematic experience. The film first aired on ITV in the UK on March 9th, 1997, followed by a US airing on A&E-TV on October 19th, 1997, eventually finding its place on ITV3's repeat schedule.
Despite its fidelity to the novel's core plot, the adaptation rearranges events and alters their chronological order. For instance, Jane's encounter with Mr. Rochester is delayed in the film, and the revelation of Bertha's secret takes place earlier. This approach creates a non-linear narrative structure that, while potentially confusing for those familiar with the original sequence, serves the adaptation's storytelling goals without significantly altering the themes or characterizations.
A distinctive feature of this adaptation is the presence of a narrator who guides the audience through a linear narrative. Jane's perspective is central, providing insight into her emotions and streamlining the storytelling process, particularly in her time at Lowood. The soundtrack's inclusion, with its various sound effects, contributes significantly to the cinematic experience, heightening tension and establishing a supernatural atmosphere. Samantha Morton's portrayal of Jane Eyre is a standout performance, as her deep connection to the character anchors the film. However, Ciarán Hinds' Mr. Rochester occasionally verges on overpowering passion. The supporting cast, including Gemma Jones, complements Morton's performance, resulting in a strong ensemble.
In summary, the 1997 adaptation of "Jane Eyre" directed by Robert Young successfully captures the essence of the novel's romance while omitting and rearranging elements to suit its narrative goals. While not exhaustive in its portrayal of the source material, the film excels in skillful storytelling, adept direction, and noteworthy performances, particularly that of Samantha Morton in the titular role.