By Sumaiya Arshad
The 1997 adaptation of “Jane Eyre" stars Samantha Marton and Ciaran Hinds as Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester respectively. This interpretation of the Charlotte Brönte novel effectively captures the essence of her intricate characters and the brooding atmosphere they all inhabit.
"Jane Eyre" set in the 19th century, follows the journey of an orphaned and mistreated young woman who decides to take the charge of her life and goes on to become governess at Thornfield Hall, owned by the tormented Mr. Rochester. The film begins with a young Jane suffering at her aunt's home and then transitions to her life at the Lowood school giving way to her eventual employment by Mrs. Alice Fairfax, the housekeeper at Thornfield Hall. The story develops beautifully, presenting the viewers with Jane's resilience, intelligence and strength.
The film's cinematography and settings bring the viewer's attention to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the novel. The set includes dimly lit interiors, haunting moors and misty landscapes which perfectly showcase the somber tone of the Brönte text. The musical score and dark aesthetic immerse us into the gloomy yet captivating world of "Jane Eyre".
The performances of the cast are noteworthy as well as convincing. We are presented with a vulnerable yet fierce portrayal of "Jane Eyre" She is shown emotional and in love with Mr. Rochester but she manages to take a stand for herself when she finds out that Rochester would be committing bigamy by marrying her.
Samantha Morton captures Jane's struggles, her journey from solitude to a life of love and her determined force. Jane is set on a journey to assert her identity in a society that attempts to suppress it.
Mr. Rochester's brooding nature and internal conflicts are portrayed beautifully by Ciaran Hides. The complex emotions of his character can be hard to present but Mr. Hides does it wonderfully, which in turn, gets the audience deeply invested in his and Jane's complicated relationship.
Many viewers and critics might talk ill of Jane's character, as she eventually goes back to Rochester who had lied to her. However, this could be classified as a very contemporary understanding of the movie and the book.
We must keep in mind that the novel is set in the 1900s and assess the works while considering the context. Jane Eyre's actions in contemporary times might not come off as remarkable or extraordinary, but during the twentieth century, her character was considered to be outrageous and fresh.
In conclusion, the 1997 adaptation of Jane Eyre successfully translates the timeless essence of Charlotte Brönte’s novel onto the screen. It might have not delved as deeply into certain secondary aspects of the novel, but it remains a faithful adaptation that captures the spirit of the original work.
