By Yaman

VICTORIAN LITERATURE
ASSIGNMENT: MOVIE REVIEW OF “JANE EYRE”
"Jane Eyre" is an adaptation of Charlotte Brontës novel but it might not connect with every viewer, in the same way. While it showcases performances from Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender there are moments where the pacing slows down which could test the patience of those who're n't as familiar with the original story. Cary Fukunagas direction truly captures the gothic atmosphere of the tale though some might perceive it as dark and somber. Furthermore since the film stays true to its source material it doesn't take liberties leaving some longing for a fresh perspective on this timeless narrative.
The opening scene shows Jane in desperate flight from Thornfield Hall, dashing across the stormy landscape as if pursued by demons and menaced by a ghostly, wind-borne voice. She is taken in and nursed back to health by a young clergyman, St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell), and his two sisters (Holliday Grainger and Tamzin Merchant); then her earlier life unfolds in a series of flashbacks that compress many pages into a few potent scenes and images.
Gothic romance attracts us with a deep tidal force. Part of its appeal is the sense of ungovernable eroticism squirming to escape from just beneath the surface. Its chaste heroines and dark brooding heroes prowl the gloomy shadows of crepuscular castles, and doomy secrets stir in the corners. To be sure, the dark hero of the story, Rochester, is not a vampire, but that's only a technicality. The tension in the genre is often generated by a virginal girl's attraction to a dangerous man. The more pitiful and helpless the heroine the better, but she must also be proud and virtuous, brave and idealistic. Her attraction to the ominous hero must be based on pity, not fear; he must deserve her idealism. The film opens with Jane Eyre fearfully fleeing across the bleak moors, where even nature conspires against her. This is not the opening we expect, with Jane already fully grown, but later in flashbacks, we'll be reminded of her Dickensian girlhood, her cruel aunt, her sadistic boarding school, and her need as a girl without means to earn her own way as a governess. Jane is described in the novel as a plain girl; is that where the phrase “plain Jane” comes from? Here she's played by Mia Wasikowska (of Tim Burton's “Alice in Wonderland”), who is far from plain but transforms herself into a pale, severe creature who needs to be watered with love. She is employed by the intimidating Rochester (Michael Fassbender) to supervise the care of his “ward,” Adele Varens (Romy Settbon Moore), who is being raised in his isolated manor, Thornfield. How he came into the possession of a young girl as his “ward” is an excellent question, one among many that could probably be answered by Thornfield's dedicated housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax (Judi Dench). Rochester is absent a good deal of the time, although represented by the foreboding atmosphere of Thornhill, the enigmatic loyalty of Mrs. Fairfax, and the sense that something is amiss in the enormous manor. Here Judi Dench's contribution is significant; the tone of her voice conveys so much more about Rochester than her words.
Either you know the plot or not. Its secret is a red herring with all the significance of “Rosebud.” It functions only to provide Rochester with an honorable reason to propose a dishonorable thing, and thus preserve the moral standards of the time. The novel is actually about forbidden sexual attraction on both sides, and its interest is in the tension of Jane and Rochester as they desire sex but deny themselves. Much of the power comes from repressed emotions, and perhaps Charlotte Bronte was writing in code about the feelings nice women of her time were not supposed to feel.Rochester may be an impossible character — dashing, wounded, cynical, wild and yet somehow redeemable — but for that very reason he is vital to both the wild romanticism and the sober good sense that have kept “Jane Eyre” spinning through so many generations and interpretations. Mr. Fassbender adds to the necessary charisma and pathos a note of gallantry, helping to assure the audience and his indomitable co-star that this “Jane Eyre” belongs, as it should, to Jane.
In summary "Jane Eyre" is a crafted adaptation that remains faithful, to the novel making it a must watch for enthusiasts of timeless literature. However some viewers seeking a interpretation of the story might find the pacing and adherence, to the source material somewhat restricting in terms of broader appeal.

REFERENCE
1-MOVIE-“JANE EYRE"
YAMAN SINHA
B.A. (H) ENGLISH
22ENG0640