Monday 26 September 2011

Jane Eyre

Have you ever seen a film so beautiful that it makes you feel like crying because you know you're never going to be able to create something so heartbreakingly perfect?

That was my experience with watching Jane Eyre.

I was a little apprehensive about seeing this movie, because I really enjoyed the book. The book is quite dark ( I mean, come on - it was written by a Bronte sister) and I find that some adaptations try to lighten up the story. Which I really don't like. Also, the story is quite melodramatic in nature, and it's hard to do well without going ridiculously overboard. But this adaptation managed to retain the dark threads of the story while remaining believable at all times.

The book starts off very slowly, and the film dealt with this very well. It started with Jane fleeing Thornfield and arriving at the home of St. John Rivers. Most of the story is told through a series of flashbacks, which deals nicely with the slow start. The film is beautifully shot, with fantastic performances from Michael Fassbender and Judi Dench. The real strength of the film, however, lies in Mia Wasikowska's performances. She portrays the multi-faceted Jane Eyre so well that it's hard to credit the fact that she's only 21. It's lovely to see a film adaptation of a book that adds to your understanding of the former, rather than failing to live up to your expectations.

What about you? Do you ever get disheartened when you see genius that you can't hope to replicate? Or do you find it inspirational?

15 comments:

  1. Not so much films, but books. Sometimes, I'll read a book and think 'Who am I kidding? I'll never write anything as good as this.' Doesn't stop me trying though :-)

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  2. I've been wanting to watch that movie...now I have too, LOL. And I find genius inspirational. It motivates me to keep plugging. But I understand how you felt...sometimes we just sit in awe over the ability to create something so beautiful.

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  3. Ooooh, I want to watch it now! I do find the kind of genius you're talking about just awe-inspiring in general, but yes, I have my moments where I have to remind myself that just because I can never replicate that doesn't mean that my stories don't have something valid to say.

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  4. Ooh it sounds wonderful! I really want to see it.

    Yes, I do get discouraged, but soon after that really good stories give me something to aspire to.

    :-)

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  5. i look forward to it now. a positive review of a book turned movie is rare! thanks =)

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  6. I find it inspirational. I used this book as the basis for my thesis and it worked out well. There are a lot of great writers who have followed in the footsteps of Charlotte Bronte. Maybe I will too. :)

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  7. I watched this movie for the first time on Saturday night and was blown away. I'm rereading Charlotte Bronte's written word right now. Jane Eyre is an inspiration to me!

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  8. I liked how they played around with the chronology of the story. It gave that weaker third section a lot of relevance and punch within the context of the story.

    Jane Eyre is one of my favorite heroines.

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  9. A little of both.

    My inspiration now is to see this movie. Thanks!

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  10. I wanted to see that movie when it came out but I didn't get a chance. I will have to rent this one!

    Heather

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  11. I've been afraid I wouldn't like this version but now will rent it after your fabulous review!

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  12. I just watched this last night- I thought it was really good, although I felt it lacked the passion that the Samantha Morton/Ciaran Hinds version has. I want to reread the book now though.

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  13. I definitely get that feeling with books- where my heart hurts because I know I'll never write something that great *sigh* Gatta just keep writing and working for it.

    I'm going to have to check out this movie.

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  14. All this talk of renting makes me remember something I should have put in my post - us Europeans get most films a few weeks after their American release (it used to be months, so things have gotten better). If you thought 'why in the name of all that is holy is she writing about Jane Eyre NOW?' it's because it's a recent release over here.

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  15. I think I'm the only girl out there that didn't really like that movie. I just found Jane Eyre a little annoying and the guy, didn't like him.

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