I was delighted when I heard the new version of one of my favourite books, Jane Eyre, would have the magnificient Michael Fassbender as the brooding, mysterious, and complicated Mr. Rochester. His talents have been displayed in the award winning films Fish Tank and Hunger, but, they are unable to shine in this dull and monotonous version of Charlotte Brontë's masterpiece. It is not only Fassbender who is incapable of igniting the brilliant story, with both the charasmatic Judi Dench and budding Mia Wasikowska failing to bring their characters to life.With all these talented actors failing to entice the passion, intrigue, and angusih, which Brontë created in the original novel, it will come as no surprise that it is due the poor screenplay. The writer of the dull British "comedy" Tamara Drew, Moira Buffini has badly adapted the book for the big screen. In an attempt to hook the audience in from the beginning, Buffini starts the film well into the plot when Jane is struggling through the torrential rain on the bleak Yorkshire Moors to escape from Mr. Rochester and the magnificent Thornfield. She is rescued by Saint-John and his sisters and nursed back to health. Jane's story is then unfolded to the viewers through flashbacks. This strategy does not work. Instead of intriguing and enticing the audience, it sterilizes the anticipation which should be created by the behaviour of Nurse Poole (who doesn't even feature in the film), the curious noises, and the unexplained violence that goes on whilst Jane is governess at Thornfield.
It is visually sumptuous with beautiful scenery and magnificent dresses, but you can see all of this from the trailer. Yes, this is one of those films where the trailer outweighs the actual film. Of course, I am biased; I adore the book, dote upon the BBC 2006 version with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens, and may possibly prefer Mr. Rochester to Mr. Darcy, but I still feel even without high expectations, this is a resounding flop. The more than capable cast, exhilirating story, and beautiful sceneray and costumes, were unable to shine due to this poorly written and directed adaptation.
