Cary Joji Fukunaga’s Jane Eyre is a riveting adaptation of the Charlotte Brontë novel. Jane (Mia Wasikowska), a strong-willed governess, falls in love with her boss—the lecherous-turned-lovable Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender)—who owns the haunted Thornfield Manor. Fukunaga tastefully alters the book’s plot and reconstructs the story in a suspenseful, non-linear fashion, using flashbacks to summarize key details from Jane’s traumatic childhood. A palette of muted colours, moody grey skies, and candlelit interiors envelop you in Jane’s bleak world—the sun only shines during the film’s tearful finale. Moira Buffini’s screenplay is more heartbreak than humour—though, Mrs. Fairfax (Judi Dench), the manor’s housekeeper, delivers a few well-timed witticisms. Gothic landscapes and an impeccable cast make it a must-see period piece.
This article appears in Apr 7-13, 2011.