Jane Eyre review

            Charlotte Brontë’s classic tale has been adapted numerous times, and because of the quality of the source material it is difficult to make a bad film when adapting Jane Eyre. In making up for the shorter length of this particular adaptation is the manner in which Cary Fukunaga’s Jane Eyre is lushly photographed. Although much is skipped, the main points of this painfully melodramatic love story come across clearer than ever.

            Aside from the beautiful photography and capable direction, it is the casting which makes this film. Stars Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender are remarkably engaging, capable of conveying emotions between the words which enhance the overall film greatly. It is a story about a love which cannot be fulfilled, and a story about one remarkable girl who overcomes the injustices in her life.

            Jane Eyre (Wasikowska) becomes a governess after being orphaned and sent away by her aunt. Well educated, Jane is sent to Thornfield Hall to be the governess for the young daughter of the brooding employer, Rochester (Fassbender). Although he is gruff around the edges and full of secrets, Rochester seems enamored by Jane when he discovers that she is capable of speaking to him in a way nobody else dares. These two have a tension filled relationship which ends in a startling revelation.