DVD review: “Jane Eyre”
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
“Jane Eyre”
A new cinematic rendition of Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 novel “Jane Eyre” still doesn’t seem like the most obvious follow-up project for director Cary Fukunaga, who broke out with the acclaimed and electrifying 2009 Spanish-language immigration saga “Sin Nombre.”
But Fukunaga, 34, and his talented young cast bring fresh, thrilling energy to the often-adapted gothic tale. Every aspect of the multi-layered narrative is heightened: The mystery crackles with suspense, the romance smolders with sensuality, and the coming-of-age story flares with intensity.
Leanly adapted by screenwriter Moira Buffini, Fukunaga’s film opens with the adult Jane Eyre’s (Mia Wasikowska of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland”) desperate flight across the rugged and rainy moors. She is rescued from certain death by St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell, “Billy Elliott”), a kindly missionary, and his two sisters, who nurse the wayward woman back to health and prompt a series of flashbacks revealing her alternately tragic and suspenseful tale.
The movie traces the heroine’s grim upbringing: Orphaned from a young age, the iron-willed Jane (Amelia Clarkson) is openly despised by her wealthy aunt (Sally Hawkins, definitely playing against her “Happy-Go-Lucky” type), then shipped off to a bleak boarding school, where she becomes a favorite target of the sadistic headmaster (Simon McBurney). Still, Jane manages to get her education and find a job as governess at forbidding and isolated Thornfield Hall. She is charged with schooling Adèle Varens (Romy Settbon Moore), the French ward of the mansion’s owner, the enigmatic Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender, “X-Men: First Class”).
Although kindly housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax (Oscar winner Judi Dench) is certain that Rochester will soon wed classy Blanche Ingram (Imogen Poots), an undeniable chemistry sparks between bold Jane and her brooding employer. But more than the difference in their social classes gives Jane pause: The wise-beyond-her-years governess is sure that Rochester is harboring a grave secret.
Despite its spring theatrical release date, Fukunaga’s dynamic “Jane Eyre” deserves to be remembered when awards season arrives.
DVD features: Deleted scenes, director commentary and three behind-the-scenes featurettes.
— BAM
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