Friday, May 20, 2011

Today I Saw Jane Eyre.



My poor husband came with me and I think it was the longest hour and a half of his life.  I admit,  I have never read Jane Eyre.  I bought a copy for myself over 10 years ago and I think I started it, but I don't remember ever finishing it.  I figure since I've watched so many versions of it, I know all there is to know.  Which even I recognize is a pretty silly way to think.  My favorite has always been the tv movie in which Samantha Morton plays Jane.  I'm not sure it isn't still. 


Mia Wasikowska plays a really good Jane too.  And Michael Fassbender is a much better looking Rochester than Ciaran Hinds.  But St. John Rivers in the new Jane Eyre is AWFUL!  Though, from what I've read about the book, his portrayal is more accurate.  The first 20-ish minutes of the movie was overly sad and depressing.  Like, really lame.  And the crazy wife is boring.  Sophie Reissner is sooooo much better - even scary!   They tried to switch things up by starting in the middle of the story, going to the beginning and then the end.  Good idea, but like I said, the beginning was such a disturbing damper.  I know it's supposed to be, but I also know that Jane took pleasure where she could (I think I got that from the book, correct me if I'm wrong).  Verdict:  I liked it (once it got past Jane's terrible childhood), but could totally have waited until it came out on Netflix. 


P.S.  I kept thinking, through the whole movie, "I've seen this girl before......"  Just figured it out!  Alice in Wonderland.  Hahaha!  I liked that one a lot.  Matter of fact, I think I'll go put that on my Netflix list again. 

7 comments:

Charlotte (Life's a Charm!) said...

Never heard of this movie, the new and the old! but with your review, I actually got interested!

MommyMert said...

Thanks for the opinion. I really enjoyed the book, but have had a hard time finding a version of the movie I liked...

An Apel a Day said...

I thought that lady looked familiar. I think I've seen her in something else as well.

Mrs. K said...

I love the book. I also was disappointed in a version I saw years ago. I didn't realize that there was a movie out. I've got to go see it. I'm not sure I can convince hubby to go see it with me though. We'll see :)

Amy said...

I really wanted to see this but I'm glad to know I can wait until I can rent it. I never saw the one with Samantha Morton, but there's a Masterpiece Theater version that I ADORE!! Georgie Henley from The Chronicles of Narnia plays the young Jane in that one.
The book is actually really good. Try it on audio, way easier to get through. :)
And yes, St. John is just an idiot. Plain and simple. Seriously, you'd rather go starve to death in Africa for the rest of your life than marry the beautiful, rich, and adorable Rosamund Oliver and teach the gospel in England? Psh.

mun said...

Jane Eyre is compulsory reading for me during English literature class but I find the story too dark for my liking. Perhaps I will watch this movie just for the sake of its scenery.

KBoo said...

You haven't read the actual book? You've GOT to! Best book EVER. I'm actually hestitant to watch anything based on Jane Eyre now since I loved the book so much.