Jane Eyre

 

 

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Having seen most of the film and video versions of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel, this BBC version by far is the best. The acting performances are particularly distinguished, not only by the lead characters of Jane and Rochester but also by the supporting cast. Timothy Dalton's charismatic Rochester is so powerfully convincing that his performance makes the "other" Rochesters anemic in comparison. His lines resonate with authority, and he is suitably harsh and sardonic one moment, then arrestingly tender and humorous the next. Dalton has a physical presence and fine voice that capture the essence of the male lead...excellent casting, here. I think there is great chemistry between Dalton's Rochester and Zelah Clarke's Jane. True, Dalton is much too easy on the eyes to visually be an authentic "ugly" Rochester, but his characterization and delivery are so accurate I am quite willing to overlook this minor point! Zelah Clarke's Jane is an intelligent combination of iron will and reserve, passion and compassion. Visually she is a petite, pale Jane, although not altogether "plain". I liked the way she visually "blossomed" from a repressed, somewhat dowdy schoolmarm to the glowingly beloved betrothed of her "master". I think Clarke's interpretation is also the most authentic I have seen; however there were moments I think that a little less reserve might be called for. Both Dalton and Clarke are admirable in the way they convey thought and emotion without words. The scenes between our leading characters here are often heartrending and spiced with pithy humour. I thought the featured "Mr. Brocklehurst" was suitably prissy and annoying. Also "Mrs. Reed" in this version was superbly done, as was "Mrs. Fairfax". Great performances all around. The novel, "Jane Eyre" is complex and difficult to do justice to on film or video. The near 4 hour length of this version is certainly called for. I don't believe the impact of the story can be fully realized in 1 1/2 to 2 hours as other versions have attempted to do.I am gratified that certain portions of the book were not left out, such as the "gypsy" and Moore House segments, and that the Gateshead and Lowood portions were not hastily glossed over. I am also pleased how faithful to the novel this version is, and that the lines were pulled straight from the novel. A true Jane Eyre addict who is very familiar with the book can easily go back and forth from video to novel without feeling a sense of outrage from the liberties that other screenplays have taken. I have such respect for this video of Jane Eyre that it is Dalton's and Clarke's voices I "hear" when I read the book. This cast and performance would have benefited from a more lavish "cinematic" production....I look for a better musical score in particular, but these are minor points...the strong performances here are what make this video version of Jane Eyre superior to the rest. For those who enjoy this genre, this video is a must-see, and for many, a must-have. I hope this comes out on DVD soon, and includes the material that I understand was cut from the original BBC airing.

I really enjoyed this production of Jane Eyre. It follows the novel very closely, and I think the acting is very good. The dialogue isn't dumbed down for modern audiences. It may be from 1983, but since the book is set in the 1800s, it does not really feel dated. I really enjoyed Timothy Dalton's portrayal of Mr. Rochester - very passionate. The BBC productions aren't exactly known for their expensive sets and special effects, but I find the acting takes center stage so the sometimes fake-looking sets don't really take away from the overall quality of the production. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the novel.

The DVD quality is really good, and it's organized into chapters and scenes as any other DVD - very easy to navigate.

When I first started watching I thought I had the wrong DVD. The interior scenes are filmed like a stage play and I hadn't expected it. But the moment Jane Eyre meets Mr. Rochester you cannot wait to see them on the screen together. Timothy Dalton is absolutely perfect as the moody Mr. Rochester! THERE IS NO OTHER MR. ROCHESTER! Zelah Clarke is not Hollywood beautiful and you don't realize how much Hollywood has tainted our view of what a heroine should look like. Zelah did a wonderful job of portraying a woman who is beautiful as she blooms under the rays of love after living in "shadow" of oppression and inferiority for so long. You love to see her dimple come out as she reaches beneath Mr. Rochester's gruff, saracastic exterior and gets to the man seeking "reformation" underneath.

Prepare your heart and head for a gamut of emotions! The plot has many twists and turns and is VERY well written - bravo Charlotte Bronte for writing such an intriguing story! Had this been made into an epic release by a big Hollwyood motion picture production many years ago, it could easily have been considered as great a story as Gone with the Wind and the likes. This love story with it's happy ending is absolutely beautiful. When the last credits roll up - you will find yourself saying, "Now THAT is true love!"

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5.0 out of 5 stars sleepless nights
Picking up this movie as a video tape from the library years ago I watched it the same evening, not once, not twice but three times in a row. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Buchwurm

1.0 out of 5 stars disappointing quality
This dvd skipped, a lot. This made it impossible to view the series. May just have been this paritcular disc, still, I wouldn't recommend taking the chance.

Published 17 months ago by s. sebastien

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my all-time favorite movies
I could go on and on about this movie, but I will try to keep this brief, since so much of what has been said here has been said very well.
1. Read more

Published on April 25 2010 by D. Marshall

3.0 out of 5 stars One for Zelah
I thought Zelah Clarke did well as Jane Eyre. Timothy Dalton was too handsome for Mr. Rochester and seemed to overact a bit at times. However, the story kept close to the novel.

Published on April 17 2010 by Anne G

5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite film version
I love this version of Jane Eyre. I would go to the library and borrow the VHS version at least once or twice a year. Now it's on DVD, huzzah! Read more

Published on Jun 28 2007 by T. L. Wright

4.0 out of 5 stars my favourite
im a big fan of bronte and i would say this adaptation is by far the best. i've seen the recent version with anna paquin/william hurt and was very disappointed with it. Read more

Published on April 20 2006 by polarismusc

2.0 out of 5 stars I've seen better versions
I thought that the portrayal of the story was drawn out and slow at times. I preferred A&E's version of jane eyre much more than this one.

Published on Aug 9 2005

4.0 out of 5 stars Low budget , though accurate adaptation of the book
If you are looking the most accurate adaptation of "Jane Eyre," this is it. It's got everything from the book that the screenwriters could pack into four hours... Read more

Published on July 13 2004 by Kathryn Atwood

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent adaptation of well loved book
'Is it better to drive a fellow creature to despair than to trangress a mere human law - no man being injured by the breach? Read more

Published on Mar 29 2004 by onlyme1234

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Version
This is the first Jane Eyre production I saw but since then I have seen other versions. But I still choose this one far above the rest. Read more

Published on Mar 9 2004

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