It has been 10 years since the release of Jane Eyre, the adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s homonym gothic novel, by American director Fukunaga. It is impossible not to fall in love with this turbulent love story.
The story is well known. An orphaned child, Jane Eyre (beautifully portrayed by actress Mia Wasikowska) is abused by her aunt who sent her to a charity school. Whilst in school, she suffers further abuse, but she is able to receive an education. She eventually finds a job as a governess to Adele, the French ward of the mysterious Edward Fairfax Rochester (Michael Fassbender).
Jane and Edward start to bond, but Jane is afflicted by Edward’s dark moods, coldness, and constant absence. On top of that, strange things start to happen at the mansion. Screams and laughs of a woman are heard during the night, increasing suspicion of a presence in the house by Jane. A turning point is reached, in which Jane confesses her true feelings to Rochester, ahead of his marriage with his prospective wife Mrs Blanche (Imogen Poots). Unexpectedly, Rochester reciprocates his feelings for Jane and proposes to her. But a chilling secret is revealed on the day of their wedding, putting their love at stake.
With an amazing gothic twist and a romantic happy ending, Jane Eyre does not disappoint, and it is one of those movies I happily re-watch. I particularly love the location, photography, and the amazing costumes, which were surely worth an Academy award. Jane Eyre is a timeless story, one that at the same time captures the essence of the Victorian age, but also proposes itself as a revolutionary novel.
Particularly significant is the role of Jane, a young woman who fights against the social constraints of her time, refusing to conform with expectations of her gender, declaring that “women feel as men feel”. We can see her as a feminist heroine. A woman who for the first time in English romantic literature asserts her independence and destiny. I think Mia’s interpretation really captures the essence of Jane’s character, excelling at portraying her passion and zest for life and her endless thrive for more.
Fassbender is also perfect in his role of Rochester (who doesn’t like a Michael Fassbender in Victorian costumes?), a complicated character, a mixture of arrogance and tenderness. Their chemistry on set is palpable, which makes the narration even stronger. The structure of the movie is also a strength. Instead of a linear narration, Fukunaga opted for a narration based on flashbacks, with the story starting in medias res, in the middle of the crisis. I think it works perfectly and enables the story to be narrated in two hours.
So, if you love classic novels adaptation or you simply want to enjoy a classic romantic movie, Jane Eyre is the film for you!
By Irene Bisoni
Feature image: Pinterest