Book to Movie: Jane Eyre (2006 Mini-series)

While I truly loved Focus Films' adaptation of Jane Eyre, I was sad about a few things that were left out and decided that I wanted to see a more comprehensive production (and, by the way, have you noticed there are approximately 387 productions of Jane Eyre? There is even a musical). So to my beloved Provo Library I went, and I was not disappointed.

Instead of going into in-depth analysis about the quality of the film and the cinematic elements (subjects I know nothing about, other than what pleases my eye and what doesn't), I am going to make for you a lovely little list of things I enjoyed about this movie. It is tied in my affections with the 2011 version, because they are both appealing for different reasons.

1. Lucy Pevensie plays the young Jane Eyre. (Okay, her real name is Georgie Henley). I hadn't seen her in anything but the Narnia films and I think she is adorable. It was nice to see her acting in a new type of role.

2. The gypsy scene is (somewhat) intact. It doesn't follow precisely with the book (AVERT THINE EYES IF YOU WANT TO AVOID SPOILERS) - Mr. Rochester isn't dressed up as the gypsy; he has simply employed her. (SPOILERS END) Although the scene wasn't perfectly faithful to the novel, I do think it is important enough to be included.

3. For frivolity's sake -- I simply can't decide which Mr. Rochester I like better. I was completely taken with the portrayal in the 2011 film by Michael Fassbender, but I think that Toby Stephens may have beaten him out in this film. His emotions are brought wildly to the surface, and we see a bit of the madness that threatens him due to the burden of his wife, although it isn't allowed to take hold. Compare and decide for yourselves, oh readers.

Toby Stephens

Michael Fassbender

4. The veil scene happened, albeit quickly and still not as freakily as I would have hoped.

5. The end scene between Jane and Mr. Rochester was more powerful, I thought, in the 2006 version than in the 2011 version. I was more emotionally moved - I felt that their emotions were stronger and more present. It was honestly one of the more touching scenes I think I've seen in a movie ever.

Granted, there are also aspects of the Focus Films production I preferred. I loved the portrayal of St. John Rivers (although deplored the exclusion of Rosamund) and his sisters. The landscapes were breathtaking. The music was beautiful. And Jane herself was played very well by Mia Wasikowska.

Both films have something to offer is my point I suppose. The 2006 production of Jane Eyre is more thorough and certain scenes have more power, but the new 2011 adaptation is certainly not a film to miss.