Jane Eyre (2006)
A wonderful adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's beloved novel, Jane Eyre.
I've been meaning to watch this version for ages and decided to read the book again before delving in. I loved the book when I first read it at the age of 15 but when I read it again I discovered even more delights and enjoyed it even more. The passion between Jane and Rochester is sizzling and leaps off the page with energy. I used to think Rochester of a dark and brooding sort but when reading the dialogue he is also sarcastic (amusingly so) and very caring and protective. He is a changeable character because of his dark past and a walking paradox but at the same time there is a vulnerability within that is very endearing.
The BBC is renowned for it's period dramas: Pride and Prejudice immediately jumps to mind. Jane Eyre is another masterpiece and stays faithful to the book. They managed to condense it well with a focus on Jane and Rochester's relationship. Jane's childhood is kept relatively short along with her life at Lowood school - probably for the best because it was not nice to read about the cruelty displayed by her aunt and cousins. Jane's life at Lowood did not fare much better as her only friend died tragically at a young age. Everyone is more interested in Rochester anyway!
Ruth Wilson was excellent as Jane Eyre. She was able to portray the quiet confidence of the heroine in a way that is captivating to watch and you can sense the passionate nature buried within her small frame. Her looks do not matter so much since Jane is not supposed to be pretty but she is far from ugly. I was particularly impressed with her passionate speech during the proposal scene. It was just like I imagined and they kept to the words within the book.
Toby Stephens - wow. He is the perfect Rochester. It was clear that he understood his character extremely well because he was able to portray every complicated emotion with ease. He was dark, brusque, sarcastic and passionate. He was also vulnerable and haunted by his terrible past. Most importantly, he was loving, protective and caring to the one he loved most - Jane. The chemistry between them was electric and made it almost impossible to turn your eyes away. Every scene was magic. His voice is so deep and sexy - makes you melt listening to him! I think I fell a little bit in love with him with every scene. Rochester was not supposed to be conventionally handsome and Bronte described him as very masculine with broad eyebrows, black hair, grim mouth, chin and jaw and a strong, athletic physique. However, by today's standards I believe that most people will find him handsome. Toby Stephens looked like Rochester and I cannot picture anyone else.
I was quite surprised with the amount of passionate scenes within the drama - not that I'm complaining! The first one was when Jane saved Rochester from the fire that surrounded his bed. During the calm that followed, Rochester told Jane to go back to her room. As she walked to the door he then asked, "you're leaving without saying goodnight? You just saved my life..." This scene was so hot and I'm not talking about the fire. At one point they were so close that I thought a kiss was imminent. Delicious chemistry.
One of my favourite scenes was when Jane asked Rochester for a leave of absence to visit her dying aunt. It was very faithful to the book and displayed a flirtiness between the two that was lovely to watch. The whole talk about money was just so amusing - Jane: "you still owe me five." Rochester: "well, come back for it." Then Jane bid Rochester farewell and he replied with, "don't go Jane." His expression was almost sad and pleading. Now this part is not in the book but I thought it a nice amendment.
The proposal scene is my favourite scene - filled with passion and romance. Rochester started with provoking Jane's jealously with his fake intended marriage to Blanche Ingram. Then he tugged at her heartstrings with the idea of her leaving for Ireland and never seeing him again. This was almost cruel if you did not know his true intentions. Jane's passionate speech was so memorable and confirmed Rochester's desirous hope of her love for him. He then pronounced his love for her and asked her to marry him. Jane was sceptical at first (rightly so since he was just spouting nonsense about Ingram) but saw that he was indeed serious and consented to the delight of Rochester. The kiss that followed was filled with passion and desire - no doubt of that. Rochester then pleaded for no-one to meddle with them - it was as if he knew that this happiness could be short-lived.
Next little scene was when Mrs Fairfax found out about the engagement and Rochester had Jane on his lap encircled in his arms (sigh). This was a sweet moment and then Jane had to ruin it by saying that they will continue as master and governess until the wedding. Rochester: "Sir?! When did I become 'sir' again?" you can see the disappointment. Then, when they were travelling in the carriage and Rochester tried to hold Jane's hand only to be rejected - I believe he was pouting with disappointment! So cute!
I wished they included the part of the book when Jane asked Rochester why he wanted her to believe that he was going to marry Blanch Ingram - Rochester: "I wished to render you as madly in love with me as I was with you..." This was a little twisted but so romantic.
I thought the flashback scenes were a bit confusing - to those who have not read the book. It almost seemed like Jane was dreaming of Rochester but she was remembering how he tried to persuade her to stay with him. These scenes were so steamy but in a restrained sexual tension sort of way. Rochester was touching and kissing Jane on her bed whilst whispering loving words to her in an attempt to coax her into running away with him. It would have worked if not for Jane's incredible willpower! How can she resist? I would have literally melted in his arms, forgetting everything just to be with him. Toby Stephens has the most sexy hands.
The final scenes between Jane and Rochester were heartbreaking but joyful at the same time. It was so touching to see the love between the two and how they will never be apart again. The fact that he was blind and missing a hand just did not matter because unconditional love existed. I love the family portrait scene when you get to see everyone content and so happy. Jane and Rochester had two children and were surrounded by their loving friends.
I'm interested to see the 2011 film and wonder if it will be half as good as this beautiful masterpiece.