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Jane Eyre (1996)

Jane Eyre (1996)
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Director Franco Zeffirelli stresses emotional realism over gothic chills in this restrained adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's classic. The screenplay, by Zeffirelli and Hugh Whitmore, remains relatively faithful to the original story, beginning with a condensed look at the troubled childhood of young Jane (Anna Paquin) and her mistreatment by a cruel aunt (Fiona Shaw). The bulk of the film centers on Jane as an adult (Charlotte Gainsbourg), a prim governess who accepts a position at Thornfield Hall caring for the young Adele (Josephine Serre). There Jane also must deal with the estate's head, Edward Rochester (William Hurt), a mysteriously brooding yet oddly alluring older man. She finds herself drawn to Rochester, but their potential romance is threatened by Jane's fears and Rochester's internal torment. Rather than the spooky visuals of earlier adaptations, Zeffirelli and cinematographer David Watkins opt for a subdued gloominess, placing emphasis on Gainsbourg's and Hurt's wounded portrayals. Fans of the gothic will likely find Zeffirelli's interpretation anemic in comparison to the passionate 1944 version with Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles, though others may appreciate the more naturalistic and faithful approach. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Starring:
William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg, (more)
Director(s):
Franco Zeffirelli
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Jane Eyre

Director Franco Zeffirelli stresses emotional realism over gothic chills in this restrained adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's classic. The screenplay, by Zeffirelli and Hugh Whitmore, remains relatively faithful to the original story, beginning with a condensed look at the troubled childhood of young Jane (Anna Paquin) and her mistreatment by a cruel aunt (Fiona Shaw). The bulk of the film centers on Jane as an adult (Charlotte Gainsbourg), a prim governess who accepts a position at Thornfield Hall caring for the young Adele (Josephine Serre). There Jane also must deal with the estate's head, Edward Rochester (William Hurt), a mysteriously brooding yet oddly alluring older man. She finds herself drawn to Rochester, but their potential romance is threatened by Jane's fears and Rochester's internal torment. Rather than the spooky visuals of earlier adaptations, Zeffirelli and cinematographer David Watkins opt for a subdued gloominess, placing emphasis on Gainsbourg's and Hurt's wounded portrayals. Fans of the gothic will likely find Zeffirelli's interpretation anemic in comparison to the passionate 1944 version with Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles, though others may appreciate the more naturalistic and faithful approach. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
116 mins

Complete Cast of Jane Eyre


Director(s):
Franco Zeffirelli
Writer(s):
Hugh Whitemore, Franco Zeffirelli
Producer(s):
Dyson Lovell
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Adult Situations)
Categories:
Romance
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    Colin T.

    Charlotte Gainsbourg IS Jane Eyre. All others to play this role have been too old or too good looking. Gainsbourg is just young enough, but also self-possessed enough, for the naive but self-knowing Jane. William Hurt disappears into the role of Rochester. Simply perfect. All settings, costumes, customs, etc. are time-period perfection. This movie takes you to that time and sucks you into the story wholesale. I wish that this film had been made for TV so that it could have been unabridged. I was able to detect only two scenes that were added. One is to smooth an abridgement (unfortunate, but necessary, I suppose) and the other fits so well that you have to reread the book to detect that it's not pure Charlotte Bronte. Excellent!

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    Patricia H.

    Beautiful movie. Scenery was stunning, music was breathtaking, acting was great. Based on Charlotte Bronte's classic novel, this movie stays true to the book. Truly one of the best movies I've ever seen or will see. Don't content yourself with some airy hollywood film that you'll forget about the next day, if you want something different, something classic, rent this movie.

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    Sarah F.

    Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite stories and it has been translated to film in much better fashion than this. I found the film lacking the emotion and passion inheherant in the story. When William Hurt's Rochester confeses his love to Jane he could just as well be telling her the time of day. If you want to watch a worthy version try the 1997 one with Samantha Morton and Ciran Hinds or the soon to be on DVD Masterpiece Theater version (out Feb. 20, 2007 I believe) - both with more feeling and far superior acting.

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