Hardly any heroine–any time, any place–has the permanence of Charlotte Bronte’s most famous creation, and still another remake of “Jane Eyre” only makes her more so. The latest version of the 1847 novel, an excellent rendition and a splendid movie, opens here today.
Mia Wasikowska, a 22-year-old, Australian-born actress who quickly is becoming a household name with world-wide fame, offers a brilliant portrayal, on the heels of winning praise in “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Kids Are All Right.” Wasikowska has performed in 16 films (nine features), is working on her 17th, has two more in pre-production and still another in post-production. She also has appeared in two TV series, including a season in HBO’s “In Treatment.” Not bad for a career that began only seven years ago.
As Jane, a poor girl who seems destined to a life in the serving class, she fits perfectly with Bronte’s description of “small and plain.” Jane also has courage and an intrinsic honesty, traits to stand her in good stead as she is bounced from pillar to post through a series of gloomy English mansions, and a varied group of those who live “below stairs.” She gets advice, though it isn’t all good, from Mrs. Fairfax (Judi Dench, always charming), and a certain amount of love from St. John Rivers (excellent Jamie Bell) and his sisters, Diana (Holliday Grainger) and Mary (Tanzin Merchant).
And then there’s the mysterious Mr. Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender). No one can match the performance of Orson Welles in the 1943 version (Joan Fontaine as Jane, screenplay by John Houseman), and Fassbender, undoubtedly influenced by director Cary Joji Fukunaga, wisely does not try. Instead of booming and blustering all over the film, Fassbender is almost cool. It’s a portrayal with a great deal of texture, and considerably more humanity, and it works.
It’s easy to see how young Jane falls for him; her spirit is an influence on him, as well. And the tragic love story builds to its ultimate climax. Moira Buffini wrote the excellent screenplay, and Dario Martinelli’s music fits perfectly. It’s rare that the English countryside does not look good on film, and Adriano Goldman’s cinematography keeps to that standard. An outstanding movie and a fine story, even in its umteenth remake.
Jane Eyre opens today at the Plaza Frontenac and Tivoli
—Joe