Jane Eyre

Not until recently, after I purchased this version of Jane Eyre, that I discovered the numerous other versions of the infamous adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's original story. I've seen them all and have come to the conclusion (although, as some other commentors pointed out, yes Rochester played by Timothy Dalton, is too goodlooking for the intended character) that this is the most detailed and best layout for what Bronte had initially written. Even as Dalton was not the "picture" of Rochester he played his personality exquisitely (Dalton is well known for those amazing outbursts anyway) and Zelah Clarke playing Eyre was excellent too. I won't undermine the other versions out there, I even recommend you check out the first version with Orson Welles (1934), but personally, I found BBC's version as the best. Enjoy them!

OH, and for those of you who are in search of BBC's Jane Eyre, it is available (in the US) at most major video stores now.

This version of Jane Eyre is simply AMAZING! If you haven't seen it already, you should because there will never be another like it. This four-hour adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's novel hardly leaves out the crucial parts that are often left out and overlooked by the other versions I've seen. For the fans of the novel, you will find that this movie includes many lines straight from the novel. You may be surprised on how easy to follow this movie is. I have watched the movie with the book in hand to help answer any questions I may have had.

The dashing Timothy Dalton fits the part of Edward Fairfax Rochester, almost too well, except for one thing; he is FAR too handsome for the Rochester spoken of in the novel! :) Despite this, he brings the Rochester created in my mind to life, because with every line he spoke, Timothy brought a fiery magic to his character. "He was born to play the role," some have said. I must say, I agree. I have watched this movie many times over, and I hardly find a fault to his performance. I think that if I was closer to Tim's age, that I would find my self-swooning over his fine features and magnetic accent. Accents are so sexy! Come on ladies, don't you agree?! :)

Yes, I could go on forever talking about him, but, now I must move on to Zelah Clarke, who although may seem too old to play the part of Jane Eyre, shared a great chemistry with her co-star. Their onscreen chemistry is too magnificent to put into words. Some have said she was not `plain enough' to play the role, I agree that she was pretty, but I think she fit her role just as well as Timothy. I hope that she is well remembered for playing the part of the plain, quakerish governess for decades to come. After all, She deserves to be remembered because of her acting talents. They both [Dalton & Clarke] have immortalized the classic story that touches on the idea that Love is blind. Love knows no age limits.

In conclusion, this truly is an old-fashioned romance movie, and the settings and supporting characters add to the incredible adaptation from the novel to the movie. Bravo, BBC!

There's not much left to say. This is definitely the best adaptation of Bronte's novel with brilliant performances from Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke. The pairing of the two in the roles of Jane Eyre and Rochester was a very good move. They both create realistic, believable and equally worth characters. Dalton's charismatic and inspired (but not overacted) acting is beautifully smoothed by Clarke's "light" beauty and the hidden powers of her character. It's impossible not to enjoy all the scenes where both Dalton and Clarke are in. They have created a rare ability of a mutual understanding between the actors - a real chemistry, I may say. A beautiful and touching adaptation even if a bit too severe.

This review comes nearly 30 years late. Nevertheless, it has to be mentioned that I chanced by a copy of this movie sometime in early 2008 and watched it repeatedly for 4 months straight! I just had to write about it! I got smitten and forgot anything else existed once I saw this movie. How ironic it is to see Literature's ugliest male protagonist portrayed by the handsomest man! yet, what a welcome irony! It suited me perfectly and more so because Timothy Dalton did full justice to his role. He delivered an astounding and triumphant performance! I have never seen anything like it! All the other actors are very good too. The whole movie was put together beautifully. I don't care what anyone says about this movie. I just love it and love it! It made me happy and satisfied. It crushes me a bit to say this but I prefer Jane Eyre 1983 to A&E's P&J, which I believe is the ultimate mini-series.

The excerpts from Jane Eyre spooked me a little back in school. I never got around to reading the book seriously knowing the story line so well. Seeing this particular production made the story come to life for me and drove me to a near frenzy. The scenes and Mr. Dalton's voice haunted me endlessly and finally led me to read the book seriously, which, of course is a masterpiece. Bravo to the whole team and especially to Mr.Dalton!! This movie is now a part of me.

I give it 10/10 rating.

Yes, this production is long (good news for Bronte fans!) and it has a somewhat dated feel, but both the casting and acting are so brilliant that you won't want to watch any other versions!

Timothy Dalton IS Edward Rochester... it's that simple. I don't care that other reviewers claim he's too handsome. Dalton is attractive, certainly, but no pretty-boy. In fact he possesses a craggy, angular dark charm that, in my mind, is quite in keeping with the mysterious, very masculine Mr R. And he takes on Rochester's sad, tortured persona so poignantly. He portrays ferocity when the scene calls for it, but also displays Rochester's tender, passionate, emotional side as well. (IMO the newer A&E production suffers in that Ciaran Hinds - whom I normally adore - seems to bluster and bully his way throughout. I've read the book many times and I never felt that Rochester was meant to be perceived as a nonstop snarling beast.)

When I reread the novel, I always see Zelah Clarke as Jane. Ms. Clarke, to me, resembles Jane as she describes herself (and is described by others). Small, childlike, fairy... though it's true the actress doesn't look 18, she portrays Jane's attributes so well. While other reviews have claimed that her acting is wooden or unemotional, one must remember that the character spent 8 years at Lowood being trained to hold her emotions and "passionate nature" in check. Her main inspiration was her childhood friend Helen, who was the picture of demure submission. Although her true nature was dissimilar, Jane learned to master her temper and appear docile, in keeping with the school's aims for its charity students who would go into 'service'. Jane becomes a governess in the household of the rich Mr. Rochester. She would certainly *not* speak to him as an equal. Even later on when she gave as well as she got, she would always be sure to remember that her station was well below that of her employer. Nevertheless, if you read the book - to which this production stays amazingly close - you can clearly see the small struggles Zelah-as-Jane endures as she subdues her emotions in order to remain mild and even-tempered.

The chemistry between Dalton and Clarke is just right, I think. No, it does not in the least resemble Hollywood (thank God! It's not a Hollywood sort of book) but theirs is a romance which is true, devoted and loyal. And for a woman like Jane, who never presumed to have *any* love come her way, it is a minor miracle.

The rest of the casting is terrific, and I love the fact that nearly every character from the book is present here. So, too, is much of the rich, poetic original dialogue. This version is the only one that I know of to include the lovely, infamous 'gypsy scene' and in general, features more humor than other versions I've seen. In particular, the mutual teasing between the lead characters comes straight from the book and is so delightful!

Jane Eyre was, in many ways, one of the first novelized feminists. She finally accepted love on her own terms and independently, and, at last, as Rochester's true equal. Just beautiful!