Jane_Eyre

Cary Fukunaga’s adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 original and rich classic ‘Jane Eyre’ has effectively been crafted by a non-linear structure of story telling through the 2011 film adaptation of Jane Eyre. The adrenalin packed contemporary vision of Jane Eyre’s Victorian novel was faithful as it retains all the intrinsic qualities of the original work. The fundamental issues and themes that Bronte explores are faithfully adhered to in the film. Though Fukunaga omits a number of subplots in order to concentrate the audience’s focus on the key relationships and themes, the simplification does not detract from Bronte’s purpose. Thus the complex bonds between Bessie, Miss Temple, Mrs Reed and Jane are simplified and merely not evident, whilst the emotional contrast between Jane and Rochester are heightened. Moreover, Fukunaga ensures that the psychological and emotional aspect of Bronte’s classic remains an integral aspect of the cinematic version. Mia Wasikowska adopted the roll of Jane Eyre, her small frame and mousy appearance belies her passionate, strong, wise soul. The Jane Eyre in the novel appeared to be more “small and plain” who had a firm grip of self respect and moral direction despite her abused upbringing the strength of her character was continuously demonstrated throughout the novel by the passion she carried out However Fukunaga’s Jane did not vividly portray her passion to the extent that it would define her as an individual, she did not question or fight against characters such as Rochester which was unlike and out of her character, thus an exclusion of her identity. Michael Fassbender who played Edward Rochester, in the novel wasn’t so handsome “I am sure most people would have thought him an ugly man” and was described as a much older man than Jane. However even though Fukunaga’s Rochester wasn’t old enough to be faithful to the novel, he still achieved Rochester to be handsome but not excessively so, the traits of Mr Rochester was faithful to the novel as Fassbender successfully demonstrated the variations between loving and untrustworthy, he carried out his strength in power. Hence his performance was convincing and captivating which allowed his personality and actions to mirror the novel itself. Wasikowska is the right age to play Jane and embodies the degree in which Jane is physically a young woman but emotionally an older soul. The central theme of love and freedom, and an individual’s inability to escape it is emphasised from the opening scene whereby Jane horridly strides from Thornfield. Due to the film not being in chronological order, this builds the audiences suspense. This scene primarily focuses on the theme of Freedom, as it expressively conveys Jane’s emotional state and in that regard Fukunaga enhances the Gothic elements of where the setting takes place to express Jane’s mental and emotional state. Hence the opening scene is filled with dark and dull colours that gradually arise as Jane runs further away from Rochester. As Jane mournfully strides downhill, it symbolises her status declining, as the top of the hill being with Rochester gaining her status and wealth in society, and the bottom of the hill meaning she is leaving with nothing and being at the bottom of the social class hierarchy. However vividly contrasts with other characters who only seek prosperity and status in the acquisitive society whilst Jane’s compelling desire to love and to be loved allows her journey to surpass through times of weakness and sorrow. “ the whole consciousness of my life, lorn, my love lost; my hope quenched, my faith death- struck, swayed full and mighty above me in one sullen mass”. In addition this is linked with after the disclosure of the dark secret and the wedding cancelled, Jane desperately tries to fight off her deep yearning love for Rochester by refusing his advance and embrace. Jane literally runs away from Thornfield to uphold her moral choice and escape from her heart, whereas the novel portrays Jane leaving with a carriage enabling her to escape to be more rational. The costumes that Fukunaga implements are extremely faithful to the texts as the costuming of Jane in this scene, portrays her true character being plain and obscure also matching with Bronte’s time. Jane’s outfit of the simple blue dress and cloak blended in with the nature surroundings, not allowing her to stand out symbolises that she has no place in society. Her fragile figured putted against the harsh and barren moors shows the degree of what and will suffer in order to live by her principles. She isn’t going to compromise; she is a creature of nature. Fukunaga is loyal to Bronte’s version of Jane in the text, as he portrays Jane’s true character mirroring the novel, but due to the complexity and length of the classic, Fukunaga substitutes dialogue for visual imagery. Thus the images of the coldness appearing in association with barren landscapes or seascapes symbolises loneliness, emotional desolation or even death. Fukunaga’s mastery is at its foremost in the development of Jane and Mr Rochester’s relationship. The predominant theme of love going beyond social boundaries is conveyed throughout the novel and is significantly portrayed in the film. Through the scene of after Rochester’s room being on fire, it marks a heightening of Jane and Mr Rochester’s relationship as it begins their love. Fassbender masters the role of Mr Rochester by displaying his steady transformation from the arrogant master to the main in passionate love. This scene is filled with darkness and takes place in the middle of the night, however the whiteness of their nightgowns are the only things in the room that stands out. The colour white also represents peace, comfort and protection, which is ironic as that is how both Mr Rochester and Jane feel about each other. It is also ironic at this stage as Jane wears a white nightgown, the nightgown symbolising vulnerability as well as the depicting colour of white symbolising her purity, innocence and also as being a virgin, which shows her lack of sexual experience and knowledge with males “ he held out his hand; I gave him mine”. The dialogue between the characters stayed extremely faithful to the text.