3 Jane Eyre 1943, Starring Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles
Jane Eyre is a gothic romance, but many adaptations treat it as a classic period piece and ignore the gothic elements. With long shadows and stark black-white contrast, the locations feel the way they are described in the book in the 1943 Jane Eyre movie. Lowood feels lonely and oppressive, while Thornfield feels truly haunted by secrets bordering on the supernatural.
Orson Welles gives a fantastic performance as Rochester, commanding every scene he is in. The actor's larger-than-life screen presence is perfect for the character and the story. He's one of the best Rochesters of any adaptation.
2 Jane Eyre 2006, Starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens
The 2006 Jane Eyre movie is actually another version that aired as a television miniseries on BBC. These four episodes cover everything in the novel, from Gateshead to Moor House. Scenes with Jane and Rochester pulse with romance and mystery, and the chemistry between Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens is undeniable.
Certain changes are made to the dialogue in an attempt to modernize the story for newer audiences, and these changes may not work for everyone. However, between Ruth Wilson's wonderful performance and the strength of the central love story, this version certainly does justice to Brontë's story.
1 Jane Eyre 2011, Starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender
Each version of a Jane Eyre movie has its strengths, but no other has captured the essence of the novel the way that the 2011 version has. Director Cary Fukunaga and screenwriter Moira Buffini make the brilliant decision to begin the movie with Jane fleeing Thornfield. The rest of the story—Jane's childhood, her romance with Rochester, her attempted marriage—is told through flashbacks. This improves the pacing of the film and keeps the audience engaged.
Though many actors have put their own spin on these characters, this cast cannot be matched. Michael Fassbender is a nearly perfect Rochester. Meanwhile, Judi Dench and Jamie Bell, as well as the rest of the supporting cast, give great performances, as well. Mia Wasikowska is the star, and perhaps the greatest strength of this adaptation is the way it is so clearly meant to be Jane's story. Wasikowska's performance is perfect in every scene, capturing the nuances and contradictions of the iconic character. The 2011 adaptation is the best Jane Eyre movie. (Madilyn Ivey)
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