Saturday, April 2, 2011

Jane Eyre


I feel as though I've been looking forward to the release of the new Jane Eyre film for ages, and the much longed-for and highly-anticipated release finally, finally arrived yesterday. People, this Jane Eyre was worth the wait, and when it finally expands into wide release, for goodness' sake go! Sure to appeal to die-hard Jane Eyre fans, this film is also a wildly accessible introduction to anyone not familiar with the beloved story.


I'm a huge fan of the 2006 Masterpiece Classic miniseries version of Jane Eyre, starring Toby Stephens as Rochester and Ruth Wilson as Jane. With a script by the brilliant Sandy Welch, that version of Jane Eyre has the luxury of a four-hour runtime wherein the intricacies and detail of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel can be explored on-screen. With a roughly two-hour timeframe with which to work for this new theatrical release, some detail is necessarily sacrificed. But similarly to Focus Features' success in bringing another classic near and dear to my heart to the big screen - Pride and Prejudice in 2005 as compared to the (in my mind, anyway) definitive miniseries from 1995 - this film retains the heart and soul of the novel, the critical story beats necessary to successfully bring Jane's story to life.


For any story detail that might be sacrificed for the sake of a manageable theatrical runtime, director Cary Fukunaga more than makes up for that by retaining the mood and atmosphere of the novel. There's a heavy reliance on the gothic elements Jane Eyre's story. This is aided by the structure of the film. Where most Jane Eyre adaptations are told in a linear fashion, following the structure of the novel from Jane's childhood to her time at Thornfield, this film is largely told in flashback. The movie opens with Jane fleeing Thornfield and Rochester following the revelation of Bertha's existence, and getting lost on the moors until alone and sick she stumbles on the home of the Rivers family. From there, as she recovers, we see her childhood with the Reeds, time at Lowood School, and arrival at Thornfield told in flashback as she recovers. It's an unusual structure, but given the limitations of the film's runtime I think it's an effective way to include as much of Jane's past as possible.


The success of any Jane Eyre adaptation rests, for me, on the casting of Jane and Rochester. More than anything else, more than any other character, more than the setting, I have to click with Jane and Rochester. I have to become as emotionally invested with their love story on-screen as I do when reading the novel. Happily, I absolutely love Mia Wasikowska as Jane and Michael Fassbender as Rochester. Wasikowska first came to my attention when I saw her play Alice in Tim Burton's gorgeous re-imagining of Alice in Wonderland (my review). At 22, she is perhaps the closest in age to Jane in the novel than any other actress who's brought the character to life on-screen. She handles the role masterfully, balancing Jane's youthfulness and maturity with seasoned aplomb. Her best scenes are perhaps the proposal - her transition from disbelief, anger, and frustration with Rochester gradually gives way with glorious abandon when she accepts that he loves her - and the moment when Rochester on his knees is begging her to stay, and she refuses. The strength and emotion with which Wasikowska infuses that scene is breathtakingly powerful. She's definitely an actress to watch.


I loved Michael Fassbender as Rochester. He doesn't quite knock Toby Stephens' portrayal of Bronte's enigmatic leading man from the top spot in my Rochester ranking, but that's in large part due to the fact that he has less screen time to work with. What I wouldn't give to see Fassbender and Wasikowska in a sprawling, four hour version of Jane Eyre. *sigh* The possibilities, oh the possibilities. :) For a piece that relies on atmosphere as much as this film does, Fassbender embraces his turn as a tortured, Byronic hero with relish. His Rochester has an edgy, dangerous, unpredictable edge, and in his all-too-brief scenes with Jane (I just wanted more...those scenes could've gone on forever), Fassbender has an intense, eager quality, latching onto Jane's every word. She's a puzzle he's desperate to solve, and the energy Fassbender brings to those scenes imbue Rochester's interactions with Jane with a subtlety and a romanticism that I quite simply adored. And of course it didn't hurt that the man has a fabulous voice. The script does him a HUGE favor by retaining much of the novel's most well-known and beloved dialogue, and hearing Fassbender bring that to life worked for me on every level imaginable. :) And Fassbender can say more with his eyes than most actors could do with pages and pages of dialogue - well played sir, very well played.


It was such a treat to see Judi Dench as Thornfield's housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax. Dench brought a wonderful warmth to her scenes opposite Wasikowska. Her Mrs. Fairfax is loving, loyal, and capable - and quite long-suffering when it comes to putting up with Rochester's capricious moods. My favorite scene is probably when she meets Jane in the burned-out shell of Thornfield at the end of the film. She's so clearly grateful to see Jane alive and well, and her apology of sorts - assuring Jane that she didn't know Rochester was married, that she would've helped Jane leave Thornfield - was extremely well-played. Though brief, Dench plays Mrs. Fairfax's relationship with Jane with more of a mothering quality than I can recall seeing in prior film versions that I really liked. Who wouldn't want Dame Judi in your corner? :)


Sally Hawkins was a surprisingly terrifying Mrs. Reed. It's hard to believe that just a few years ago she was playing a romantic lead in the Masterpiece Classic version of Persuasion (my review). I don't know if it was the costumes and hairstyle, or if Hawkins has lost some weight, or a combination of factors, but her face had this awful cadaver-like look that nicely played into disliking the character of Mrs. Reed (as if a viewer needs any help doing that). Speaking of Jane's youth, I will go ahead and mention that Amelia Clarkson's turn as the young Jane was really well done. Not only was she a passing good match for a young Wasikowska, but she was quite impressive as Jane the child. Her strength was wholly believable, and in Jane's scenes at the Reed home and then Lowood, Clarkson had an arresting screen presence. She could definitely be an actress to watch as she grows up and matures.


The Rivers family was made up of a trio of familiar faces. Sister Diana was played by Holliday Granger, who has appeared in everything from Merlin to Any Human Heart. But most memorably for me, she was largely responsible for one of the best Guy-centric episodes in Robin Hood - the season three ep "A Dangerous Deal" (my review). Sister Mary was played by Tamzin Merchant, whose first film role, interestingly enough, was as Georgiana Darcy in the 2005 film version of Pride and Prejudice. The largely thankless role of their clergyman brother St. John Rivers falls to Jamie Bell. Poor Jame. *sigh* I'm a huge fan of his work - he's made memorable appearances in everything from Nicholas Nickleby as Smike, to brother Asael Bielski in Defiance, to Esca in The Eagle. But even he in all his fabulousness can't make St. John any less...well, odd comes to mind. It was interesting to observe the audience's reaction to St. John's high-handed speeches to Jane and expectations of her future in his missionary work. Goodness, even when you know what's coming the urge to smack St. John upside the head is nearly overpowering.


There's one or two more casting point I simply must mention - Bertha's brother, Richard Mason, is played by none other than Robin Hood's own Harry Lloyd, the one-time Will Scarlett. Goodness did he ever look awful and half mad himself like his poor on-screen sister. I also thought that Imogen Poots did a fine job with the role of Blanche Ingram. I cannot TELL you how refreshing it was to see a Blanche who is a brunette - it seems that she's always portrayed as a blonde in film versions of Jane Eyre. Poots may look familiar to fans of the film Me and Orson Welles, where she played Lorelei Lathrop, or Miss Austen Regrets, where she took on the role of Fanny Knight.


The entire film crew, from the art department to the cinematographer to the wardrobe department deserve major kudos for bringing director Fukunaga's moody, absorbing vision of Jane Eyre's world to life. I especially loved all of the Thornfield Hall scenes - this may be my favorite Thornfield ever captured on film. With its rich, dark wood panelling and twisting hallways, this film gives us a worthy gothic setting for Bertha's cries in the night and Rochester's dark moods. And the use of darkness and shadow and light - oh my, every frame of this film is carefully constructed to set the mood and help tell the story.


Dario Marianelli contributed the score, and people it is BRILLIANT. Marianelli also wrote the scores for Atonement and Pride and Prejudice, and given that track record and the work he produced for Jane Eyre, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he wins a third Oscar for his work on this film. He'd better at least be nominated! Instead of featuring piano solos (as he did in Pride and Prejudice), for Jane Eyre Marianelli showcases the violin, which for the record may be my favorite instrument. I don't think anything else could be more suited to bring musical life to Jane and Rochester's world, with its ability to be gorgeous, poignant, and moody, tugging on the heartstrings with every note. This soundtrack features performances by violinist Jack Liebeck, who could easily give Joshua Bell a run for his money after hearing his work on this film. You can purchase the soundtrack on CD or MP3 download through Amazon - if you're a fan of gorgeous film scores as I am, it's a must-have!


I have to talk about the ending of this film, which was definitely unexpected. After obtaining Rochester's location from Mrs. Fairfax, Jane arrives to find him sitting alone and looking suitably moody, with only his dog Pilot for company. I loved the fact that Fassbender's hair was long and wild, and that he sported a beard for the scene - it was an extra touch that made him look rougher and more unkempt than many other Rochesters have played the reunion scene. When Jane tells him she's returned, and they embrace, the moment is gorgeous, shot through with the tension of romantic hopes at long last realized. When Rochester wonders if he's still dreaming, there's this heartbeat of a moment where I swear I didn't breathe, then Jane bids him wake - and the film ends. Unexpectedly abrupt, and the more I've thought about it, the more I have to give the director credit for making such a bold choice to end the film in such a way. That whole last scene was beautifully executed, from Wasikowska and Fassbender's tender performances to the breath-taking use of lighting. It's as if we're finally witnessing Jane and Rochester awake from the tortured dream of life that's conspired to keep them apart - and past that moment everything is left to the imagination of the viewer.


I'm currently re-reading the novel for the first time in several years. Sadly I was unable to get that accomplished prior to seeing this film, but since I plan to see the movie again in theaters if at all possible, hopefully I will have finished the book by then so I can have the entire novel fresh in my mind for further comparisons. Shocking, I know, that I'd be willing to see this film more than once... *wink*

I desperately hope that this ridiculously long, picture-heavy post will inspire you to rush out and see Jane Eyre the second it opens in your area - it is SO worth the ticket price. And thanks to everyone who commented on my last post, kicking off the All Things Jane celebration - I hope I'll be able to spotlight some books and films old-time and new fans of Jane Eyre will enjoy. :)


43 comments:

Heidenkind said...

Holy cow, Ruth, that was a long post! I'm happy to hear this version of Jane Eyre is good, although I will of course have to see it for myself. ;)

Debra E. Marvin said...

OH MY. I finally get to see this next weekend, on the 9th. I was so disappointed last month. I'd been waiting for the U.S premiere to open March 11th, yet nowhere to be found.

I share your enthusiasm. I'm currently listening to the book on audio and I'm falling in love with the prose again. I actually bought the soundtrack last week because I use them for writing and have never been disappointed with a Dario Marianelli score. It is beautiful.

Ahh, it's nice to be among peers :)

Your review was very complete and if possible, you've made me more anxious to see it. (this is rather embarassing but I just watched the Ruth Wilson/Toby Stephens version this past week. I love his portrayal as Rochester.)
I'm looking rather obsessed here, aren't I?
Oh what the heck.

thanks for the review!

Unknown said...

@heidenkind - I know, right? The length of this post is RIDICULOUS. But I couldn't help myself. :) I can't WAIT to hear your thoughts on this movie!

@Debra - Yay for more JE fans! :) Nice to meet you...I think I recognize your photo, maybe from comments on Kaye's website?

I am SO glad I'm not the only one who bought the soundtrack prior to seeing the film, solely based on Dario Marianelli's name. ;) I've been listening to JE, Atonement, and P&P pretty much constantly ever since.

Apparently I never formally "reviewed" the 2006 JE miniseries, so I hope you'll stop back to share your thoughts on that production when I get those posts up. Happy to know another Stephens/Rochester fan...his portrayal was WONDERFUL.

Thanks again for stopping by and sharing my JE enthusiasm!

Kristin said...

Great review! Now I'm even more anxious to see it as well! :) It sounds amazing.

And I didn't know Dario Marianelli did the score. That's so exciting! The 2005 P&P soundtrack is probably my favorite movie soundtrack ever (and I'm a soundtrack geek! :). I need to go find some previews online now!

~Kristin

Debra E. Marvin said...

So I need to get ATONEMENT soundtrack, huh?
okay.
I really love the P&P but I also have Becoming Jane. I listen to Pandora (my pandora station is called Dario Marianelli by the way, and I find a lot of great soundtrack pieces).

Yes, you might have seen me on Kaye's comments and around cybertown. I love hanging around there and Laura Frantz's blog.

Laura posted the link to your review on FB today and here I am.

This soundtrack is incredible, isn't it?

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

2006 version = awesome so I'm slightly worried about this version especially since I LOVE a long juicy move just like I adore a good long juicy novel. However since you love it I'm even more excited but I live in the sticks so it's going to take a while for this to get to me LOL!

I love the pics BTW!

XOXO~ Rene

Renee said...

Not sure if I'm going to get to the theater to see this, but you've made me want to! At least I know whenever I view this version, it will be worth it!

Traxy said...

The length of this post was absolutely fine, Ruth. It's a great review and I loved every word of it. Nice to hear you enjoyed the film. :)

Unknown said...

@Kristin - Thanks! I do hope you enjoy it as well. And since you love the P&P score I KNOW you will love this one...seriously, you should probably go ahead and buy it. I'm serious. ;)

@Debra - Have you seen Atonement? Not for everyone but I really enjoyed it. Score-wise it's GORGEOUS, as to be expected from Marianelli, but it's really interesting how he incorporates vocals and the use of the sound of the typewriter keys as part of the musical soundscape.

And yes, the JE soundtrack is incredible!

@Renee - Oh, the 2006 version is INCREDIBLE. And glad you enjoyed the pics...I couldn't limit myself to just a few. :)

@Renee Ann - This wil be a great addition to my costume drama DVD collection when it's released. :)

@Traxy - Thanks, girl! :) I am looking forward to the day when you get to review this one yourself! :)

Debra E. Marvin said...

No, but I've seen some clips of Atonement, Ruth, and I actually read up on the novel and so I understand the plot. James McAvoy, right?
It looks like it's very well done, compelling. I think it's on my netflix queue. (I just went on netflix hiatus during final countdown to submitting my WIP) But thanks for the suggestion.

I know it's a 'heavy'. Hey, they all can't be Mamma Mia, right?

PS I think SteelerGirl Renee has been a good source of JE clips over the last few months. Thanks!

Lori Benton said...

Wow. I didn't read all of this because I really hope we get this movie here and didn't want too many spoilers (not that there can be that many, given I know the story so well), but it sure looks like you enjoyed it Ruth.

Now, if it will only find its way to our middling-small town. How if I stick my head out the window and shout, "JANE!!!!"

Joanne said...

Yes, but did you LIKE it, Ruth??!

(just kidding);) Can't wait to see it!

Unknown said...

@Debra - Yep, James McAvoy. Excuse me while I swoon... :)

@Lori - Yeah, I liked it well enough. ;) j/k I hope you get to see it soon, Lori, I think you'll love it too! :)

@Joanne - Very funny. :P I can't wait to read your own thoughts on this one!

Lori said...

I have to agree that the flashback worked very well for this version. I think in part b/c you expect flashbacks to not be too drawn out and you can get away with skipping some details. I also liked the ending. I had to think about it and process it some, but I totally agree with your comments on it.

You are going to laugh so hard b/c when I saw Harry Lloyd I thought "AGHH! That creepy guy from Doctor Who—Family of Blood/Human Nature!!" I think b/c he looked crazy and I apparently have trouble wrapping my head around the fact that he also played Will Scarlet!

Another familiar face for me was Sandy McDade who played Miss Scatcherd and also Margaret Brown in Lark Rise. What complete opposites!!

Unknown said...

@Lori - Glad we are in agreement about the ending. Like you said, it took some time to process it but in the context of this film it worked really well, I think.

I cannot believe I forgot Harry Lloyd was in that creepy Family of Blood DW ep!!! OMG!!! That is too funny...well that just goes to prove that the creepy/bizarre screen presence isn't so far out of the realm of possibility for poor Will Scarlett. :P

Perhaps on a 2nd viewing I will pay more attention to Sandy McDade and Margaret Brown... :)

Lori said...

He seriously freaked me out in Doctor Who!!!

Have you ever seen the 1996 version of Jane Eyre? I was just comparing all the versions I've seen and that one works the least...first of all William Hurt is no Rochester. Second, it's by Franco Zeffirelli, who did the Mel Gibson Hamlet...enough said! The thing that cracks me up is Julian Fellowes plays Colonel Dent in that version. How weird is that!?!

Unknown said...

@Lori - Now that you've reminded me of his presence in those DW eps, I'm remembering how much he freaked me out (thanks for that, haha!!).

I have seen the 1996 version of JE with William Hurt...and seriously yes, what the heck was up with that casting? Only Zeffirelli would've thought that one up, LOL! I totally forgot Julian Fellowes is in that one though!

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

Hahaha I've already planned to add this to my BluRay collection even though I haven't seen it yet. I figured it's JE so it can't be all bad.

XOXO~ Renee

Debra E. Marvin said...

Wow I have to start hanging out over here. I feel so normal hearing about all the English dramas and costume dramas. Even my garmin talks with an English accent.

Jennifer said...

I read nearly all of this post, except that I skipped a bit about the actors and DID NOT read about the ending! :) Sadly, the movie isn't going to be played in my area. :( I'll have to wait FOREVER until the DVD comes out. I really should read the novel first anyway. I haven't read it, but I am familiar with the whole story. (I might possibly have read a condensed version when I was a kid, but can't think it is as good as the original.) I'm stuck in Les Miz right now, though, so it'll have to wait a bit. I'm excited for more Jane Eyre posts from you!!

Laurel Ann (Austenprose) said...

Wow Ruth. That was a chunkster review! I loved the movie too. I think they did an excellent job within the 2 hours time constraint. I now appreciate the Toby Stevens version more - and still think the Orson Wells is the best. We all can have our indulgent weaknesses.

Debra E. Marvin said...

Just finished my last snippets of the last JE and appreciate Toby Stephens more every time. I will especially be watching Michael F (okay now wait until I finish) for his portrayal of the post-fire Edward.

Maria Grazia said...

When will it be my turn? I definitely want to see it! Only, I fear I'll have to be satisfied with the DVD when it comes out. Will they release it in Italy? I doubt. Then I want it in the original version. Thanks for your great review, Ruth!

Unknown said...

@Renee - LOL, smart call, my friend, smart call! ;)

@Debra - You think this is fun, wait until I start blogging about Masterpiece Classic again... :)

Oh, and regarding the Toby Stephens JE...I'm planning on viewing that at least once this week. LOVE it. I can't wait till you see this new version!

@Jennifer - Thanks for sharing my JE excitement! I hope in the coming weeks, maybe you'll be surprised and this film will open in your area, I would love to hear your take on it too! I want to read Les Miz this year as well - but I'm a little obsessed with the Brontes right now. :)

@Laurel Ann - I need to watch the Orson Welles version...I feel sure I've seen it, but it's been SO many years I can't recall specifics. Thanks for making it through my massive gushing. ;)

@Maria - I just checked the film's IMDB page, and sadly there isn't an Italian release date yet. But it seems like this film is slated to open more in Europe in the late summer/early fall...maybe that will get updated with a release favorable to you. :) I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this movie either!!

Heather said...

Awesome review! And you really make my heart ache that we dont have it playing here yet ;) I've wandered over here from Laura Frantz's blog, by the way :)
I've been playing with painted ceramics recently and made some Jane Eyre mugs this weekend. They're finishing baking in the oven now :)
Even the trailer for this movie is so deliciously spooky. One of my all-time favorite classics by far...

Unknown said...

@Heather - Thank you! I hope this film opens somewhere near you soon! And yay for meeting friends of Laura... :)

Have you done a post with your JE mugs yet? (I'm a new follower of your blog.) I would love to see them!

And I agree about the trailer for this film - they did a fantastic job with it! :)

Heather said...

Nice to meet you too! I will probably blog about the mugs tomorrow, but I did just get them listed in my shop! Which you can see here: http://audreyeclectic.com/ looking forward to reading more!

Agnila said...

As much as I love JE, I decided not to watch this movie. And that is just because of Mia Wasikowska. She ruined Alice for me, I didn't want her to do that for JE too. From the posters, trailers and stiils, she didn't look anything like JE (to me at least). Of course the costumes and make-ups were great, but she wasn't. But after reading your review, I'm thinking of giving it a shot. We have very similar tastes, so most probably I will like it (even though you loved Alice, which I hated). Besides, can't miss anything that spells Jane Eyre, can I?

Unknown said...

@Heather - Thanks for the link! I LOVE that Jane Eyre mug...you will hopefully be seeing an order from me soon. :)

@Agnila - Thanks for sharing your perspective on Mia in both Alice and JE. I was predisposed to HATE the new Alice in Wonderland, but Tim Burton made it work for me - that's always been one of my least favorite stories and films EVER, so that was quite a feat. :) I wouldn't say Mia made the movie for me, but for me she worked in that role.

I am, however, REALLY impressed with her take on Jane - so that said, if you do decide to see the film I would LOVE to know your thoughts! So please come back and share! :) Like you say, you can't miss anything that spells Jane Eyre - and anyway, you HAVE to give Michael Fassbender's take on Rochester a shot! :)

Charleybrown said...

Ah Ruth, I'm glad that you derived so much enjoyment from it! I agree with you regarding Mia's powerful scenes but I'm wondering if Toby has taken up too much of my heart to allow any room for Fassbender since he failed to impress me.
Thanks for your detailed review but I fear we'll have to disagree on our responses. Funny isn't it how the same film can affect us so differently?

Unknown said...

@Charleybrown - Thanks for stopping by! Toby Stephens has definitely left an indelible mark on the role of Rochester - I'm ALWAYS going to be comparing old and new takes on the role to his. What really impressed me with Fassbender's take on the role was his passion for the character, and his ability to act with his eyes. I just loved it. And hey...so we disagree...that's the beauty of art, right? Everyone's different, intensely personal responses? :)

Debra E. Marvin said...

okay, finally saw the movie this weekend and to me it was like a different movie all together from the Toby/Ruth version. I love them both. The new movie didn't have the time to develop the story, especially the love story as much and it showed. I loved it more for its passion and literary feel, compelling emotion and setting. But I think I love Toby/Ruth more as Edward and Jane. They are just more developed as partners.

Love them both and love the soundtrack more since seeing the movie.

Unknown said...

@Debra - YAY! So glad you got to see this movie! I think you are right - this version works best if one doesn't compare it to the 2006 miniseries - it's got its own merits. :) I'm so happy you enjoyed this version - the emotion and setting and whole "feel" of the film were just wonderful. I need to see this again. ASAP. :)

Debra E. Marvin said...

I hope to catch it in the theater again for sure! and I hope it's out by Christmas on DVD!

Unknown said...

@Debra - Me too - there's a couple of friends who want to see this one on the big screen and I definitely want to go with them. :) And I hope this is out on DVD by Christmas at the LATEST! (I don't wanna wait that long...December still seems so far away...LOL!)

BTW...are you watching Upstairs Downstairs on Masterpiece Classic? (Re: my latest post...had to ask.) :)

Debra E. Marvin said...

no, I'm not. I'm too busy (and already tired) to lose my sunday nights. I was unemployed in January so I watched Downton Abbey! I have U, D on my netflix queue to watch again in the future. I gave up TV otherwise...

Unknown said...

@Debra - Well, you're in for a treat when Upstairs Downstairs comes up in your Netflix queue - I really enjoyed Part One. Not Downton brilliant but good in its own right. :)

Anonymous said...

I agree with every single word you wrote. This movie was FABULOUS. Most people found the ending to be a negative aspect but I love the fact that they allowed room for the imagination. And that moment when she says "well then awaken..."
I stopped breathing as well lol.
Please check out my review, it was almost perfectly in line with yours.
http://litlover13.livejournal.com/

Unknown said...

@litlover13 - Thanks so much for dropping by my blog and sharing your thoughts on Jane Eyre! Great to meet another fan of this fabulous film. I can't help but look at the editing and construction of the film in a positive light as well - it left LOTS of room for the imagination, which was FANTASTIC. :)

LitLover said...

Hello there :) I commented on your blog a few weeks ago under "Litlover13" through livejournal, but since then i've changed blogs. My blog is now http://fortheloveoflit-litlover.blogspot.com. Pleaaassseee check it out :)

Unknown said...

@LitLover - Thanks for the update!

Jeanne said...

Ruth, this was a great review. I so love Fassbender in this role, and you're right, his eyes are fantastic. The scene where he's begging her to stay and she has to tear herself away...loved it. At first I didn't care for the ending--I missed the humor and their banter at the end. But I saw it again and it was just very well done, very fitting for this version. Oh yes, how I'd love for this cast to have the luxury of more time to tell the story. I didn't mind some of the changes, though, they worked for me, I got that they had to work with the time allotted. The look of this version is my favorite, I think, the gothic atmosphere, fog and candlelight....oh my I want to see this again right now! Can't wait for DVD release day.
Thanks,
Jeannie

Unknown said...

@Jeannie - Aww, thanks, glad you enjoyed it! :) I completely agree, the atmosphere of this film is stunning, it really helps set it apart from all other versions of JE. I really hope the DVD release is announced soon, and that there are TONS AND TONS of extra deleted scenes included - I'd love to know what moments hit the cutting room floor!