DVD: Jane Eyre (12)

 

Ben Walsh
Thursday 08 March 2012 10:15 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

"You must learn how barren is the life of a sinner," the sadistic headmaster Mr Brocklehurst (Simon McBurney, excellent) exhorts.

Cary Fukunaga's handsome production is good on Jane Eyre's brutalising schooldays and upbringing, and it starts ambitiously with a less linear structure (beginning with Jane's escape from Thornfield Manor); but other than that it's a pretty standard adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's gothic masterpiece. Mia Wasikowska is okay as the spirited Jane; Michael Fassbender is better as scowling, self-loathing Mr Rochester. Ultimately, though, it's just a bit underwhelming – efficient storytelling that lacks a bit of oomph.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in