Breath of Fresh "Eyre" (2011) - My Favourite Classic Novel Adaptation

Join the alias as we explore 5 reasons to love this adaptation - in the inaugural edition of alias's "take five" segment. Candlelight, yearning, darkness - and more!

Article Edited: December 22nd, 2022

This article's token Mary Shelley quote may just be our Jane's own mantra...

'Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.' - Mary Shelley

Now, as a preface, I must defend my love for the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice

as a great film tied to classic literature. BUT, the reason Jane Eyre (2011) surpasses it as my favourite novel adaptation is due to the fact that I (*gasp*) did not finish reading Austen's original text... I'll have to try again sometime in the future but, in that particular case, the film was better than the book for me.

Trust me, I realize how sacrilegious that must be within literary circles but, here at alias indiana, we speak our minds.

Much like my beloved protagonist, Miss Jane Eyre!

Here is a new segment on alias - a "take five" list with five key points. Think of them as a condensed version of our favourite "ten token" lists!

In this inaugural article using the alias "take five" list method - here are five key reasons to love the 2011 version of Jane Eyre

(starring Mia Wasikowska & Michael Fassbender)

Ambience + Setting

In my opinion, landscape & cinematography can make or break an adaptation. Regardless of acting ability, I believe this is a common reason Made-For-TV classic novel adaptations aren't as effective or timeless. Yet, beautiful and historically accurate settings like the candlelit, wrought-iron, castle-like presence of Thornfield Hall from Jane Eyre (2011) make this adaptation truly outstanding. Even meandering, prolonged shots of Jane pacing the harvest fields holds impact due to the sheer majesty of the location. The film was shot in London and the Derbyshire Dales, filled with hills and trails destined for a stroll when contemplating the morals of loving a man with his past wife locked up in the attic (not a relatable plotline for most, right?) The windblown and pale landscape reflects the presumed bland nature of Jane, her blank and plain state hiding her complex inner blaze.

Mia's Casting

Speaking of Jane's inner blaze - Mia Wasikowska was the ideal choice for Jane Eyre - her beauty is subtle and her interpretation of the "mousy governess" stereotype of Jane is believable due to Mia's characteristic shy yet mysterious role history. She is no stranger to an eerie eclectic set, shown with her prior work in the historical-romance spiritual thriller (which was basically a fever dream), Crimson Peak (2015). Paired with Tom Hiddleston in that film, she showcased a talent for understated majesty - which she certainly employs in Jane Eyre (2011)

Overall, her naturally quiet exterior paves the way for moments of emotional turmoil translated into big outbursts. When Wasikowska pleads with Rochester in the wake of (she assumes to be) his love affair with Ms. Ingram, Wasikowska's entire body shakes with pain. Her emotional depiction of complex characters such as Jane is honest, heart-wrenching, and seems inherently tied to her roles as an actress.

Michael's Casting

Michael Fassbender. One word: wow. His raw appeals to Jane's better nature in the heat of his abuse of trust creates a likeability distinctly lacking from other adaptations' portrayals of him. His attempts at wooing Jane by candlelight are effective on the audience as well, as Fassbender delivers these lines with a flowing, deep baritone candor that allow Rochester to seem genuine. His love for her seems earnest, though dubious in modern times (due to the age gap).

I hadn't seen Fassbender star in anything before watching Jane Eyre (2011) but to my understanding, if he simply played brooding dark-past stereotypes for the rest of his days - Rotten Tomatoes would consider his entire career "totally fresh!"

Armed with Fassbender's natural Hollywood looks, his appearance in the film lends a handsome face to the secretive Rochester - making sympathy easy to procure for his tortured depiction of the once-married-twice-shy male lead.

The Thin Balance Between Love & Argument

The depiction of Jane and Rochester's honest arguments about their own miscommunications were brilliantly depicted in the film, aided by Wasikowska and Fassbender's insane levels of chemistry. Wasikowska's belief in herself as Jane portrays a strong person, even though Jane is somewhat believed to be feeble by those around her. Yet, in this excerpt, it is clear that Fassbender's Rochester is tearfully devoted to her - feelings and all.

Jane Eyre : Am I a machine with out feelings? Do you think that because I am poor, plain, obscure, and little that I am souless and heartless? I have as much soul as you and full as much heart. And if God had possessed me with beauty and wealth, I could make it as hard for you to leave me as it is for I to leave you... I'm not speaking to you through mortal flesh. It is my spirit that addresses your spirit, as if we'd have passed through the grave and stood at God's feet equal. As we are. Rochester : [taking her arms] As we are. Jane Eyre : [trying to pull away] I am a free human being with an independent will, which I now exert to leave you. Rochester : Than let you will decide your destiny. I offer you my hand, my heart. Jane, I ask you to pass through life at my side. You are my equal and my likeness... Will you marry me?

Poetry in the Paragraphs and Double-Meanings

In the same scene, one of the best double-meanings in a film adaptation is performed, whilst Jane questions Rochester's presumed love for Miss Ingram.

Jane Eyre : I have lived a full life here. I have not been trampled on. I have not been petrified. I have not been excluded from every glimpse of what is bright. I have known you, Mr. Rochester, and it strikes me with anguish to be torn from you.

Rochester : Then why must you leave?

Jane Eyre : Because of your wife.

Rochester : I have no wife.

Knowing the skeletons hidden in Rochester's closet (or rather, the wife hidden in his attic...), this declaration of "I have no wife" holds two meanings. Firstly, it relates back to his lack of affection for Miss Ingram AND his prior wife. He speaks this as if it chokes him to say it, through clenched teeth and a stern jaw. This is one of the instances of poetry in the paragraphs. The adaptation is filled to the brim with quotable moments that are beautifully written yet this simple line is so brutally honest that it breaks past prior poetry. The brutality of it makes it poetic in itself, though it is not filled with the same flowery language of Jane's own monologues.

check out the scene here

Overall, the adaptation's superior ambience, casting, and quotable performance of poetry combine to create an escape back to Thornfield. The film expertly displays the original material in both a way that appeals to younger audiences with the casting choice yet also holds true to older audiences due to its authenticity. I also intend to watch the BBC 2006 version eventually - yet I'm quite sure the quiet romantics of the 2011 has won my heart for the time being...

I swear that I need to re-watch this film at *least* yearly and I promise that you will too - as if a "similar thread was tied to a spot beneath your ribs" ...

Yours in Academia (and at Thornfield Hall...),

Alias Indiana, the Book-Built Blog.