Which film/TV version of Jane Eyre do you like best?

iluvarake · Joined: 26 Jan 2009 Posts: 730

I just watched the 2011 version with Michael Fassbinder and I thought it was beautiful and well done but too short and the ending was abrupt. I saw so many moments in the trailer that weren't in the movie that I searched out the deleted scenes on YouTube. I could have sworn there was a shot of Jane and Rochester happy and with a baby - sort of an epilogue - but it was no where in the movie. Did I imagine that or is there a longer version of this movie available?

I'm thinking of watching the 2006 version next.
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PWNN · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 828

I haven't seen the latest but of the several films and mini series my favorite by far is the Orson Welles/Joan Fontaine version - Welles was the perfect Rochester.
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Nicole · Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 10:03 pm Post subject:

My favorite adaptation is the 2006 mini series with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. I felt both actors did a good job of being Jane and Rochester. Very entertaining.

I also though the ending of the newest film too abrupt. I liked the movie regardless, but not my favorite.
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Lea AAR · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 403 Location: Oklahoma

I'm a Jane Eyre movie addict and own all but one version. The Toby Stephens version is my favorite although there seems to be something I strongly like about each version. For example, the music in the Ciaran Hines/Samantha Morton version moves me more than the others. In the 2011 version, Michael Fassbender is the best Mr. Rochester of them all. But if I were to pick one to watch tonight, I'd pick up the Toby Stephens/Ruth Wilson version.
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library addict · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 1237

I have not seen as many Jane Eyre adaptations as the various Austen ones so I can't compare multiple versions.

The only version I own on DVD is the 1983 mini-series with Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke. It's got some dated cinematography, but I enjoyed it.

ChrisReader · Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 687

I haven't seen the latest version yet (but I do think Fassbender would make a great Rochester) but I've seen all the others and with the exception of the William Hurt/Charlotte Gainsbourg one I like something about each of them.

I really love the Timothy Dalton/Zelah Clarke one because it does the whole story (and I love Dalton in the role.) It truly feels complete and the acting is great.

I love the Fontaine/Welles one because Welles has to have one of the greatest voices for that role. The part where he talks about the string that ties their ribs and cord of communication is sublime.

The Toby Stephens version is by far the sexiest and I love it (but I think realistically it takes it way past the book.) I appreciate that it really shows the temptation Jane faced- she's a very passionate creature.

The Ciaran Hinds/Samantha Morton one is really good too and I think he probably comes closest to what Mr. Rochester is supposed to look like. (Even though Hinds is attractive he's not as young looking or as conventionally attractive as Dalton or Stephens.)