Between the Pages

This is the 1997 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel.  Samantha Morton is the eponymous heroine, while Ciaran Hinds takes on the role of Rochester.  Unfortunately, I found this version disappointing.  Morton certainly looks right for Jane, and there is no doubt that both Morton and Hinds are accomplished actors.  However, I found myself wondering whether either of them were even familiar with the story or their characters.  Jane’s quiet strength, which shone through in the novel (and in certain adaptations) isn’t visible here – instead, the character is almost petulant and unpleasant to Rochester – and Rochester, such a layered and beautifully drawn person in the book – is nothing so much as a loud-mouthed bully in this version.  Hinds seems incapable of talking, and chooses to shout all of his lines.

Also, large parts of the book are cut out of the story.  I feel that this is the problem with trying to tell this story in a two hour film – it just can’t be done (which is probably why my favourite adaptation is unquestionably the mini-series from 2006, starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens).  Even worse, the chopping of certain parts of the novel means that the film might seem disjointed to anyone who hasn’t read Jane Eyre.  The developing feelings between Jane and Rochester seems too sudden, and although the character of St John makes an appearance, it is short and irrelevant to the way the story unfolds in this version (and he isn’t related to Jane either).

It isn’t completely bad though.  Gemma Jones does a lovely job as Mrs Fairfax, and the scenery and photography looks lovely.  Overall though, this is worth watching only if you are trying (like me) to see all the adaptations of this novel. Otherwise, I would suggest skipping this version, and trying the 2006 mini-series.

Year of release: 1997

Director: Robert Young

Producers: Delia Fine, Sally Head, Greg Brenman, Hugh Warren

Writers: Charlotte Bronte (novel), Kay Mellor, Richard Hawley, Peter Wright

Main cast: Samantha Morton, Ciaran Hinds, Gemma Jones, David Gant

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Click here for my review of the novel.

Click here for my review of the 2006 mini-series.

Click here for my review of the 1996 film adaptation.

Click here for my review of the 1943 film adaptation.

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