'Jane Eyre' Movie Review: A Fine and Worthy Update

"Jane Eyre" has experienced a multitude of film versions, to date 18 features and nine television adaptations. So just what makes Charlotte Bronte's 1847 novel such a success? And where does this newest adaptation directed by Cary Fukunaga and starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender as Jane and the brooding Rochester rank amongst the others?

If not the top, then pretty darn close.

This "Jane Eyre" does itself proud by embracing the gothic tonal qualities of Bronte's novel. Director Fukunaga, who reteamed with his cinematographer Adriano Goldman from his award-winning first feature "Sin Nombre," worked to visually create this moody atmosphere - they used natural light when possible, relying on candles, oil lanterns, and fireplaces to expose their actors.

Likewise, screenwriter Moira Buffini ("Tamare Drewe") also chose to keep Bronte's darker tone by highlighting more of the gothic, spooky elements of Bront«'s romantic novel. Buffini was smart in not adapting the script to follow the linear narrative order of the book. Instead the movie begins on a grown Jane who's fleeing Thornfield and running through the endless, rainy moors. She finally finds refuge within the lone St. John's home.

In a sense we start with a mystery. We piece together Jane's childhood with her miserable Aunt Reed (Sally Hawkins), her punishing schooling at Lowood, and then her role as governess for the handsome but gruff Rochester at Thornfield. In this smart re-ordering we're immediately engaged in trying to figure out Jane's past.

Then there's the character of Jane herself who readers and audiences continue to love. Part of the appeal of Jane as a heroine is that she's independent and relatable, which is quite an accomplishment for a character that's been around for over 160 years. Mia Wasikowska who exquisitely plays the newest Jane, describes why she loves her hero, "... despite all the hardship that [Jane] faces throughout her life, she has this innate sense of self-respect and incredible ability to do what's right by herself as an individual."

Fassbender, too, makes Rochester come to life and is a strong romantic foil to Wasikowska's Jane. Rounding out the cast is audience favorite Dame Judi Dench as the head housekeeper and Jane's confidant, Mrs. Fairfax.

This "Jane Eyre" gloriously brings Charlotte's Bronte's novel to life. Luckily with Fukunaga, Buffini, Wasikowska, Fassbender, and Dench's help, this adaptation stands at the cinematic top.

"Jane Eyre" is 115 minutes and Rated PG-13.