Yes, I drove down to Dallas to see this movie, for it seems that it won't be coming to my area for the rest of this month.
(But I think it's doing fairly well in the box office, considering its limited release, so perhaps it will come sooner? I hope so, because I want to see it AGAIN!)
I was very pleased. You should know, however, that I've been a fan of Michael Fassbender for quite some time, so I was fully prepared to adore him as Rochester. Yes, he's too handsome. No, he doesn't tease and torment Jane quite as much as he does in the book. I was okay with both of those changes! He's quieter, but still intense. His relative calm made the more passionate scenes all the more dramatic. And in the end? Oh! How I love the final scene!
I quite liked Mia Wasikowska. At times, such as when her grave face would break into a quick smile (in reaction to Rochester), she reminded me of fellow Aussie Anna Torv. She's small and fragile*, but still manages to be fierce. I loved her physicality and her expressive face. (*I hope, once filming was done, that someone handed Mia a plate of cheeseburgers. She was TINY.)
The film locations and cinematography were nothing less than spectacular.
I admired the streamlined script. There's not as much of the Jane/Rochester banter -- and some might find their growing attraction underdeveloped -- but considering the time limitations of a theatrical release I thought Moira Buffini did a lovely job. There's this moment, after the BIG REVEAL, when Rochester says something to Jane that I'm SURE isn't in the book, but it's so intriguing -- I almost think it's a response to Wide Sargasso Sea, but maybe that's because it reminds me of something my friend C once said in Rochester's defense.
I was glad to see that the script cut much of the over-the-top stuff, but the film does lack a bit of the creepy/quasi-ghostly feel of the book.
This review from Salon.com aligns pretty closely with my reaction, and it's not too spoilery.
[cross-posted from Livejournal]
Oooh, I think I know the moment you're talking about even though I don't have the smarts to reference it to anything.
ReplyDeleteMy friends and I were swoon city for this affair. But I will say, I wish we'd had the chance to see Fassbender dressed up like a gypsy.
Ugh! I remembered trying to see it opening weekend and then realizing it was only playing in 4 cities! Half on the other side of the country for me! I can't wait to see this!
ReplyDelete@Martha - the moment had to do with why he chose to do what he did with you know who. Does that make sense? :) And though I was glad they didn't attempt the gypsy scene, I see what you mean about MF in drag. Yes, I would like to see that! (Now if I can just work up the nerve to see him in FISH TANK.)
ReplyDelete@Frankie - I'd love to read/hear your reaction when you see it!
Ah, I've been wanting to see this! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for classic stories turning into movies.
ReplyDelete@Nicole -- I'm so fascinated by film adaptations of classic novels! I used to be very critical by the ones that didn't follow the book exactly, but now I enjoy studying how writers & directors put their own stamp on the story.
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