I find myself at a conflicting crossroads. I have now
read Jane Eyre, the novel, and seen
its film counterpart. Both presented their own unique strengths and weaknesses
in presentation of a particular story. Now I am torn as to whether I
appreciated the novel or its film interpretation more. Certainly, I wholly
recognize the hard work and craftsmanship which went into Bronte’s novel, as
much as I recognize the time and effort which fueled the creation of the movie.
However, I cannot determine which one I enjoyed
more, whichever I found more pleasure in experiencing. The dilemma of novel or
film is a timeless one, though I did not believe I would feel it for the
literary work of Jane Eyre.
As I stated in my prior reaction paper for Jane Eyre, I found the book to be
incredibly lengthy and rather dry at parts. The superfluous thought and
documenting of insignificant events taxed me heavily during nights of reading.
Yet when I watched the movie, in which I was expecting to find a pleasant
streamlining of much of the Jane Eyre
plot, I felt rather odd. Suddenly, I began thinking that some scenes were
executed too curtly: perhaps certain dialogue was left out, or an arc was not
fully developed, or an emotional scene was cut out or altered drastically. “Preposterous!”
I thought to myself. “You loathed the lengthy passages of the novel!” I sneered
internally.
A widely acknowledge truth is that film adaptations will
never be wholly true to their literary counterparts. I did not expect this in
the slightest with Jane Eyre, nor did
I desire it. As stated, I looked forward to witnessing a more streamlined plot
and development. I did not anticipate that I would find anything to be lacking in the film, and yet that is
entirely how I felt. Of course, I will need to provide examples.
One piece of plot which was partially overlooked was
Rochester’s playing host for his friends at Thornfield. While I was mostly
pleased with the portrayal of the upper class and their treatment of Jane, I
felt as though the apparent relationship between Rochester and Miss Ingram
could have been more sincere. In the book, several events virtually seal the
marriage of the pair, and thus it is all the more shocking when Rochester
proposed to Jane. Although, it is possible that as I knew the outcome of events
nothing could have surprised me.
The interactions between Jane and her discovered cousins
at Moor House could have used a bit more development. Within the novel, a
fairly strong sense of the relationship amidst the group as it develops is
provided. With St. John, his piety and steadfast will are made quite evident
and add much to the overall theme of Jane
Eyre. Jane’s final real confrontation with St. John feels all the more
heated and conflicting because of the dynamic which was created between the two
in their studies, work, and living together. The film, due to its more concise
nature, could show as much expansion or character interaction as was possible
in the book.
Really, the only true, notable grievance I have with the
film is its portrayal of the final scene between Jane and Rochester. In the
novel, their ending union is arguably the most romantic passage in the book,
one filled with emotion. Their entire meeting within the movie seemed rushed
and a bit clumsy. I still found it to be a fairly beautiful scene, but it did
not meet the par which I had established mentally. If I had to place my finger
on a single factor, that factor would be build-up. Jane’s sudden happening upon
Rochester contrasted with the novel’s portrayal and was slightly jarring to my
mental depiction.
I quite enjoyed the film. The cinematography was
well-done, and many of the shots and locations used brought a great moodiness
to my heart. A wonderful aesthetic and atmosphere was captured through the
adaptation, and it matched my perception through the novel rather well.
Ultimately, I am unsure as to whether I enjoyed the novel or film more. Both
have their own specific boons and drawback. Suffice it to say they are both
reasonably well-made pieces of artistic expression.
