After the posted the first part, I came to think that even though it was Jane Austen that initiated my “craving” for periode dramas and literature adaptions, the piece I probably adore the most was written by another author – Charlotte Brontë. The two writers have never met (Austen died a year before Brontë was born) and were really different in their writing styles but I dare to state that their choice of character for their heroines wasn’t that different. Both choose women that in the first place didn’t fulfill the bill of a proper lady of the time but who’s genuine authenticity eventually lead to succeed whatever obstacles came along their way. But now, without further ado, my hitlist of my favorite Jane – Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (if you want to brush up on the plot check here for a rather short summary):

Jane Eyre – 1983 BBC (starring Zelah Clarke, Timothy Dalton, etc.)

Who could have forseen that Mr Bond, James Bond would be able to portray Rochester in a way that flooded my gates? Blimey the man is over 60 and I found myself captivated by the twinkle in his eyes as he calls out “You shall walk up the pyramids of Egypt!” in pretended agitation. Zelah Clarke on the other hand is knownd to have said that JE was the end of her career – which I’m sorry for but I’m still glad that she did it anyway.
Many people might object about this statement but both of them were uncannily true to my mental picture of these characters while I read the book that I’m henceforth doomed to judge any other portrayals by theirs. The humor and kindness of this Rochester combined with sensibility and frankness of this Jane – plus a score that makes me singalong everytime (simliar to the one from Pride and Prejudice 1995) – bring a spirit to the adaption that many other versions lack. The only thing I would change is poor ZC’s hairdresser.

*****(highly recommended)

Jane Eyre – 1944 (starring Joan Fontaine, Orson Wells, etc.)

It’s difficult to choose the version that I like second best. I guess I would have to go with the oldest I know. I like it because it’s b/w, because Orson Wells is probably the darkest and most mysterious Rochester I’ve seen and because its Adele is my favorite of all the versions I know and because this version reminds me of an old adaption of a novel of another Brontë sister (I’ll talk about this later) and I liked it inspite of the fact that I have only ever seen the French dubbed version (btw: Mental Note to myself: Write post about the crime that is dubbing!). I’d love to see the original and enjoy OW’s dark timbre.
The only real downside of this version is Joan Fontaine – she’s annoying which is not an adjective suitable for the character she’s portraying. Wonder how Olivia de Havilland would have mastered the part. Well, now that I think of it, OW was perhaps a bit young too to be Rochester… especially besides JF who looked too old for her part.

*****(highly recommended – even in French)

Jane Eyre – 1973 BBC (starring Sorcha Cusack, Michael Jayston, etc.)

This version is widely known as the best – or at least (and in this I agree) as the most faithfull to the book. Nevertheless I’d say that its greatest disadvantage would be the lack of charme that makes this version seem way longer than the first named one which is actually about half an hour longer. I think it rather dry and stiff and the characters (especially Rochester who didn’t impress me to say the least) so disagreeable that I couldn’t comprehend what Jane could possible see in him – unless she was having serious masochistic issues – and that again would interfer with my understanding of the novel. Once you come to see this as a stage production set in beautiful landscape, you learn to appreciate it. Now come and slap me for saying this… okok: I rewatch it and try to come up with a review better worth the high standard of the production *yawn*

**** (of course it’s recommended – ask anyone (but me))

Jane Eyre – 1970 USTV (starring Susannah York, George C. Scott, etc.)

What bugged me most in this version was Jane’s lack of passion – she didn’t just look quakerish (which she should) but behaved like that at about any point in the film (which she should not). I missed spirit in Susannah Yorks performance. On another level, I would have to mention that the actors seemed way to old for their parts (especially George C. Scott who in fact was only 43 but appeared to be a good deal older) as a major flaw. Minor flaws were the melodramatic feel to it and the anachronism concerning the clothing (I found that actually quite funny). But apart from that, I enjoyed this version and especially the portrayal of Rochester (this time more haughty than TD’s approach but with a warm quality to him) and – of course – John Williams’ score.

***(ok – others are better though)

Jane Eyre – 1996 (starring Charlotte Gainsbourg, William Hurt, etc.)

This was the first adaption I’ve seen – I borrowed the DVD from the university library – and when I think back, it seems strange that I ever watched another since I disliked it so much. But maybe that was exactly the reason why I began collecting as many adaptions as possible: So that I could find one that would suit my expectations.
The reasons why I didn’t like this version by Zeffirelli was that it was far and foremost obscure and melancholic (I wonder why they chose such a light poster as I can scarcely recall any light in the film) and that was not how I understood the novel to be. William Hurt was by far the ugliest Rochester I’ve seen – he almost scared me. I liked the performane by Charlotte Gainsbourg though: She was apart her height quite the picture of Jane that I had in mind – and I liked the obstinante expression on her face when she disagreed with something without uttering her discontent. My memories are fading, so maybe I should watch it again to compare it with the other adaptions.

**(lacking anything but murk)

Jane Eyre – 2006 BBC (starring Ruth Wilson, Toby Stevens)

There is not that much to say about this version – apart from that it was filmed at the same locations as the Zeffirelli version and is in postproduction now. This blog has more information about the production than most of the websites I have found.

By all this talk of the work of one Brontë sister, I wouldn´t want to forget another one, Emily. She was Charlotte’s junior by two years and wrote only one novel – Wuthering Heights. I’ve only ever seen one adaption of the novel but I love it very much… I should really pull myself together and finally read the novel (*turns crimson in shame*). For others that haven’t read the book it yet either: The text is in the Public Domain and freely accessible online at various places Click here for a summary.

Wuthering Heights – 1939 (starring Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, etc.)

It was pure coincidence that I switched to that channel about a year ago – and I’m so glad that I was that lucky. Everybody who’s read thus far might have recognised a pattern/a certain tendency when it comes to b/w adaptions: I can’t help it. I just love them. But this one even more as it brings a certrain dark and passionate aura to the film which I think is priceless… especially in combination with Laurence Olivier’s smouldering look – LO most certrainly is Heathcliff (and the mere thought of Johnny Depp having a go at the character – which rumour has he will later this year or next year alongside Angelina Jolie *cringe* – sends a cold shiver of horror down my back… why would they always try and destroy something pretty much perfect for publicity reasons? Well, I might have answered that question while I asked it.). I can’t really explain why but I can connect to Heathcliff’s pain and the expression on LO’s face, his stare, his eyes filled with anguish and dispair make me wanna cry (yeah – I’m a romantic. Is that really news to you?). I loved Merle Oberon as well for her great performance as a girl trying to appear hoity-toity while she’s fighting her most natural instinct to give in to her true feelings. My mood towards her swang back and forth between urge to slap her for hurting poor Heathcliff and the equally strong wish to encourage her to be true to herself… probably exactly what Emily Brontë would have wanted. Hmmm – I guess I just convinced myself to go check my fav DVD-seller whether they have it in stock and order it… along with the Timothy Dalton version from 1970.

*****(highly recommended – of course)

Actually, I wouldn’t mind seeing Johnny Depp have a go at Heathcliffe… He is actually a good actor (don’t look at the Secret Window or Pirates of the Carribean as the acme of his art!) and could bring the right broodiness to the role.

Angelina Jolie, however, is not even to be thought of!

Well, I didn’t want to imply that JD is a bad actor… I just don’t see him as Heathcliff. His appearance is neither strong nor manly nor wild nor passionate enough to fit the bill for me. But he’s more than welcome to prove me wrong.

I agree he is not strong or manly or wild, but he has charisma, and sometimes that it’s all an actor needs play an memorable act. Don’t you think?

Hi.
Good design, who make it?

I did that myself. Thanks.