A Short Comparison of Book To Film Adaptations: Jane Eyre Edition

I know, I know, you're thinking, long time no write, Melissa! 

Well, I didn't want to write without having something worth writing about, and since this is a bookish blog, it had to be... bookish, you know, and I didn't have anything bookish to write about. 

Until I thought of one of my favorite pastimes: comparing books to their movie and TV counterparts! 

Now, normally, I'd just complain about how inaccurate the costumes were or how poorly the book was 'updated' to be made into a script, but today, I'm just going to compare the basics of Jane Eyre and its film versions. 

Jane Eyre was introduced to me by my bestie up in Maine a couple years ago. I had heard of it many times, but hadn't read it, and she assured me I would love it. She was correct. I read the book twice back to back, and still enjoy reading the book again to find little snippets I missed the last time I read it. 

You might have already known the book's synopsis, but in case you don't, I've got a brief rundown for you: Jane Eyre has a horrible aunt, goes to a horrible school, gets hired by a horrible boss, and gets proposed to by two horrible men. 

*slight evil smirk* You didn't really think I would give away the whole book, did you? Not a chance! Read it yourself, because it's one of those books you should totally go into blindly. 

Now as far as pros and cons, I like the fact that Jane- while I disagree with her on many things- was pretty adherent to her faith in God, despite her poor life that would have been an easy excuse to turn her back on Him. I like that Jane tried her best to genuinely help Adele. 

**SPOILER ALERT: skip to avoid spoiling the ending if you haven't read the book.

I also like the fact Mr. Rochester turns to God in the end of the book. **

Cons: I didn't like what Mr. Rochester's treatment of Jane, St. John's treatment of Jane, or Jane's toleration of both. There was some language sprinkled here and there, but nothing a good sharpie marker couldn't take care of. 

Now, when it comes to film adaptions of this book, I haven't seen all of them, but I have watched a few. There are still more versions I want to see, but I'll review the four I have for now. (In other words, watch for a follow up post later 😉)

Jane Eyre 1943- starring Orson Welles, Joan Fontaine, and Margaret O'Brien

Did not finish. I'm not sure why but I couldn't get past the first few minutes of this one. Besides the obvious 1940's cheesy acting, it just... didn't work? I may give it another chance later, but I didn't like it so it'll be quite some time before this one gets a second chance. After all, Margaret O'Brien is a good actress, and I'm willing to give this version of Jane Eyre another chance for her sake alone. 

Jane Eyre 1983 miniseries- starring Zelah Clarke and Timothy Dalton

I. Loved. This. Miniseries. Seriously. Closest to the book in my opinion, spread out enough to prevent huge amounts of scene cutting, and a much better version of this book than other attempts. The most impressive fact of this adaptation is that they got Mr. Rochester's injuries right! The cast was perfectly chosen, and this is the adaptation I turn to most when wanting to watch Jane Eyre. If you're going to watch any film adaptation of Jane Eyre, I'd recommend this one be the one you start off with.

Jane Eyre 1997- starring Samantha Morton and Ciarán Hinds

Blah. What can I say? Um, well, for a 1997's version, I guess this was... acceptable? About on par with the 1943 version. That's about all. 

Jane Eyre 2006 miniseries- starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens

Not bad, but not necessarily a good adaptation. I liked the cast but didn't care for certain scenes and the way they were done. As far as book accuracy, it was fair, just so-so. I will say, Blanche Ingram was perfectly cast and her scenes were among the best in this entire miniseries. 

Still to be watched: 

Well, I guess the 1943 version. There's a 1970s version I'm trying to find still (not promising, sadly). There are several silent film adaptations, I read, so I'll be hunting those down. I've yet to see the 2011 version, although I'm not anticipating much from it given the trailers and previews I've seen. If you look up the list of adaptations, you'll come up with a bunch of radio, silent, TV and movie adaptations, honestly, and I'm still searching for some of those. 

Okay, so I guess there are a ton more that I haven't seen than I have, but I've told you my best and worst four so far. 

Of course, as you all are well aware, I'll always advocate the book over any adaptions, because only the book tells the story the way the author intended. Always read the book before watching an adaptation, kids, because you'll almost always like the book better- and that goes for all book-to-film adaptations