Although it has become a cliché that a film is incapable of representing a novel, especially one of such worth as “Jane Eyre,” you will be surprised with this film.

Among the many films which have already attempted this feat with Charlotte Brontë’s novel, the acting, costume and effective use of sets make this version stand apart.

Director Cary Fukunaga (“Sin Nombre”) brings us this new interpretation which innovatively begins with Jane (Mia Wasikowska) desperately escaping from Thornfield amidst a bleak landscape expertly directed with a combination of long and medium shots.

Later, we receive the plot in the form of flashbacks, allowing the novel to effectively be compressed into a feature film.

Nevertheless, the film did miss the mark in depicting the suffering she experienced in boarding school, but such faults are to be expected in any adaptation to the big screen.

At the same time, the audience still recoils in terror at the sight of her abuse, much as they would upon reading of it.
In terms of the relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender), the stages of their relationship were lacking, but Wasikowska delivered an expert performance as the intelligent and stoic Jane. Not only was she able to deliver quotes from the book, but her ease in period costumes was evident as well.

As for Mr. Rochester, although Fassbender was able to display some of the menacing qualities of the character, he ultimately does not achieve to depict him as the book does.

Although the film has some obvious flaws in comparison to the novel, it can be enjoyed by audiences that are unfamiliar with the story.
I recommend taking the time to watch it; it will not disappoint.