MovieChat Forums > Jane Eyre (1983) Discussion > I've watched every available adaptation,

I've watched every available adaptation,

posted 2 years ago by VonFisch (354)
3 replies | jump to latest

and it's a tie between this and the 1973 BBC miniseries for my favorite. It's not just because it includes most of the book, but because of that, it does tell the story better and really brings the dialogue in the book to life. I think the acting is better, especially both Rochesters. Timothy Dalton brings a lot of passion to the character that I can picture in the book and Jayston does a great job, too. It's unfortunate about Jayston's eyeliner, my only complaint.

These are the other ones I watched, 1934, 1943, 1970, 1996, 1997, 2006, 2011.

[–] Quasimodo (16388) 2 years ago

I agree that Dalton was a great Rochester but unfortunately Zelah Clarke was a terrible Jane. I haven't seen as many of the versions as you have but my favourite overall is the 2006. Toby Stephens was a very good Rochester although a little too in touch with his feelings and Ruth Wilson was outstanding as Jane.

[–] VonFisch (354) 2 years ago

I must say, Zelah Clarke is a little flat for me. I mean, there's got to be something there for Rochester to fall in love with. Sorcha does a little better job in my opinion. From what I understand, this was for both their first big part.

I understand a lot of people like the unconventional 2006 series, but I watched it recently, they just didn't ring true to me either from what I got from the novel.

I don't think there has been a very great Jane in all these adaptations, and I basically watched them all over the course of a couple of weeks.

The most comical one, but passionate all the same, was the 1997 Rochester, Ciaran Hinds. He yelled entirely too much.

The worst version of all was the 1934, I don't know what the heck I watched there. It's on youtube. The rest were through Roku, except I had to finish with 1973 and 2006 from the library.

[–] Quasimodo (16388) 2 years ago

Yes Ciaran Hinds was probably not well suited to playing romantic leads. I didn't like him in the 1995 Persuasion either, too gruff.

You're right that the 2006 wasn't perfect. From memory they messed around with the timeline and that is nearly always a mistake in my opinion.