Thoughts on Movies

Instead of reviewing a short story today, I'm sharing my thoughts on movie adaptations of fiction. As a mystery author, this is a bit of a confession. I had dental work done yesterday, and was in no state to do anything constructive. I checked out a dvd from the library. One of my first fictional loves was Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte. I thought I had picked up the 2011 film version, but it is the 2006 BBC version.

There is considerable mystery involved in Jane Eyre, although it is classified as gothic romance. Who is Grace Poole, and why does Mr. Rochester tolerate the gruff housekeeper?

I enjoyed the 2006 adaptation more than the 2011 version. Central to my enjoyment of the movie was that both Jane and Mr. Rochester are supposed to be physically unappealing. Actor Toby Stevens was, in certain scenes, too handsome, but he mostly carried off his role by means of his accurate portrayal of Rochester's gruff, at times cruel, personality. Actor Ruth Wilson captured Jane well, showing the feisty person under the mousiness. 

Here's an evaluation and list of film adaptations, by Jessica Winter.

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