I think there are probably more versions of 'Jane Eyre' than most books-turned-movie. I think I've seen every version. I love them all. Of course, I have read the book a dozen times or so ... it's been my very favorite book and story for so many years; I must have been 10 (ish) when I read it - devoured it - for the first time. There is something wonderfully dark and delicious about this story but at the same time, funny and playful and light. So many different feelings going on at once. I think everyone interprets it a little different; there is room for that. I think one of the obvious 'study questions' that might be asked once you have read the book would be "what would you have done" ... what would you have done if you were Jane and you were in her shoes? I still struggle with my answer, quite honestly. I'm not really sure any relationship has been as vehement as that between Edward and Jane. How can you compare to that?
I definitely recommend this version. No, it's not 'true to the book' at every scene or phrase; no version is, at least fully. But it is more than respectful of the energy and the feeling of this story and the people it explores. This is not a happy story overall and this film really shows how despairing it can be.
PS - I found it somewhat humorous listening to the reactions - random gasps or flurries of whispers - of the other people in the theatre who obviously didn't know the story at all, while I was wondering why they excluded a certain part or telling my friend that such-and-such wasn't quite in line with the book. *nerd*
PPS - I also love this 2006 BBC version ... it's really lovely.
