Thursday, February 26, 2009

Jane Eyre


Have you ever read Jane Eyre? It was written by Charlotte Bronte and is one of my favorites. The thing about it is that it's a beautiful, beautiful love story. The kind that will never bore you and will have you coming back for more. There is a wonderfully woven plot that takes you on a journey through the lives of the characters, and more specifically Jane Eyre's.


The characters are all perfectly developed so that the reader can very easily dive into the story and feel like an active observer. I find that stories that do that are rare and special. The writer must have a special gift not only for story telling and imagination, but for being able to clearly capture what is seen in the minds eye on paper.

The sparks flying back and forth between the two main characters, and the mystery (ghostly screams, noises, apparitions and missing or appearing items) keep the reader fully entertained and engrossed in the story.


If you don't have time for the book, or have already read it, I would recommend the 2006 British miniseries. There was a movie made as well with William Hurt and Charlotte Gainsbourg, but it's not my favorite. The miniseries is far superior, passionate and ultimately more romantic.


The actors in the miniseries are Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson (you'll remember him from James Bond: Die Another Day where he plays the villain, Sir Gustav Graves). Just right there there is a vast improvement due to better casting. I don't want to poo-poo the movie because I still think it's relevant, and if you can't find the miniseries I would recommend you see the movie. I have a particular problem with William Hurt which is probably the main reason why I couldn't really get behind the whole idea. I don't have any issues with Toby Stephens though, so, yeah.


The chemistry of the actors in the miniseries is electrifying and probably what made it so great. I urge you to go out and see if you can rent it. It's a popcorn and cozy Saturday afternoon activity that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. You can also find it all over Youtube, but it's better to rent it and watch it on the big screen. Here's a little morsel:

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