By Alyssa Book

Since Charlotte Bronte created a heroine out of an orphan girl, Jane Eyre, her classic novel has had readers imagining what the characters would look like and act in our present world. When I was reading the novel, I kept relating the characters to people in my every day life, just so I could try to see what these characters looked like. I love when I read a book and then it becomes a movie because then it allows me to relive the excitement i got when I first experienced the print version.

Its fresh and exciting to see how the actors and actresses compare to the figures your own imagination had created. So naturally, I was enthusiastic when learning Mia Wasikowska was going to take the lead role of Jane Eyre in the 2011 feature film. She was Alice in the Tim Burton adaption of Alice in Wonderland. Unknown to me, Jane Eyre has actually been adapted 18 times to feature versions and 9 telefilm versions.

In 2011 though, a team behind this newest adaption was driven to reach a world wide audience to bring new light to the novel while still honoring its timeless value. The reason this novel continues to gain hype is the continuous influence and inspirations it brings to generations and generations of student readers.

The movie started out exactly how I thought it would. Directly before the climax of the novel. Within 5 minutes, the film transitioned to a flashback to that told the life of Jane and how she came to the destitute place she is now.

The film continued in a flashback until it reached the point that was the opening scene. The movie stayed true to the novel and kept the suspense in balance with the romance throughout the movie.

I thought the movie was very tastefully done and keep me interested from start to finish. I thought the director did a great job shooting and the film’s perspective actually reminded me of a Tim Burton film.

I would suggest to read the novel before seeing the movie in order to take in the emotion of the characters more than just trying to understand the flashback to present day comparison. It would simplify things drastically.

Jane Eyre is a film I would suggest seeing if you enjoy classic films. Pride and Prejudice movie fans will really enjoy the adaptation of Jane Eyre. I hope others enjoy it as much as I did!