Jane Eyre, the timeless classic by Charlotte Brontë, has been captivating audiences for generations. From the pages of the novel to the glow of the cinema, Jane’s journey from an abused orphan to a strong-willed woman has not only captured our hearts but has also made us rethink our life choices. With over 70 adaptations across film, television, radio, and theater, it’s clear that Jane Eyre movies are the Meryl Streep of book-to-movie adaptations – endlessly versatile and always captivating.
In this blog, we’re donning our detective hats and stepping into the dimly lit world of Jane Eyre movies, as we sift through the pile to uncover the cream of the crop. So, grab your popcorn and your bonnet because we’re about to embark on a journey through the best “Jane Eyre” movie adaptations that have graced our screens. It’s a tale of love, mystery, and independence that has stood the test of time, and we’re here to rank the finest renditions of this beloved story. Let’s dive in!
10. Jane Eyre (1910)
The 1910 silent film adaptation is thought to be the first English-language version of Jane Eyre on screen. The film was produced by the Thanhouser Company and starred Irma Taylor as Jane and Frank Hall Crane as Rochester.
Tidbit: Unfortunately, we believe the movie is lost today.
Review: While it is difficult to judge the film based on the few stills and fragments that remain, the 1910 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a significant milestone in the history of film adaptation. The film’s faithfulness to the novel and its early production date makes it a valuable historical document.
9. Jane Eyre (1934)
The 1934 adaptation of Jane Eyre was the first “talkie” adaptation of the novel. The film was produced by Monogram Pictures and starred Virginia Bruce as Jane and Colin Clive as Rochester. The film was made on a small budget, but it remains a faithful adaptation of the novel.
Tidbit: It was also the first adaptation to feature a scene in which Jane and Rochester kiss.
Review: The 1934 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a charming and well-acted film. Bruce’s performance as Jane is particularly noteworthy, as she captures the character’s intelligence, spirit, and vulnerability. Clive’s portrayal of Rochester is also strong, and the two actors have excellent chemistry together.
8. Jane Eyre (1949)
RKO Radio Pictures produced the 1949 adaptation of Jane Eyre, starring Mary Sinclair as Jane and Charlton Heston as Rochester. The film takes some creative liberties with the novel, but it remains a faithful adaptation of the story’s core themes.
Tidbit: It was also the first adaptation to feature a scene in which Jane and Rochester make love.
Review: The 1949 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a visually stunning film with strong performances from Sinclair and Heston. The film’s Gothic atmosphere and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and redemption make it a compelling watch.
7. Sangdil (1952)
Sangdil is a Bollywood adaptation of Jane Eyre, set in India in the early 20th century. The film follows the story of Sangeeta, a governess who falls in love with her employer, Ranjeet. However, their relationship is forbidden due to their different social classes. The film explores themes of love, class prejudice, and self-discovery.
Tidbit: Sangdil was the first Indian film to be adapted from a foreign novel.
Review: Sangdil is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that captures the essence of Jane Eyre. The performances by Madhubala and Dilip Kumar are outstanding, and the film’s music is unforgettable. Sangdil is a must-see for fans of Jane Eyre and Bollywood alike.
6. Jane Eyre (1957)
The 1957 adaptation of Jane Eyre was produced by BBC Television and starred Joan Elan as Jane and Patrick Macnee as Rochester. The film is a condensed version of the novel, but it maintains the core narrative.
Tidbit: The 1957 Jane Eyre was filmed in England, which helped to create a more authentic atmosphere for the story. It was also one of the first adaptations to include scenes from Jane’s childhood at Gateshead.
Review: The 1957 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a well-acted and faithful adaptation of the novel. Elan and Macnee have excellent chemistry together, and the film’s production values are impressive.
5. Jane Eyre (1970)
The 1970 adaptation of Jane Eyre was produced by ABC Television and starred Susannah York as Jane and George C. Scott as Rochester. The film is a faithful adaptation of the novel and features strong performances from York and Scott.
Tidbit: In the 1980s, experts dubbed this movie into Mandarin and released it widely in China, achieving huge success. To this day, it remains hailed as the best-dubbed movie in China, cherished and remembered by tens of millions of audiences nationwide. The dubbed version was also made available on audio cassette tape.
Review: The 1970 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a visually stunning and well-acted film. York’s performance as Jane is particularly noteworthy, as she captures the character’s intelligence, spirit, and vulnerability. Scott’s portrayal of Rochester is also strong, and the two actors have excellent chemistry together.
4. Jane Eyre (1983)
The 1983 adaptation of Jane Eyre was produced by the BBC and starred Zelah Clarke as Jane and Timothy Dalton as Rochester. The mini series is a faithful adaptation of the novel and features strong performances from Clarke and Dalton.
Tidbit: Zelah Clarke considered this production to mark the end of her acting career. She said, “Everyone remembers the Rochesters; nobody remembers the Janes.”
Review: The 1983 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that captures the essence of Jane Eyre. Clarke’s performance as Jane is outstanding, and Dalton’s portrayal of Rochester is dark and brooding. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and haunting score add to its appeal.
3. Jane Eyre (1996)
The 1996 adaptation of Jane Eyre was produced by Hallmark Entertainment and starred Charlotte Gainsbourg as Jane and William Hurt as Rochester. The film is a faithful adaptation of the novel and features strong performances from Gainsbourg and Hurt.
Tidbit: It was the first Jane Eyre adaptation to be filmed on location at Thornfield Hall, the setting of the novel.
Review: The 1996 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a passionate and romantic film. Gainsbourg and Hurt have excellent chemistry together, and their performances are both nuanced and emotionally charged. The film’s Gothic atmosphere and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and redemption make it a compelling watch.
2. Jane Eyre (2006)
The 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre was produced by the BBC and starred Ruth Wilson as Jane and Toby Stephens as Rochester. The faithful television adaptation of the novel features strong performances from Wilson and Stephens.
Tidbit: This mini-series marked Ruth Wilson’s first significant breakthrough role after she graduated from drama school. She won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries for this role.
Review: The 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a visually stunning and well-acted film. Wilson’s performance as Jane is particularly noteworthy, as she captures the character’s intelligence, spirit, and vulnerability. Stephens’ portrayal of Rochester is also strong, and the two actors have excellent chemistry together.
And finally…
1. Jane Eyre (2011)
The 2011 adaptation of Jane Eyre was produced by Focus Features and starred Mia Wasikowska as Jane and Michael Fassbender as Rochester. The film is a faithful adaptation of the novel and features strong performances from Wasikowska and Fassbender.
Tidbit: The isolated location of Jane Eyre’s cottage had no mobile phone reception, requiring the crew to station a member in a nearby phone booth with a walkie-talkie in case they needed anything.
Review: The 2011 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. Wasikowska’s performance as Jane is outstanding, and Fassbender’s portrayal of Rochester is both dark and brooding. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and haunting score add to its appeal.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of Jane Eyre adaptations, it becomes abundantly clear that the enduring allure of Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece knows no bounds. Much like the diverse flavors on a tasting menu, each cinematic interpretation adds its own distinct seasoning to this timeless narrative. These adaptations, like skilled chefs in their own right, manage to preserve the essence of Brontë’s brilliance while offering a fresh, contemporary twist.
Whether you find yourself nestled comfortably in the embrace of familiarity with the classic story or venturing into the mysterious moors of Jane Eyre for the very first time, rest assured, dear reader, there exists an adaptation that will captivate your senses and stir your heart. As the pages turn and the screen flickers, the spirit of Jane Eyre continues to resonate, reminding us that the search for love, self-discovery, and independence is a journey we all undertake, no matter the adaptation we choose to savor.
