Jane Eyre (2011) - 3 stars out of 10

Jane Eyre (2011) - 3 stars out of 10

Excellent story, average execution.  The 2011 version of "Jane Eyre" takes a few different approaches to Charlotte Bronte's famous story, particularly through its use of flashbacks and an ending without a conclusion.  I criticize this film because of my love for the 1943 Orson Welles/Joan Fontaine.version, but that one is so amazing that major changes are unnecessary.  I did not care for the flashback storytelling technique because there isn't really anything to gain by seeing where she is at that "present time" point in her life.  In fact, all that it does is dramatically shorten the telling of Jane's childhood, which is vital to understanding her character's disposition.  The flashback technique also kept the writers from concluding the film properly.  Once the flashback catches up to the present, time has more of a "real time" feel which would make it awkward to suddenly jump ahead 9 months.  Outside of the script, I don't feel that Mia Wasikowska or Michael Fassbender  reached the potential depth of their lead characters.  Dame Judi Dench is wonderful as Mrs. Fairfax (when isn't she wonderful?), but I don't feel that there are any other actors worth noting.  Perhaps the biggest disappointment is that this film is overwhelmingly boring.  I mean, I love this story and it STILL put me to sleep!  The shaky camera cinematography gives this film a realistic feel, but I can't say that it makes the film worth watching.  The only real reason to watch "Jane Eyre" is for Bronte's classic story, but I'd definitely recommend the 1943 version over this one.