Jane Eyre is yet another cinematic dramatization of Charlotte Bronte's classic 19th century romantic novel -- and at 239 minutes, the longest and most thorough. The familiar storyline traces the life of Jane Eyre from her miserable childhood in a bleak orphan's home to her assumption of a governess' post at the home of the mysterious Edward Rochester. Jane and Rochester fall in love, but their plans for marriage are blighted by the Terrible Secret hidden away in his attic. Only when total, devastating disaster befalls Rochester does he consider himself worthy of Jane's love. This 1983 multipart BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre stars Zelah Clarke in the title role and future James Bond Timothy Dalton as Rochester. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
Rarely has a motion picture presented a tale of romance with such subtlety, sensitivity, and power as this 1983 Julian Amyes adaptation of the Charlotte Bronte classic Jane Eyre. Credit Zelah Clarke (Jane) and Timothy Dalton (Edward Fairfax Rochester) for the success of the film. Perfectly cast in their roles as lovers separated by untold secrets and repressed emotions, they act beautifully together, mixing chemistry and charisma to produce the kind of magic that holds audiences in thrall. They are to each other as rain is to drought, but each must spend tortured days waiting for the rain, contending with the gloom of the landscape, the emptiness of unfulfilled longing and, of course, the mad woman in the attic who keeps them apart. Director Amyes enhances the sense of emotional desolation and isolation by skillfully creating the severe, forbidding settings -- Lowood, where Jane grew up as an orphan, and Thornfield Hall, where Jane serves as a governess to Rochester's charge, Adele. Mary Tamm is superb in her supporting performance as Blanche Ingram, Rochester's fianceé until Jane wins his heart. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
