Unlike a lot of other reviewers on here, I actually thought Hinds and Morton shared a great deal of chemistry. They seemed right about ready to get all over each other several times. I also think both were well-cast: Morton, while a bit too pretty and self-righteous at times, captures Jane's passion and elfin ways well, while Hinds projects vulnerability along with pride and bitterness, even if he's made to shout and bark way too much (also, thank God, we have a Rochester that doesn't look like a hunk).
The big problem with this version of JANE EYRE is the screenplay: it condenses and cuts way too much. I do not say this as a purist-- as someone who likes a good deal of WUTHERING HEIGHTS adaptations, even though precious few capture what was brilliant about the book, I am no purist-- but as someone who expects a movie to be coherent. The scene transitions are jarring and awkward. Character development for Jane is largely non-existent: instead of growing into her own, she largely stays the same and just has to wait for Bertha to turn Thornfield into an inferno and die. The Lowood scenes are so rushed that they could have easily cut them with no detriment whatsoever.
It's a shame because this is otherwise a decent movie with some nice romantic scenes and creepy gothic moments.
The big problem with this version of JANE EYRE is the screenplay: it condenses and cuts way too much. I do not say this as a purist-- as someone who likes a good deal of WUTHERING HEIGHTS adaptations, even though precious few capture what was brilliant about the book, I am no purist-- but as someone who expects a movie to be coherent. The scene transitions are jarring and awkward. Character development for Jane is largely non-existent: instead of growing into her own, she largely stays the same and just has to wait for Bertha to turn Thornfield into an inferno and die. The Lowood scenes are so rushed that they could have easily cut them with no detriment whatsoever.
It's a shame because this is otherwise a decent movie with some nice romantic scenes and creepy gothic moments.