Jane Eyre 1973 Clip 2 (Sorcha Cusack, Michael Jayston)

[mendoncacorreia]

@stefan103 - Michael Jayston ('Mr. Rochester') to Sorcha Cusack ('Jane Eyre') about her performance in "Jane Eyre" (1973): "After this you'll be huge." True, she didn't get any big breaks afterwards; but she really did a superb job in this mini-serial. If you watch her carefully (as I did), I'm sure you'll see what Jayston meant.

[commenting2008]

Pretty awful makeup for Jane. The makeup artist should be punished! How could they have managed to make a 23 yr old looks like a 50 yr old playing a 19 yr old?!??!? Rochester looks younger than her!

[2hopskipjump2]

Great cutting sarcasm, he sounds just how I imagined Rochester to be... Never seen this version;)

[Fleederhus]

"O friends, not these tones," to quote from Schiller's Ode to Joy!

Arguments, better debates, are not there to be won, just to be expressed and acknowledged and contemplated.

Charlotte would be aghast at the vehemence of these tones. Surely, she wrote a novel about love and kindness and gentleness!!!

[mendoncacorreia]

Charlotte didn't like to be trampled on, either. She was vehement when she had to be; and so am I.

[mendoncacorreia]

Well, well, well! Getting six "thumbs down" on my own favorite version of "Jane Eyre"!!! And that just because I dared to be a little bit... vehement! Doesn't that give you food for thought?... [grin]

[mendoncacorreia]

The dust has settled: so, the time has come for me to lay out what I think is a misinterpretation of the findings by our good friend ksotikoula about the man who was the model of Edward Rochester.

[1/7]

According to those findings, that man was Constantin Héger. (For the sake of the argument, I will take it for granted.) That doesnt mean that Rochester is a mere replica of Héger: why? Because Héger was a XIX century Belgium teacher and Rochester was a XIX century British landlord.

[mendoncacorreia]

[2/7]

First and foremost, Héger was Belgium and Rochester British. (In passing, the Héger family had its origins in the Palatinate, in Germany.) British and Belgium cultures are very different from each other. That is most obvious in humour: there is virtually nothing in common between British and Belgium humour, with the possible exception of the Brusselian (hence Flemish...) zwanze - and that just because it has a vague resemblance with the English practical joke.

[mendoncacorreia]

[3/7]

Humour is of the utmost importance here because there are lots of it in the novel, mainly in the dialogues between Jane and Rochester, viz., when they have their two first lengthy dialogues, when she asks him for a leave of absence, when she returns from Gateshead to Thornfield, when he makes his proposal to her (oh, yes!...), when they have their trip to Millcote, even when she comes back to him at Ferndean...

[mendoncacorreia]

[4/7]

Why so much of this humour was discarded by the directors and screenwriters of all screen and TV versions of Jane Eyre - all but one: Jane Eyre (BBC TV 1973)... - is beyond my comprehension. It may have sold more VHS and DVD copies on the market; but it didnt do justice to the novel - and to Rochester...

[mendoncacorreia]

[5/7]

If Rochester was a mere replica of Héger, Brontë would have never written the amusing lines we read in the novel he says about sprites and elves, men in green, pricked pride, penknives under ears, pyramids of Egypt, niggardliness, truancy and absence, butterflies flying away home, and so on, because no Belgium would have said as no Belgium says such lines: they are alien to Belgium culture in general and Belgium humour in particular; they are British.

[mendoncacorreia]

[6/7]

The idea that Rochester is Héger is a dangerous oversimplification: it ultimately means that Rochester is a XIX century Belgium teacher who owns land in England. It would be far more precise to say that Rochester is a XIX century English landlord with several of the most notable physical traits and some of the most significant moral traits of a certain XIX century Belgium teacher Brontë met in Brussels in 1842 (that taking for granted that Héger was the model of Rochester...).

[mendoncacorreia]

[7/7]

This brings me back to Michael Jayston and his performance in Jane Eyre (1973). The only consistent remark I read about him is that he didn't look like Héger. But in 1973, everybody thought the character was based on Arthur Nicholls. Jayston matched physically with him - and psychologically with Rochester. Working from a script which is the most faithful to the novel, he delivered what anyone in good faith sees as the most complete portrait there is of Rochester on screen.

[streetwhereulive]

If you want a true understanding of Jane and Mr. R. you must stick to the book. Every inch of Mr. R. is based on a wish or dream that was never to be. Some people liked different Mr. Rs. I don't like Michael J. so I don't think much of him as Mr. R. I don't like George C. Scott but he played Mr. R. better than anyone else and closer to the book. I think of JE as a romantic novel. Unfortunately for CB, "the saddest words from tounge or pen are these four words, it might have been." JMO

[mendoncacorreia]

As I wrote about the "Jane Eyre 1973 - Proposal (Sorcha Cusack, Michael Jayston)" clip uploaded here by 'Angelfolc', if one "must stick to the book", I can't imagine how can one agree with you when you say you prefer Scott to Jayston as 'Rochester'.

To my sorrow, Scott displayed on screen just an American landowner, not a true XIX century English landlord.

To see a XIX century English landlord on screen (and that to begin with...), you have to watch Jayston - whether you like him or not.

[streetwhereulive]

I have seen Jayston, scott, and almost everyone else that has played Mr.R. It may be that you are a Jayston lover and that is why you think of him as a good R. Mr. R is based on the character of CB's teacher who was nothing like Jayston. Being American I wouldn't think of

Scott as anything like an American landowner. I've never met a XIX certury landlord so I can't compare the two. Jayston is a bit effeminate for my taste especially since the book was based on a more masculine character.

[mendoncacorreia]

In 1973, everybody (including me) thought the character of Rochester was based on Arthur Nicholls. Jayston resembles him very much: check the photos uploaded in "Charlottes Verheiratung mit Arthur Bell Nicholls".

Cultural background is decisive here. You're an American: I'm a Portuguese, culturally linked with Great-Britain since my youth. I don't believe you can name more than a half-a-dozen British people who will support your opinion about Jayston and Scott. Back in the 1970s, none did.

[streetwhereulive]

It matters little to me whether anyone agrees with my opinion or not. Now, as far as ABN goes, he only met Charlotte in 1845 shortly after she had started Jane Eyre which was published in 1847. ABN became currrit to her father in 1845. She was NOT in love with him then. The love was formed after she married him in 1853Her love for Hegar was not realized until 1913. Then the peices of Mr. R's idenity started to fall into place. Hegar was ugly, violient, AND married. So was Mr. R. Go figure.

[domramalaja]

streetwhereulive,

You wrote '...he [ABN] only met Charlotte in 1845 shortly after she had started Jane Eyre...' Is that so? I am not a Brontë scholar, but it was indicated in a documentary I saw that the Brontë sisters was inspired to take their alias surname 'Bell' after ABN. Then surely they must have met him before CB started to write 'Jane Eyre' as they had been published prior to that novel. Did the script writer of the documentary a mistake?

[streetwhereulive]

Charlotte Bronte did not know Mr, Bell when she took on the the Currier Bell. Ask your friend from Greece. She is the greater authority.

[mendoncacorreia]

I'm not sure about this.

Charlotte Brontë arrived from Brussels back home at Haworth Parsonage in January 1844.

Arthur Bell Nicholls' first clerical position was the curacy at Haworth, and he took up his duties in May 1845.

The Brontë sisters, using the pseudonyms Acton, Currer and Ellis Bell, sent the manuscript of their poems to the publishers Aylott and Jones in February 1846.

At this moment, I don't remember any proof that the Brontës decided to adopt those pseudonyms before May 1845.

[mendoncacorreia]

If it matters little to you whether anyone agrees with your opinion or not, why do you post comments here? After all, you're not open to debate...

What you say about Nicholls and Héger is besides the point. Jayston matched physically with Nicholls - and psychologically with Rochester. Working from a script which is, by far, the most faithful to the novel, Jayston delivered with consumate perfection the most complete portrait there is of a man who is much more than "ugly, violent and married".

[streetwhereulive]

I will do as you asked and not post here anymore, Especially if you're not open to debate as you acuse me. Opinions are what they are and mine is different but not completely without foundation. If you don't want another opinion then I will stay away and keep mine to myself.

[mendoncacorreia]

Suit yourself. But, before you go, let me put the record straight: it was YOU, not I, who wrote "It matters little to me whether anyone agrees with my opinion or not".

That being the case (as it seems to be), I'm very sorry to say it but you are completely out of place in any kind of debates, whatever their subjects might be...

[caroljaneeyre]

"In the proposal scene, when he [Rochester] has got her [Jane] to admit Ireland is a long way off - from him! he pauses and again there is that slight movement of his lips and I swear I can see him thinking do I tell her the truth now or continue this a while longer?"

[mendoncacorreia]

You are absolutely right! We can see it at 7:19 of "Jane Eyre 1973" (downloaded by 'sumsumcordis') and at 1:44 of "Jane Eyre 1973 - Proposal (Sorcha Cusack, Michael Jayston)" (downloaded by 'Angelfolc'). What a superb detail you have found out!...

[caroljaneeyre]

When Eddie talks of a sweet fresh pleasure which he will get from life come what may, does he mean Jane? Has he already decided to have some kind of relationship with her?

[Fleederhus]

That point is exactly one of the new insights I got thanks to this film. I re-read the passage in the book to figure it out. And yes, I think he most definitely means Jane. I've also noted that as a sign of deep respect for her character Bronte has endowed Rochester with a reverence for nature. A rare favour in her books.

[mendoncacorreia]

Indeed, at [0:42] of "Jane Eyre (1973) - An Inspiration or A Temptation", you can see Rochester tickling; and he tickles because he has just acknowledged the 'bonny wanderer', which "[...] bears the most gratious message in the world" (sic: chapter XIV of the novel).

As far as I know, "Jane Eyre (1973)" is the only screen version which includes the 'bonny wanderer': this inclusion is (in my opinion) a most eloquent proof of the very deep insight screen writer Robin Chapman had of the novel.

[Fleederhus]

Speaking of Robin Chapman's insight: thanks to your transcript I've been able to look up the complete poem by Samuel Johnson "The vanity of human wishes." "Must helpless man, in ignorance sedate, swim darkling down the current of his fate?" I've come across a subtle reference to just this line in "Shirley." It made me realize that Robin Chapman's adaptation is really very thoughtful and intuitive.

[mendoncacorreia]

To speak truth, it's not MY transcript: it's Charlene's, Arlene's and (just up to a point) mine...

Anyway, it took me several hours (!) to reconstitute Samuel Johnson's verses which are quoted by Helen Burns (very well performed by Tina Heath!...) in "Jane Eyre (1973)": they are not in the novel, as you know.

The quotation of those verses in this mini-serial was (in my humble opinion) one of the most fortunate (small) additions made by Robin Chapman to Charlotte Brontë's immortal prose.

[mendoncacorreia]

Thanks to 'caroljaneyre', I notice now that I made a mistake when I wrote this comment of mine.

Where you read: "[...] you can see Rochester tickling; and he tickles because [...]", you should read: "[...] you can see Rochester TICKING; and he TICS because [...]".

I'm Portuguese, and I reckon even this is far from being any good English: "tic" is a noun, not a verb...

At least I hope what I meant is now clear enough to be fully understood by anyone who reads my comment.

[domramalaja]

No, you lost me completely. But maybe there is a reading of the word "tic" I do not know of. Have to go and check my dictionary.

[caroljaneeyre]

people talk of a nervous tic, an involuntary movement of facial muscles, around eyes, lips. Substitute the word twitch and it will make sense

[mendoncacorreia]

That's it: the most precise word to define what we see at [0:42] of "Jane Eyre (1973) - An Inspiration or A Temptation", is "twitch" - though "tic" doesn't seem completely wrong, since Rochester's facial movement may be interpreted as involuntary.

In Portugal, this kind of facial movements are usually called "tics": I suppose that's why I've made such a blunder. It was a (so to speak) 'reversed translation problem' I had!...

[Fleederhus]

At this point he still talks about "pleasure," (a lower form of love) and he probably means Jane's companionship rather than an affair. Later on he schemes to make her jealous to make her amenable to marriage, because he realizes he wants more than companionship. Little does he know that he needs to go through a rigorous cleansing process before he is ready for the purity of the hightest form of love and esteem.

[lkijju]

He plays Donald in Emmerdale now. Very good actor indeed.

[domramalaja]

The scene starting here has grown to be one of my absolute favourites in this adaptation. I find myself watching it over and over again (on the DVD, I mean, it is only about 1/3 available here on YT).

[mendoncacorreia]

Are you addicted to it? So am I! Is there a cure? (Not that we mind about it...).

[domramalaja]

Correct! I do not NEED a cure. I do not WANT a cure. I am perfectly HAPPY as I am!

[mendoncacorreia]

I gather it is my peculiar fault (?) to rationalize (almost) everything I see, but I've been wondering why this particular scene is far, far more tense and entertaining in this screenversion of "Jane Eyre" than in all the others we know.

I suppose it is because in all the other versions it is set as an 'intimate conversation' between Jane and Rochester, while in here it is set as in the novel: as a true 'battle of wits' between both of them - and, what is more, in the presence of Mrs. Fairfax!

[domramalaja]

Indeed, it is very hard to explain. I think it has something to do with the energy and intensity. And, of course, the chemistry between the actors. Mrs. Fairfax's facial expressions adds a lot to the impression of jocularity in this scene.

[JenHenShaw]

This is a brilliant version.

[galinaqt]

I wish you guys write in English. I can only understand word idiot which is international. I'd like to take part in the discussion. I don't know how exactly categorize Jane Eyre, but mostly women like this sort of novels. My husband like it, there is nothing wrong if man like it too.

[audreyhepburn256]

Oh, I'm sorry, but I speak spanish better than English...

I know few of people that they have read Jane Eyre and it is a pity T.T

[galinaqt]

Talking from experience, the only way for you to improve your English is to practice. You have good opportunity here.

Mendoncacorreia has an excellent English. I wonder if he learned it professionally.

[domramalaja]

Yes, it is a very joyful way of improving language skills. I recently realised that I have started to use phrases/words from JE at work and that startles people sometimes because they are not expecting such wording in international business English. :-D

[audreyhepburn256]

HI!!!

Well, I can't understand why only a man write something about this, but I think that it is because they (all men) think Jane Eyre is a romantic novel, like Pride and Prejuice or something like that.

Oh... They are very silly!!!

[mendoncacorreia]

Well, I don't think "Jane Eyre" is (strictly speaking) a "romantic" novel.

Whether I'm silly or not, I leave that to better judges!...

[mendoncacorreia]

Guapa, ¡ojo con eso que dices de los hombres! ¿Conoces los versos de Quevedo: "Yendo camino un día presuroso"?...

[audreyhepburn256]

Joo, no lo decía en plan insulto: "SOIS IDIOTAS". Lo digo como que qué tontos por no darse cuenta de que no se puede dejarse llevar por los prejuicios de que es una novela romántica= para mujeres. Ya te digo que no era una falta de respeto, o no quería dar esa impresión.

Claro que conozco a Quevedo (lo estoy estudiando ahora mismo) y te puedo decir que, a pesar de su genialidad, destacaba su misoginia, su misantropía, su xenofobia y su antisemitismo. Era afortunado el no odiado por Quevedo.

[mendoncacorreia]

Yo he cursado Derecho Canónico en la Ponti de Salamanca el 1999/2001. Mí curso tenía muchas mujeres. Quando mís colegas e yo queríamos provocar a alguna de ellas, hablabamos de Quevedo. ¡Era una risa! Pero, mira: eramos todos, todos muy amigos. Te digo: Salamanca ha sido una experiencia encantadora para mí...

[audreyhepburn256]

Además, un hombre como tú (que ha leído Jane Eyre a pesar de parecer o de ser, según opiniones, una novela romántica) nunca podría ser tonto ni nada parecido. Mis disculpas si te he ofendido con mi torpe inglés ^^

[mendoncacorreia]

Tranquila, que no me has ofendido...

[audreyhepburn256]

Además, es más ofensivo tu "guapa" que mi "tontos"...

[mendoncacorreia]

[sad] ¡Que nooooooo! [sad] Como tú, lo he dicho sin malicia... [sad]

Hemos tenido un mal entendido: eso ocurre a todos. Ahora que todo está aclarado entre nosotros, creo que lo mejor será olvidarlo. ¿Que te parece?...

[audreyhepburn256]

Weeeno, vale.

Si compartimos algo tan importante como Jane Eyre, no vamos a discutir con disparidades sexistas.

Es cierto que Quevedo toca la fibra sensible, tanto de una parte como de la otra XD

Pos nada, todo aclarado entonces. Muchos saludos.

Te toca sacar otro tema a debatir sobre la peli o el libro... ^^

Ciao

[ksotikoula]

Exactly how many languages do you speak? I've seen you answer in English, French, now spanish and of course you speak portuguese. May I tempt you to speak Greek too?LOL!

[mendoncacorreia]

[blush] Well, besides my native lingo, I speak English, French, Italian and Spanish. I read all these languages, plus Galician and Catalan - and Latin. Sorry, no Greek!... [lol]

[audreyhepburn256]

But Mr. Rochester is taller than Jane, and she isn't a fat woman. I think that they are the perfect characters.

M. Jayston is the best!!!!^^

[domramalaja]

audreyhepburn256,

To answer this I want to use Jane's own words from this scene (unfortunately this clip ends before she says them): "I agree heartily"

:-)

[galinaqt]

Jane looks bigger than Mr. R. which is always throw me off in this version. I am among minority who prefers Clarke both phisically and acting. Mr. R. indeed was interested in Jane since she helped him on his horse (this Jane can almost put him on the horse).

[mendoncacorreia]

Forgive me, but if you look closer you'll see that Jayston is almost a palm taller than Cusack. You may confirm that, for instance, by checking out the "After the proposal scene" right here at "YouTube".

As for Zelah Clarke, although I'm not one of her critics, I can't see how "her" Jane fits adequately Rochester's description that we can read in chapter XXVII of the novel. For that matter, both Cusack's physique and performance were much more appropriate to the role.

[galinaqt]

Indeed Jayston is taller than Cusack, but sometimes she looks bigger. Mr. R. in the book talled Jane "you have the air of a little nonnette; quaint, quiet, grave, and simple". He also called her pale, little elf. To me Cusack doesn't match any of these descriptions. It's a matter of opinion.

[mendoncacorreia]

As you know, diminutives in English are not always to be taken literally. If they were, Jane should be a midget, since Rochester is not a tall man (according to Brontë's description).

When Rochester says "little nonette", he is using "little" with irony - as Jane does when she says "Excellent! Now you are small!" (in the "After the proposal scene"). When he says "little elf", he is using it with tenderness (as most people do speaking to their beloved, no matter their height...).

[ksotikoula]

I'm sorry but Jane Eyre was truly little. Charlotte criticised her sister's beautiful characters in Wuthering heights and Agnes Grace because only the beautiful ones were entitled to an interesting life and said she would made a heroine so little and plain as she herself was but very interesting nevertheless. Charlotte's height was 1,44m (4,9 inches), as the measures of the undertaker informs us. So she is truly little like a child and that's why Charlotte accused her school for undernourisment.

[domramalaja]

Indeed! CB truly managed to create a very intersting heroine. People from different corners of the world "meet" at places such as YouTube 160 odd years later and disuss about her. :-)

BTW: One of my best friends is 1.44. I thought of her when I, a while ago, read about Charlotte's height. I feel like a giant beside my friend because she can actually walk under my arm. :-)

I mention it because thinking of my friend helped me, in a physical way, to realise how tiny one could imagine Jane to be.

[mendoncacorreia]

Brontë never mentions Jane's or Rochester's specific height in the book: all we know is that she was (not a 'midget' but) 'little' and he was of 'middle height'.

I gather if Jane was to be really under 1,45 mt, then Rochester couldn't have been above 1,70 mt.

Zelah Clarke and Timothy Dalton were each around 1,50 mt and 1,88 mt; Sorcha Cusack and Michael Jayston, around 1,55 mt and 1,78 mt.

Weighting their heights and performances with the novel, I do live better with Sorcha and Michael...

[audreyhepburn256]

Jane looks bigger than Mr. Rochester because he is sitting on the sofa and she on a taller chair.

[galinaqt]

In that case producer shouldn't put her on something which makes her look bigger. M.Jayston's performance is talented, but I prefer T. Dalton.

[mendoncacorreia]

I'm not sure of this, first of all because Cusack is wearing a dress exactly like the one described in the novel. On the other hand, we are watching the first "battle of wits" between Jane and Rochester: she had to look "big as the world" (so to speak) to the audiences. If Sorcha was wearing a smaller dress, the scene would lose very much of his visual impact - as it did, for instance, in the (otherwise beautiful) Welles/Fontaine version...

[galinaqt]

I meant she shouldn't sit on a chair which make her look higher than him. I didn't mean the dress.

[mendoncacorreia]

Forgive me if I seem repetitive, but Jane had to look "big as the world" to the audiences: if Sorcha was sitting on a smaller chair, she would look "below" Jayston and the scene would lose visual impact. This scene was set as you seem to prefer in the Welles/Fontaine version, and look how poor it looks: Jane is wearing a smaller dress and is sitting on a smaller chair, and when she replies to Rochester banter she seems hardly believable...

[mendoncacorreia]

Many "Jane Eyre" purists (such as I) believe that Timothy Dalton, despite being a very, very good actor, was a miscast, his undeniable (and undisguised) elegance being quite obviously misplaced in such a role. If anything, Rochester (as depicted by Brontë) is the complete opposite of a handsome man - if you prefer, of a "sex symbol" -, as Dalton was and (according to his numerous fans) still is...

[galinaqt]

According to Bronte description: middle height, broad shoulders, beautiful black eyes, straight nose, stern mouse, jet eyebrows doesn't seem ugly, although not as handsome as Dalton. Some viewers said that beauty standards were different. St. John's type was a beauty standard. C. Hindins probably the best who match description, but I dislike that version. I can't help it, but I prefer looking at T. Dalton.

[mendoncacorreia]

Don't forget Jane says in the novel: "I am sure most people would have thought him an ugly man" (chapter XIV): that makes all the difference!

It may surprise you, but I think the only actor who could have matched perfectly Brontë's description was the late (and great) John Barrymore!

Please, believe me, I don't criticize you for prefering Dalton. You put it as a matter of taste: I respect that. I put it as matter of faithfulness to the novel: for this matter, Dalton was really a miscast...

[galinaqt]

I really appreciate this discussion. I wonder what kind of penalty Mr. R would have had for bigamy at the time he lived (if you know). Also when the law which not allowing divorces with a crazy spouse was removed. I read somewhere that this book affected the deceision to remove this law. I think that Mr. R plan to live with Jane abroad. I really think it would work out and regret it didn't happen the first time around.

[mendoncacorreia]

About the marriage with a crazy woman. - The problem with the marriage between Rochester and Bertha Mason was not a legal one: it was a medical one. Since Psychiatry and Psychology were born long after "Jane Eyre"'s first printing, it was impossible to diagnose that Bertha had a mental illness when she married Rochester and that her illness made her unable to contract marriage: hence, it was impossible to declare their marriage null.

[galinaqt]

Why can't he divorce her? It said because of her mental illness.

[mendoncacorreia]

Divorce (as a dissolution of the marriage bond) was not (and still isn't) allowed in the Church of England.

[galinaqt]

I guess these days if people really want to divorce they have to quit their faith. Old days it probably was unallowable or despised by society.

[mendoncacorreia]

Speaking as a Catholic, a lawyer and a canonist: no, they don't! They remain in communion with the Church, although not in a perfect communion.

The idea that people are excommunicated from Church just because they are divorced was already questioned in the past: nowadays, is simply false.

[ksotikoula]

I have two images of an article about divorce at that time. If you like me to send them to you, you can give me your e-mail in a personal message.

[rubytuesday17]

oh may i ask you to send it to me too please?anyway, you already know my adress anyway, so if you find some time...

[galinaqt]

I don't have an opinion about J.Barrymore. I didn't see many movies with him. Both Mr. R mad wife and Mr. R after fire were not shown as phisically unpleasant as they should be in the book in any version. I can understand that producers has to think about public wanting to see the movie time after time. People don't want to see something really revolting on the screen (IMO).

[audreyhepburn256]

T. Dalton is the more handsome than M. Jayston, and than Mr. Rochester. Rochester is a ugly man in the book, and Dalton is so much handsome.

Michael Jayston in an atracttive man, and he is the perfect Mr. Rochester ^^

[galinaqt]

Mr. Rochestor should be atlethically strong man, dark, brooding. During the farewell Mr. Rochestor threatens Jane with violence. When it doesn't work he uses pity. M. Jayston is too intelligent and he doesn't look strong enough for Jane to fear him (especially this masculane Jane). I think that overall T. Dalton matches role better. Again it is the matter of taste and opinion.

[domramalaja]

Talking about looks; What do you think about Patrick McNee, the Rochester of JE57? Is he dark and brooding enough for you? In addition he has thick eyebrows and even the chin has that "cavity" which I am sure I have read about although I cannot find the exact place right now.

*hiding from all eggs thrown at me*

;-)

[galinaqt]

I think he is indeed an attractive man and plays good enough. Although script is absolutely ridiculous. Somebody called him mixture of Casanova and Dracula, but I think he has certain charm and fits description.

[audreyhepburn256]

Yes, it's true, but this film is the best adaptation of the book, better than another one.

I like very much him when Jane arrive home and he is lying on the sofa. He behaves with her with a lot of sarcasm, as in the book.

And T. Dalton is so plain in his role.

Ciaran Hinds is a good Mr. Rochester too, but in his film he has moustache and Mr. Rochester hasn't got it.

But I prefer M. Jayston without doubts. xxx

[galinaqt]

I think that T.Dalton is the best Mr. R., but everybody intitles to have his or her opinion. M. Jayston's performance is very good as well, but he matches role less (IMO). He is not athletically strong, dark, brooding, but rather very intelligent. I don't like C. Hinds and all his adaptation. His moustache is the least problem with his version. Overall this version deserves more credit that it received. It certainly better than 2006 disgrace.

[audreyhepburn256]

Ok!!! Absolutely right. There is a lot of versions that deserves more credit that they receives, and there is another ones that are worse and they are more famous. An example of that is the version of George C. Scott. Ask somebody and he/she tell you that this the version which they have watched.

I like the version of 2006 too, but the best is the book, without doubts ;p

XXX

[galinaqt]

I saw pieces of Scott version. It is rediculas but I like to see it just for comparison. I plan to order it at Netflix (it is online rental in US in case you are not from US). I think that 2006 version is complete disgrace which can match only 30th version. I was appolled that so many people like it. It is neither true to book neither to how people act that time. Jane would not roll on a bed with the man she plans to break up. It is very open minded even for modern girls. It is terrible (imo).

[audreyhepburn256]

I'm from Spain!!!

I think that 2006's version is a good adaptation of the book. Maybe not the best, but it isn't bad or HORRIBLE.

I haven't seen Scott's version but all of them deserve our respect although we don't like them.

I have a lot of problems to answer you because my english vocabulary is really limited ;p

Byexxx

[galinaqt]

I am sorry I don't know Scott's version. I meant that Clive's version is not good. I saw pieces of it here. I myself is from Russia but live for 15 years in US. I think your English is good. I don't respect 2006 version because it is very untrue to the book and to the time. Virgin girl will not allow man lay on top of her, especially if she wants to break up with him. There are lot of other unforgivable liberties. I think it doesn't even deserve to be called Jane Eyre.

[audreyhepburn256]

I don't know Clive's version. When did it come to the world? ^^

Scott's version is good. I have watched parts and it is... ok, seemed to the book. If you haven't seen them, you can click on my sesion and watched them on my favourites ;p

Is truth that a virgin girl won't allow a man on top of her, but this is an error...

Well, byebye ^^

[galinaqt]

Check Jane Eyre made in 30th. Episodes are posted here.

[audreyhepburn256]

Please, what the meaning of "IMO"???

Thanks

[mendoncacorreia]

IMO = In My Opinion.

[audreyhepburn256]

thank you very much

[domramalaja]

Is it not quite interesting that we, who discuss "Jane Eyre" on different Forums, tend to refer to the different versions by mentioning the actors playing Mr. Rochester and not to the actresses who have the title role?

[galinaqt]

It is an interesting point. Mr. Rochestor is more active, talkative, emotional persona. Indeed he is the most interesting person in the book/movie. Jane has her emotions under control, listens more than talks and so on. Clarke herslef said that Rochestor's role helps career and Jane's kills or something like that.

[mendoncacorreia]

The main reason for that may be the fact that it is mostly women who talk about "Jane Eyre".

According to my friend Prancuzhiskay, one seldom sees a man (such as I) making comments about it here...

[domramalaja]

Precisely! I believe many of us are dazzled by him. But that is actually quite sad (IMO) because Jane Eyre is not only the title character, she can be difficult to portray for an actress. Shy, innocent, yet passionate and intelligent.

Moreover keeping in mind that Jane was "created" in the 1840's, she is a very interesting character, not at all the type one might think a girl at that time would be.

(Hope you catch what I mean, these thoughts are so difficult to express in a foreign language.)

[galinaqt]

My husband likes Jane Eyre as you do, but generally women are interested in romantic novels. I think that is why producers of 83 left Jane plane, but make Mr. Rochestor handsome.

[mendoncacorreia]

It's probable: I never thought it that way. It may be one of the reasons why the 1997 BBC version was not a success: Rochester was played by a "barking mad" Ciarán Hinds!...

I'm not sure "Jane Eyre" is a true romantic novel. As far as I remember, it was Jorge Luís Borges whom stated that it could be classified as one of the "ancestors" of the so-called "Magic Realism" in Literature. Indeed, between "Romanticism" and "Magic Realism", I personally find "Jane Eyre" much closer to the latter...

[galinaqt]

Generally women like love stories, although nothing wrong with the men who enjoys it. Hinds version is not true to the book such as his Mr. R likes his wife and Adele. Although that version has its fans but it is not as good as this one or 83. Although after 2006 disgrace even Hinds version doesn't seem too bad.

[mendoncacorreia]

Oh, yes! I fully agree with you here!

[audreyhepburn256]

Oh, you are some harpysssss!! (It is a joke, girls XP) I like 2006's version and it's really seems with the book, except some parts, I accept...

It is too much interesting to talk about Mr. Rochester (Galinaqt, why do you write Mr. Rochestor??) because we are women, but Jane's character is really amazing because she is a very intelligent and determined woman (because "girl" is so ridiculous for her) and she has not afraid of temperamental Mr. Rochester. She is very interesting!!!!!

[audreyhepburn256]

And the book is not a romantic novel, it is a gothic novel. Jane no only talk about her love, she talks about Grace Poole and the strange things that happen in Thornfield Hall.

I love it!!!!!

[mendoncacorreia]

I'm not sure Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" is a 'typical' (I repeat: 'typical') gothic novel - particularly after comparing it with Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights". Yes, "Jane Eyre" has a madwoman (Bertha Mason); but what else?...

[galinaqt]

I see what you mean, but women are generally like romantic/gothic/family novels/movies. Men typically like action/war/politics/sport.

[ksotikoula]

I don't see Jane Eyre as a romantic nor as a gothic novel. For me it is a Bildungsroman, a novel of development. Jane's formation of character is much more important than gothic elements and prevails more on the whole book than the romance part, which also contributes and shows her emotional, spiritual, sexual and moral growth.

[mendoncacorreia]

To my regret, I've lost the written note I had about it; but, as far as I remember, it was Jorge Luís Borges who stated that "Jane Eyre" was one of the predecessors of the so-called "Magic Realism" in Literature.

I think this statement is worthy of a closer study, because the novel seems (at least to you and me...) way out of the canons of romantic or gothic novels (such as "Wuthering Heights", to begin with).

[ksotikoula]

Maybe another explanation is that in this book (no matter if we are men or women) we are the person Jane Eyre. So we know her views and we go by her descriptions. Thus we spend more time with seeing whether Rochester is as Jane describes him in the book and less with whether Jane is our concept of her - unless the actress or the script write does something terribly wrong, then we notice that she is not like Jane at all.

[mendoncacorreia]

Are we the person 'Jane Eyre', no matter if we are men or women? I'm not sure that is exactly so with men: at least, that is not so with me.

For what is worth, everytime I read the novel (and watch its 1973 screen version), the centre of my attention is always Jane: "What a fascinating character she is!"

Rochester, I identify myself (in many ways) with him; but Jane, I'm fascinated by her. That's why I spend much more time with her - trying to check out if she is as fascinating as I think...

[codegal]

"There. Again with the pen knife."

haha, brilliant!! LOVED IT!!

[JaneAustenRules]

i want to see the rest of the conversation pls post the rest

[domramalaja]

And I second it! This scene does get even better after this clip's end. :-)

[mendoncacorreia]

Oh, yes!!! It's when Jane "sticks" Rochester "with the penknife"!!!

[domramalaja]

And when he starts to read Jane's mind and warns her "Beware by the way what you express with that organ, I'm quick to interpret its language.".

And also when he talks about his enigmatical past and when he embraces the "bonny wanderer".

But I am wondering what he means with "I know now what my aim is and what my motives are." Has he already fallen in love with Jane? Is his aim to make her fall in love with him? Already?!

[mendoncacorreia]

I suppose so! It's the only plausible explanation I have for him to embrace the "bonny wanderer"!

Of course, Rochester was depicted by Brontë as a "man of the world" longing for his "true love": I guess he could know (or, at least, he could sense) she was in front of him...

[ksotikoula]

I think he means he'll give it a try anyway, to give a chance to himself with Jane and he is determined he will not fail this time. I don't know if he is in love with her yet but she semma very promising and very interesting to him.

[JaneAustenRules]

jayston speaks too quickly

[gabrielazayas]

This is the very best version. For the years it was filmed, production was already poor. but performances and fidelity to the book are unequalled by now.

[annwags]

Lovely! Just what I love about this adaptation. The humor -- the bantering is real, warm and, where appropriate, funny. :)

[psycofeline]

I'm not saying this part isnt very lovely but I thought that Mr. Rodchester was origionally dark colored?

Why is he light colored in this one?

I give this scene 1,00000 paws up =D

[RachelG1979]

I love all versions of Jane Eyre and shall watch anymore that they come up with. thanks for posting this so I can watch while at work!

[YulieAna]

This looks like a good adoptation, although the dialogue could have been edited. Rochester mumbles too much.

[mendoncacorreia]

For those who have never seen this particular version of "Jane Eyre": it's simply PERFECT!

[brushgang4]

Thank you very much for sharing, have never seen this version before and it looks really good - Michael Jayston is excellent, more please! Brushgang4

[donnymad22]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE add more never seen this b4!!! thank you xxx