Dalton is the best Rochester ever, I will never need to see any other adaptation. If you think Dalton is a hunk of burnin' love - check out Richard Armitage in North & South - OMG !
What amazing talent! ... I am trying to promote another yet undiscovered artist with a really amazing voice. Please visit my channel, watch some videos and tell me what you think.
TD IS PERFECT IN THIS ROLE.NO OTHER ACTOR GETS AS CLOSE AS HE PERFORMING THE ROLE.I'VE ALMOST SEEN ALL THE JE ADAPTATIONS THIS PARTICULAR ONE IS BREATHTAKING AND TIMOTHY SO WONDERFUL
@Teutonlass I can't say enough about how much I love TD as EFR. I just saw Fassbender and I liked that movie more than others I've seen but for me, nothing comes close to TD. I would have liked to have seen Alan Rickman play Rochester.
im finding it really hard to choose between Timothy Dalton or Toby Stephens at who has playd Rochester better they have both played him brilliantly and they are so good looking that makes it even more difficult :(
I did thesis work on Jane Eyre. The reason why Rochester is 'unhandsome' is that it would've harmed the plot (book) for him to be handsome. Bronte was a minister's daughter, and vanity was sinful. She wanted the first marriage and consequent debauchery to be the central sin. Plus what 18th century British society considered good-looking we would consider effeminate now -- smooth, blonde, trim in figure.
I did thesis work on Jane Eyre. The reason why Rochester is 'unhandsome' is that it would've harmed the plot (book) for him to be handsome. Bronte was a minister's daughter, and vanity was sinful. She wanted the first marriage and consequent debauchery to be the central sin. Plus what 18th century British society considered good-looking we would consider effeminate now -- smooth, blonde, trim in figure.
@cewatson17 i believe that Timothy Dalton and Toby Stephens have made mr Rochester handsome if Charlotte Bronte was still alive to day she would be happy of the actors who have played Mr Rochester and Jane
I think the book may have been better if CB had made ER good looking. The mystery would be stronger as to his deep hurt in relationships. When he fell in love with JE it would be clear character was more important than looks. It certainly would make women melt even more.
DAMMMMN. Timothy Dalton is so FINE! lol Every time I read Jane Eyre I hear his voice when I read Mr. Rochester. lol If I were Jane I wouldn't care either even if there was a 20 year age difference. lol
No question about it, Tim Dalton was by far the best and fluent Rochester. And Rochester was not ugly, but grim looking in his physiognomy, and unhappiness would surely bring that to him in his life.
Wonderful an actor though he is, he's too damn distractingly attractive as Rochester, and that voice of his...good grief, it can be hard to concentrate on what he's actually saying.
@SpamWarrior3000 That's so true about his voice! Maybe that's why I have to keep watching this version -- too much imput seeing and hearing him at the same time. Is that Daltonitis?
This is the best word by word version, and the way it is acted is incredible, and HE IS HOTT! not supposed to be but he is a terrific actor. every line is just like i imagined he would say it... ::sigh::
Just a reminder to those saying Dalton is too handsome for Rochester: bear in mind that looks like his (tall, dark, masculine, rough features, etc.) would have been considered very ugly at that time. In these days, a man was considered handsome if he had light hair, blue eyes, delicate features, etc. Quite the opposite of what Dalton looks like here. Therefore, looks-wise and acting-wise I think he's a perfect choice for Rochester in this production.
@FantasmaLuna I agree, and it's our own darn faults for changing our minds XD However........ I think we'll survive with Dalton as Rochester, teehee. We'll try, that is ;)
@susanbird1 I think for Darcy he was too old already, but I agree that despite the differences between the book and the movie, the best version is Olivier's.
Timothy is definitely in his element here. Imagine coming home to him every day!! Need a fire extinguisher - just thinking about him. I managed to get hold of this DVD this week. Thoroughly entertaining.
Though it might be an error made by director solely, I cannot avoid the feeling that Mr. Dalton overacts due to misreading of Bronte's novel as a simple melodrama. And yes, his physical features in this case present a serious flaw.
@Zambior I know! Its so rich and smooth and yeah, manly! I used to love Toby Stephen's better as Rochester but Timothy Dalton just takes the cake! Who wouldn't go back to him!
@chigaloo2 Absolutely! he put so much more in, he was truly in love with her, and he does whats in the book more than the other versions. You get the feeling that Toby Stephens is sort of taking advantage of Jane. Tim Dalton all the way!! :)
@ysbaddaden2003 - yes the role of Dracula would have been perfect for him.
When you watch the Living Daylights in the beginning, where he has just taken a shot at the female sniper (Kara), he is behind a curtain watching her leave the conservatory of music and you see him twice - all dressed in black and at that moment - I thought Dracula (so so dark and gorgeous but sinister ) .
Great movie (The Living Daylights) - if you haven't seen it with the best music score in my opinion.
I love the 1983 and 2006 adaptaions and I don't want to choose one as better than the other. Both Rochesters are superb, which can be said for Hurt even if I usually like his actingin.
Not that I'm complaining, but isn't Timothy Dalton far too gorgeous to be Rochester? Women all over the county would have been kicking his front door in, loon in the attic notwithstanding.
You are very correct, although Timothy specialises in period dramas he can turn to any part required, James Bond especially, but period movies he is supurb, none better.
....there are two men in the world, which have a voice and a smile let me melting away. The one is TIMOTHY DALTON and the other is RICHARD ARMITAGE!!!!!!!!
My gosh... Timothy Dalton is such a BEAUTIFUL Rochester. He is definitely too sexy for this role... But I love this nonetheless because this is probably the best acting of any Rochester I have ever seen. And I agree with everyone else about his voice... I could seriously listen to him forever and ever because it has such a great quality. Okay, I'll stop gushing now.
The passage in the book about Celine Varens is much longer and worth the read. Certainly no other Rochester wore the period clothing better than Dalton. And what a gorgeous voice!
Geez, my mom was crazy in love with this movie. She must've made me watch it 50 times. And Rochester gave me nightmares. I dunno it that's a tribute to his acting or what. :P
I watched this about a week and a half ago for the first time. I then read the book for the first time, finishing it yesterday (having enjoyed it extremely, of course.) I then, over the course of yesterday and today, watched this again. There are little things I wish hadn't been cut, or changed, but over all, I really like this. I'm going to reread the book now ;)
Have watched film. Didn't give up like the William Hurt version. Have many thoughts.
As it was a film not a four-hour adaptation, they have to cut some very important storylines, eg. Aunt, Uncle in Spain,.., inherited fortune. The last one I most disapproved of as that means JE did not return to Mr R as a woman of independent means, an equal.
As it is the first JE film I've seen in full, I'll wait till I have seen JE-Hinds/Morton before commenting in detail.
I am afraid that you won't loke Hinds one, because it is even more liberal than 70. I can see the German movie you've recommended me instantly on Netflix. Did you see Scarlet Pimpernel? It suprised me that he could pretend to be French. Is it just movie liberty or he didn't have any accent? Thanks for your thoughts about Hugo.
Sorry for taking so long to come back to this thread. The Hinds/Morton DVD arrived this morning. Guess from where? The States! I struggled to get one from UK & had to give up.
I have watched two Scarlet Pimpernel DVDs, one with Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour & the 2nd with Richard E Grant.
Bought the SP book as well but have not read it yet.
I'll report again once I've read the book & watched the JE Hinds/Morton DVD, probably in about 3 days.
It is all right. We all have other responsobilities. I watched Scarlet Pimpernel with Elithabeth McGovern. It is pretty good. I am not sure if you'd like Hinds/Morton's version. Sorry you go into such trouble to get it.
It is alright. I like Samantha Morton ever since I saw her in Minority Report at the theater. She was outstanding in that film and it was one of my fav. movies. Can't believe I said that as I hate Tom Cruise! Indication how good SM was (&direction of the film. I would have collected all her DVDs at some stage.
The one I saw with Richard E Grant is the one EMc played his French wife. I think AA/JS + 'Gandalf' :o) version is better even though JS was below par, not her usual high standard.
Found & watched Das Leben der Anderen in the meantime. Can't say much because of storyline. It must have been unbearable to live under conditions in which even typewriters were tracked & controlled.
Film's good enough to win Foreign film Oscar,great lead actor. I now remember another non-English language film, Pan's Labyrinth, which was nominated for foreign film Oscar but didn't win. If it was the same year as Das Leben der Anderen, then I think Pan's Labyrinth was better and should have won.
Oh No! I take back what I said about Tom Cruise rightaway. I have only seen him in Minority Report, War of the Worlds and two Mission Impossible films. I thought he's overrated based on those, obviously none of them made his top four best work.
I have not seen any of the four films you mentioned. I've heard of all of them except Risky Business (Please, please, please don't tell me it's really famous movie! Embarrassing!)
I will put the four films on my rental request lists. Any one of them worth buying a copy to keep for good? I recommend Minority Report, I have watched that about ten times now, truly a great film.
About a third of the way through JE Hinds/Morton. You are right, dialogue totally different, but I am thinking it might be the movie adaptation I like best.
(comparing that to the horrid JE3?, JEScott, JEHurt which I couldn't stand). I think there might be one with Joan Fontaine, is that true?
Ricky business is pretty famous in the US. All right moves is good. You may like young Cruise. There is a version with Orson Wells and Joan Fontaine. It was made in 40th. Quality is pretty bad. Plot is very liberal. J. Fontaine is very good in Hotchcock's Rebecca where she is soft and nice girl. She plays JE same way. I don't like that version.
Risky Business most expensive here. Rest I can get for £4 or less. Rental with the postal turnaround is about £2 each, so might just buy them. Hand them to a charity shop if I run out of space on my shelves. Shop gets about £1.50. If they have it in the stock, I can buy from them & re-donate after view.
Definitely have seen J Fontaine's Rebecca. I CHEATED with that book in my reading list by watching the film first before reading the book! Did that with The Great Gatsby as well, Hush,....sh!
Have not read Anna Karenina nor any Tolstoy. I have read Crime and Punishment, and seen Eugene Onegin as an opera, with the Pushkin story. It was the first opera I saw at Royal Opera House. I caught the opera bug. Then someone gave me a gift membership to ROH and the Met so I won't miss anything.
I had a literature reading list for a science major, really short, just Crime and Punishment for Russian Lit. Shakespeare, Margaret Atwood, Margaret Laurence, Hemingway (H=Hate), F Scott Fitzgerald,...
I like that version except Vronsky. I just don't like his appearance. I like a lot actress who plays Anna. A plot line is pretty good. Ricky Business is ok, but if it is too expensive you can skip it. Foreighn movies cost more here too.
Thank you, will try to get that version of AK. Will buy disc instead of rental as I have no Tolstoy. AK is a library must at some stage.
As for Risky Business, I have settled for a VHS tape version at 99p. DVDs are about £15 new! Must be what you said, being a famous movie.
Some people are selling VHS tapes at 99 pence each or lower here because most shops are no longer stocking video players. I've a combined DVD/video player. Take advantage of bargains if visual quality irrelevant:o)
I think the US/Canadian VHS will not play on machines here. I brought a few VHS tapes over from Canada as they come out quicker and cheaper there than in UK. They won't play on UK players. Just random fuzzy lines on the screen! Defeated!
Yes, I didn't realise the ioncompatibility before. I bought a few VHS tapes of films I like in Toronto only to find out later the formats are different.
SP Book- I have gone two chapters into the book and have decided I should give up. Not terribly impressed with the prose.
So ready to comment on SP, just the two films only.
SPGrant/McG- This film is not as well made as the older one but the acting from all the three main actors/actress are better. Unfortunately, they had a ridiculous script!
At the beginning of the film: SP married, wife's French, has a brother living free in France. France had a revolution. Some died without fair trial. Englishmen tried to rescue innocent nobles/imprisoned and the French knew that tried to capture SP et al.
PLOT-Brother captured to blackmail Marguerite, more nobles died, SP+wife captured, a slimy French actress/betrayer. died...
SP+wife freed, sailed back to England declaring love for each other.
End-, SAME as beg., NO ADVANCEMENT OF PLOT. We're told the couple loved each other very much,but wasn't that the reason they got married in the 1st place! French cont'd to kill innocents, nobody who was imprisoned at the beg. of film was saved!
Excuse me! Have I been watching nothing? I must say credit to the actors/actresses for carrying on. Someone must have realised there was nothing much to watch when they added that racy scene with the 2nd Fr. actress, typical filmmaker's desperate move!
The plot and the script were better. The most important character inclusion was Dauphin de la France. That made the whole point of the film, to save the eldest son of the former King of France. Of course that's fictional, but at least we saw that at the end of the film, he was taken to 'safety'.
I am not sure the son of the former King was in the original book but who cares, it's fiction. At least there is a point to this movie, so better than the newer adaptation IMO.
SP conclusion: SP and Marguerite met at the Flanders Regiment Ball. The regiment did exist to help the suppressed people of the Flanders. That's accurate. SP considered 'done'. Please PM me if you think not.
Agree, I was thinking about that as well. Will PM non-TD JE comments from now on. Comments re: JE Scott, JE Morton should be in your Inbox in the next few days.
Re: Tom Cruise films- bought Jerry Maguire and Top Gun, two DVDs are right in front of me. Will wait till I have Risky Business and Few Good Men. Jerry Maguire case said nominated for 5 Oscars so no doubt I should keep that disc.
Nearly done with JE Morton, played whole movie in my study last night but I was working on a paper, not sure I missed anything. Also having problems remembering all the pros/cons of JEScott after three weeks so should to rewatch that one as well.
I think you'll enjoy these Cruise's movies. I should watch old version on Pimpernel. I just think that McGovern's one is interesting to watch. I don't know history that well to know how true it is. I should try to see the one you recommended.
Thank you for TC recommendations, Will PM once viewed.
RE: SP We have started so I'll finish here & call that done. I must say the author of SP was a Hungarian who came to England to study Painting, met an Englishman, married and became British, Definitely 'Brit' but by no means a trained historian. The prequel, 'The First Sir Percy' re: 1st Sir Percy's life in Flanders have more historical base than SP as the English were known to go over to Flanders to help the long suffering ppl there.
I have also checked the Mitchell and Webb clip. Still on youtube. If you type ' Mitchell Webb Rebecca ' in the search, should show up. Clip is only about four minutes long, quick view. Only people who have read Rebecca and/or seen the film will appreciate it, the interplay with the two characters, Rebecca and second Mrs DeW, having Rebecca delivering the lines spoken by the second Mrs DeW.
I have seen this version of JE & Toby Stephen/Ruth Wilson's. I have John Hurt's version on DVD but stopped watching after the scene when Jane & Mr Rochester first met. I think John Hurt is more of an ill-tempered Mr Rochester, not a tortured soul, so just put the DVD back the shelf. I have not seen any of the other versions mentioned here.
IMHO, this is as perfect an adaptation of JE as can be, faithful to Charlotte Bronte's novel & definitive.
William Hurt's version doesn't have any passion plus very liberal. One of the weakest IMO. In my book 2006 is the worst. It not true to book but even to time. At lease all other versions are true to time.
Sorry, wrong Hurt, I got the two names mixed up! (The Hurt in Accidental Tourist, I know him, good actor but not in JE) I only watched minutes of that version. Thank you for the brief. I thought that few minutes was painful to watch, yes weak.
I saw almost every version. In my book best is this one 83. Pretty good close to book is 73. 70 is pretty liberal, but not too bad. 97 has a lot of problems, but gripping and easy to watch. Somebody put 30th version here. I'd watch it at least once. I don't like 44 with O. Wells. To start with I could hardly understand the words. It is pretty bad quality.
From what you said, looks like I have seen the best (83) and the worst (2006) versions! Apart from the William Hurt one, which one(s) do you think I should watch next?
2006- I think not a total disaster, saved by Ruth Wilson's acting (too tall considering they casted Toby Stephens as R.)
Jumps in time- St John Rivers scenes all over the place. & telepathy! Disgusted.
Banging on door scene after aborted wedding was most undignified! Charlotte Bronte must be turning in her grave.
I totally agree about 2006. I am suprised how many people like it. I suggest you 73 it is very good close to book version. You can also see 70 it is short version, but has descent script. You can also see at least once 97. It is very liberal, but has something.
Yes, British Films and TV Dramas are more readily available to view in the States! I have two DVD rental by post subscriptions and will have a look at their lists. I'm about 20 mins from the BBC shop at Bush House and 25 mins from a video/music mega store at Piccadilly Circus. Something for my shopping list next weekend.
The JE version you're missing- Have you tried the British Film Institute (BFI)?
I haven't seen it but have you seen Wide Sargasso Sea, the prequel? Worth watching?
I don't think BFI version is available at Netflix. I haven't thing Wide Sargasso Sea. It doesn't have good reviews on Netflix. From what I've heard it was written by a different aurthor who presented Mr. Rochester as a monster who was guilty in Berta's madness. I prefer to stick with Bronte's version of Mr. Rochester who was a good man who was lured into the marriage with a mad person.
Yes, I didn't watch WSS for similar reasons- not Charlotte Brontë, changing the character of Mr R from what CB intended. I also think it was a piece of political correctness interfering with outstanding literature. Some ppl consider the suggestion that Bertha who was from Caribbean became mad when she arrived in Britain is political incorrect. As for as I can see, hereditary illnesses affect ALL RACES, the prequel is not a work of literature at all,it is a political statement not worth watching.
One of the "youtubers" told me that WSS was written to prove that not all Creole are crazy. I agree with you. She was a mentally ill person. It can happened to anybody. I guess, since book became famous people look with microscope at every detail. May be the author wants fame. If JE is famous something related to it would be read as well. I've heard that it is a weak movie. I can watch it our of curiosity.
Yes, written to be political correct to Creoles. I do not think Charlotte Brontë intended any racial slur or suggestion of mistreatment by Mr R, just hereditary illness which some of Bertha's family members also suffered. They never lived in Britain or with Mr R, so diabolical to blame Mr R and British society of the time.
In UK,one can download movies from the BFI site. I've never tried as the shops or my rental lists have most of the movies I want. Not sure if that facility is available to the States.
Thank you for PM, I recommend STRONGLY P&P80 (Rintoul/Garvie) if you haven't seen it.If you are only seeing it once on rental, please pay particular attention to Sabrina Franklyn who played Jane Bennet.
In JE83 I've see the perfect version of JE. Not yet P&P. However,I think Sabrina Franklyn's Jane B. is perfect.
I like the book. Only seen one TV version, think it was last year. Remember that to be excellent. Read Persuasion (short and easy read) about four years ago, forgotten fine details, so cannot tell how faithful to the book. I think yes, as I did not remember screaming 'I don't think that is in the book!'
It was my first experience with watching Austen. I found it slow. Probably if i watch it now after P@P it would be better. I think it worth watching. BYW C. Hinds plays captain W. in Persuasion 95 and Mr. R. in JE97.
Sorry for the late reply. Have been following the Big Bang experiment in CERN , Geneva, most of the day. The project leader is Welsh.
Persuasion is more of a tale than a drama about love found, lost and found again. It sends several powerful messages.
Persuasion was published after Jane Austen's death and I assume may lack her finishing touch. As the story spans over almost a decade, Persuasion does not make as gripping drama as Pride and Prejudice which has a time frame of less than a year.
I prefer C. Firth to any other Darcy. I can remember his eyes long after I've finished watching the movie. Older Bennet should be very beautiful I understand. May be her acting was correct, but in terms of looks I don't find Jane in all three version beautiful enough. Netflix has more than enough good movies. I am watching North and South with R. Armitrage right now.
Colin F does not make a Darcy P&P suggested, he was too likeable in the 1st part. He is more of a HEATHCLIFF than a Darcy. Physically, he is more of a handsome farmer than a heir. He sulked through the scenes more than showing UNBEARABLE pride. Firth is too attractive before the meeting at Pemberley, so it is difficult to imagine despite his immense wealth, not a SINGLE person in the Herts village, not even desperate spinsters liked him.
Rintoul's Mr D is totally unlikeable before Pemberley.
If you have time, look at Rintoul's performance. For the first part, no woman will like him even if he is the richest person in the world.
The housekeeper scene- That is one of the most crucial scenes. The first time Elizabeth Bennet hear someone (apart from Bingleys/Col Fitzwilliam) VOLUNTARIly spoke well of Mr D. the turning point when EB wondered if she's been wrong. I always look at how adaptations deal with that important change of EB's attitude.
For Pemberley housekeeper scene to be effective, they must have Wickham's & Darcy's pictures side by side. P&P95 have scene ended with Elizabeth B giggling at D's statute, losing the fact that she just confirmed Darcy's account of events through the housekeeper. Her master was not in, she could have just showed visitors around but because Mr D was so good that she did not miss an opportunity to praise him even to strangers.
Sabrina F is prettier than Elizabeth G (sorry), a MUST to play Jane.
North & South- I haven't read the book & will watch the adaptation after I've done that.
I can't wait for the NEW BBC ADAPTATION of one of my favorite books, Thomas Hardy's Tess Of the D'Urbervilles. THE BOOK IS A MASTERPIECE, Hardy's genius. It's a tale of social & religious hypocrisy in Victorian England & how that destroy the life of young Tess. Part I starts in UK Sunday 14th Sept. Don't miss it. KLEENEX ESSENTIAL throughout, esp final Stonehenge scene. Will devastate a forest.
I found 98 adaptation of this book on Netflix. Thank you for your P&P replies. From what I see 95 is more enjoyable (IMO) and tailored for masses but less true to the book. I have to read a book and then reread your replies. You may prefer JE 73 to JE83 like two of my friends here because it is truer to the book. I still prefer JE83.
Yes, lake scene in P&P95, definitely for the masses not true to Jane Austen. About Darcy, I truly believe that the actor have to be TOTALLY unlikeable prior Pemberley. Remember a handsome man with so much money disliked by so many must act really proud and has total disregard for others, that I think Rintoul has acted that out better than the likeable Colin Firth.
Please do not forget about Thomas Hardy's Tess Of the D'Urbervilles, a masterpiece. When they are showing the series in the States?
I should really read P@P. What you are saying sounds correct. I saw on Netflix two older versions of Thomas Hardy's novel. I am not sure when the newest adaptation will be shown here, but I'll keep an eye on it.
Hi, I have whole JE30 on my playlist. You may like 73 even more than 83, because you are book purist. Mr. R. shoudn't be drop dead goreous. I have two very knowledgeble friends here who prefferred 73. We'll see. I just watched Mansfield park 83. It has a good plot, acting, Edmond is "hot" (imo). I watched Emma with Kate W. I found it rather boring, no big shakes.
Hi, You're kidding. Me, book purist? No, just don't like changing the original stories too much. Timothy Dalton can be Quasimodo in Notre-Dame de Paris and I would still think that is a PERFECT adaptation! Mr R being drop dead gorgeous is perfectly fine with me provide that 20 years+ age gap is believable. Zelah Clarke played a 18 years old matured in manner for her age. Think JE83 is perfect.
Seen clips of JE73, so far nothing special, hate the narration. Unnecessary, 'I sat down ...'!
JE73 goes overboard with the narration, but I still recommend you to watch it. It is close to the book. M. Jayston's performance is talented. JE30+ is very liberal. My daughter likes parts about Adele. Thanks for your recommendations. I make sure to watch them when time permits. I have hard time with J. Austen at first: slow, too many characters. I've learned to enjoy it.
Even though JE30 is only 67 minutes long, Adèle has a lot of screen time. I can see why your daughter likes Adèle in that version. They made her character really cute.
Hopefully, JE73 will be in this morning's post.
I am glad I am not the only one who noticed the over-narrated from the clips here on youtube, so so annoying, often stating the obvious. What's the point of having a visual adaptation with so much narration?
I read reviews on Amazon and Netflix. Some people complained about too much narrations of this version. I guess none of them are perfrct. M. Jayston has different interpretation of Mr. Rochester. It worth watching. I have to read Emma myself to have better judgement.
Very good as you said. Thank you for recommending this version. Narration was not too overboard, just in the library scene.
Michael J. did give an excellent performance. Not sure I want Mr R to be less refined. His acting was amazing though. Didn't like SC's Jane ( hate the cynical smiles) as much as Zelah Clarke's.
I have similiar opinion about M. Jayston's Rochester. Sorcha said at Bronteana site that her performance in JE was flat. I think she wasn't that bad. Overall, I prefer JE83, both insights and appearances. One of my friends pointed out that Cusack and Jayston resemble (appearance) Bronte and her husband. Still, it is not how I imagine them from the book. If it is not hard to get, try JE 70 and 97. They are liberal, but make sense to watch at least once.
I also prefer JE83 and believe that adaptation is unbeatable, perfect.
Yes, I will try to find JE70 and JE97 and will report to you once I have watched them.
Did not watch the new adaptation of Tess in the end. I have never read the book without crying so not brave enough to watch a film/TV adaptation in full. Only managed to bear short clips of adaptation of Tess so far.
Don't have to wait till next week. The George C Scott JE arrived in this morning's post, complete with a bonus Last Days of Patton DVD, pristine and factory wrapped. Only £4 plus £1 postage! I'll view the movie this w/e and report asap.
Hinds/Morton to order next, then I'll compile a list of what's available in UK for JE and compare notes with what's available in the States.
Most of the people don't watch "old" movies. I often buy new as used real cheap. I was hoping you can rent them. May be you won't like the version. I especially not sure if you would like Hinds/Morton one. People or like it or hate it.
Dalton is the best Rochester ever, I will never need to see any other adaptation. If you think Dalton is a hunk of burnin' love - check out Richard Armitage in North & South - OMG !
lynnearlyriser 1 month ago
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What amazing talent! ... I am trying to promote another yet undiscovered artist with a really amazing voice. Please visit my channel, watch some videos and tell me what you think.
talentlover 1 month ago
I hate this! Why is Mr. Rochester always so handsome etc. etc. when he really is not in the book?
Barbatipu 2 months ago
Ditto, you guys!
Wholeheartedly agree.... The consummate Mr. Rochestor, hands down.
biyohi 4 months ago
TD IS PERFECT IN THIS ROLE.NO OTHER ACTOR GETS AS CLOSE AS HE PERFORMING THE ROLE.I'VE ALMOST SEEN ALL THE JE ADAPTATIONS THIS PARTICULAR ONE IS BREATHTAKING AND TIMOTHY SO WONDERFUL
annetekoul 5 months ago 2
Hello Mr. Bond... I mean Mr. Rochester...hihihi
StickyKeysRandom97 5 months ago
TD set the benchmark for Rochester, no one has come close to his performance. I would love to see Richard Armitage play Rochester too.
Teutonlass 6 months ago 2
@Teutonlass I can't say enough about how much I love TD as EFR. I just saw Fassbender and I liked that movie more than others I've seen but for me, nothing comes close to TD. I would have liked to have seen Alan Rickman play Rochester.
GrissomLovesSara 6 months ago
the best mr rochester ever . the way he looks and acts is by far the best
sasinuni 7 months ago 2
this version of jane eyre is definatly the best
MusicLovinTomboi 8 months ago 3
im finding it really hard to choose between Timothy Dalton or Toby Stephens at who has playd Rochester better they have both played him brilliantly and they are so good looking that makes it even more difficult :(
ellenkingsley 8 months ago
He would make a great Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice!!!! ;D
ewanmacgregor 9 months ago
@GrizzlyBohemian yeah I know. I think the armitage guy would be good as well, though not my ideal, but def. suitable
SupernaturalLover67 9 months ago
this dude played Mr. Rochester and Heathcliff. All that's left is Mr. Darcy.
SupernaturalLover67 9 months ago
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I did thesis work on Jane Eyre. The reason why Rochester is 'unhandsome' is that it would've harmed the plot (book) for him to be handsome. Bronte was a minister's daughter, and vanity was sinful. She wanted the first marriage and consequent debauchery to be the central sin. Plus what 18th century British society considered good-looking we would consider effeminate now -- smooth, blonde, trim in figure.
cewatson17 10 months ago
I did thesis work on Jane Eyre. The reason why Rochester is 'unhandsome' is that it would've harmed the plot (book) for him to be handsome. Bronte was a minister's daughter, and vanity was sinful. She wanted the first marriage and consequent debauchery to be the central sin. Plus what 18th century British society considered good-looking we would consider effeminate now -- smooth, blonde, trim in figure.
cewatson17 10 months ago 2
@cewatson17: Makes me wonder how 18th c. British society would view this particular Rochester -- would they consider him handsome, or too "dark"?
TachieBillano 9 months ago
@cewatson17 i believe that Timothy Dalton and Toby Stephens have made mr Rochester handsome if Charlotte Bronte was still alive to day she would be happy of the actors who have played Mr Rochester and Jane
ellenkingsley 8 months ago
@ellenkingsley
Sooooo true :)
finaforever 8 months ago
I think the book may have been better if CB had made ER good looking. The mystery would be stronger as to his deep hurt in relationships. When he fell in love with JE it would be clear character was more important than looks. It certainly would make women melt even more.
janelle144 10 months ago
DAMMMMN. Timothy Dalton is so FINE! lol Every time I read Jane Eyre I hear his voice when I read Mr. Rochester. lol If I were Jane I wouldn't care either even if there was a 20 year age difference. lol
TwilightLuvvverxxx 11 months ago 3
a grande passion!!!
benbrenyefski 1 year ago
No question about it, Tim Dalton was by far the best and fluent Rochester. And Rochester was not ugly, but grim looking in his physiognomy, and unhappiness would surely bring that to him in his life.
OurManInMarrakessh 1 year ago 8
timothy is ridiculously handsome here- such an amzing actor, i smile everytime i watch this video :)
zen22r 1 year ago
He doesn't mention here that he actually shot the man in question ;) XD! GOSH he's so handsome.
AkiraChan24 1 year ago
Why, oh , why the main hero must always be beautiful? Its wrong... wrong...
Swedelady 1 year ago
Wonderful an actor though he is, he's too damn distractingly attractive as Rochester, and that voice of his...good grief, it can be hard to concentrate on what he's actually saying.
SpamWarrior3000 1 year ago 9
@SpamWarrior3000 That's so true about his voice! Maybe that's why I have to keep watching this version -- too much imput seeing and hearing him at the same time. Is that Daltonitis?
pacemoy 1 year ago 2
@pacemoy That is definitely "Daltonitis" !!
Daltonitis 11 months ago
he somewhat looks a lot like Nathaniel Parker
17lianne 1 year ago
This is the best word by word version, and the way it is acted is incredible, and HE IS HOTT! not supposed to be but he is a terrific actor. every line is just like i imagined he would say it... ::sigh::
pattycruz77 1 year ago
Wow...he's really handsome.....:)
SuoBella 1 year ago
Just a reminder to those saying Dalton is too handsome for Rochester: bear in mind that looks like his (tall, dark, masculine, rough features, etc.) would have been considered very ugly at that time. In these days, a man was considered handsome if he had light hair, blue eyes, delicate features, etc. Quite the opposite of what Dalton looks like here. Therefore, looks-wise and acting-wise I think he's a perfect choice for Rochester in this production.
FantasmaLuna 1 year ago 4
@FantasmaLuna I agree. Standards about what's good looking or not has changed ALOT since then.
MsSarjen 1 year ago
@FantasmaLuna I agree, and it's our own darn faults for changing our minds XD However........ I think we'll survive with Dalton as Rochester, teehee. We'll try, that is ;)
AkiraChan24 1 year ago
Timothy is just a bit too handsome to be Mr.Rochester XD
lavenderblossom 1 year ago
hes always had a very good acting voice
charlieiscool1000 1 year ago
his voice doesn't sound very Rochester like...he's waaaaaaaaay too proper
corporategeese 1 year ago
Thanks - I just checked it out.
I much prefer the 1940 version with Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson and then the 1995 version with Colin Firth.
Timothy Dalton would have been excellent in the role of Darcy after he had made Jane Eyre. He after all a character actor.
susanbird1 1 year ago
@susanbird1 I think for Darcy he was too old already, but I agree that despite the differences between the book and the movie, the best version is Olivier's.
Saluti!
reinadegrillos 1 year ago
Timothy is definitely in his element here. Imagine coming home to him every day!! Need a fire extinguisher - just thinking about him. I managed to get hold of this DVD this week. Thoroughly entertaining.
susanbird1 1 year ago
Though it might be an error made by director solely, I cannot avoid the feeling that Mr. Dalton overacts due to misreading of Bronte's novel as a simple melodrama. And yes, his physical features in this case present a serious flaw.
elend56 1 year ago
@Zambior I know! Its so rich and smooth and yeah, manly! I used to love Toby Stephen's better as Rochester but Timothy Dalton just takes the cake! Who wouldn't go back to him!
chlseabun 1 year ago 4
83 takes it by far, better Rochester and Jane and better settings as well.
Jo7welder 2 years ago 2
'06 version if my favorite, but this one is growing on me.
gillyrosh 2 years ago
Oh, it is wonderful!! If you haven't seen it all yet, I highly recommend it - such drama and superb acting all around!!
freetobeme03 2 years ago 4
@gillyrosh - pray tell - who is in that version? Not heard of it. Thanks.
susanbird1 1 year ago
@susanbird1 Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens play Jane & Rochester in the BBC version from '06.
gillyrosh 1 year ago
Now this version is brilliant compared to the Zefferelli version. Much closer to the book in all aspects, especially Tim Dalton's performance.
chigaloo2 2 years ago 13
@chigaloo2 Absolutely! he put so much more in, he was truly in love with her, and he does whats in the book more than the other versions. You get the feeling that Toby Stephens is sort of taking advantage of Jane. Tim Dalton all the way!! :)
chlseabun 1 year ago 5
Now that TD is getting into his sixties, I'd be curious as to what kind of Ebenezer Scrooge he could play.
And since The Beautcian and the Beast what kind of Dracula he could play.
ysbaddaden2003 2 years ago 2
@ysbaddaden2003 - yes the role of Dracula would have been perfect for him.
When you watch the Living Daylights in the beginning, where he has just taken a shot at the female sniper (Kara), he is behind a curtain watching her leave the conservatory of music and you see him twice - all dressed in black and at that moment - I thought Dracula (so so dark and gorgeous but sinister ) .
Great movie (The Living Daylights) - if you haven't seen it with the best music score in my opinion.
susanbird1 1 year ago
I think she's absolutely brilliant too!
benbrenyefski 2 years ago 5
I could honestly listen to Timothy Dalton speak all day :D
meluveslost 2 years ago 12
oh my god!! he's so handsome!!!!!!
angelina90ilw 2 years ago 11
I wished I looked like Timothy Dalton (circa 1985) for one week.
Dietpepsivanilla 2 years ago 7
This is the best.
yuukikanameflipflap 2 years ago 6
I love the 1983 and 2006 adaptaions and I don't want to choose one as better than the other. Both Rochesters are superb, which can be said for Hurt even if I usually like his actingin.
ruzbehan 2 years ago
She looks old.
soqui4u 2 years ago
she looks way too old and him way too gorgeous!
sybylo 2 years ago 9
The. best. Jane. Eyre. film. adaptation. ever. Period. :)
ObamaPenis 2 years ago 9
It's not my favorite choice of actors but the screenplay is the most exact and true to the novel.
zanthan 2 years ago
idk, i like the '06 version
ohgidgetz 2 years ago 2
My heart stops when I see Timothy Dalton in "Jane Eyre" - he is simple the best. Good looking, elegant, sexual.
CikiTuzas 2 years ago 69
Yes, he is brilliant, and what a voice.Lol
Annacathalicia 2 years ago 8
i think i prefer the brooding reticence of William Hurt but Dalton is very good too
rh7onda7 2 years ago
Yes, you cannot discuss taste; I prefer Mr Dalton's portraying Edward Rochester and see no competion to him.lol
Annacathalicia 2 years ago
Not that I'm complaining, but isn't Timothy Dalton far too gorgeous to be Rochester? Women all over the county would have been kicking his front door in, loon in the attic notwithstanding.
GroovyBlackCat 2 years ago 112
Yes, he might be a bit too gorgeous but he also is a superb actor; I adore him not only for his perfect looks:Lol Anna Catherine
Annacathalicia 2 years ago 9
You are very correct, although Timothy specialises in period dramas he can turn to any part required, James Bond especially, but period movies he is supurb, none better.
j0andc0 2 years ago 5
@GroovyBlackCat LOL that's awesome, loon in the attic notwithstanding ha
Viviennestc 11 months ago
....there are two men in the world, which have a voice and a smile let me melting away. The one is TIMOTHY DALTON and the other is RICHARD ARMITAGE!!!!!!!!
KleinesSeepferdchen 2 years ago 7
Richard Armitage is gorgeous!
LaFara125 2 years ago 3
YES YES YES!!!! i TOTALLY agree with you!!!! :-D
maxdoggie628 2 years ago
he reminds me of Patrick Stewart.
professionals with charme and style!
zensorship 2 years ago 4
My gosh... Timothy Dalton is such a BEAUTIFUL Rochester. He is definitely too sexy for this role... But I love this nonetheless because this is probably the best acting of any Rochester I have ever seen. And I agree with everyone else about his voice... I could seriously listen to him forever and ever because it has such a great quality. Okay, I'll stop gushing now.
LOOKatTHEpiglets 2 years ago 13
It's always great to find someone sharing one's view so completely; I'm very pleased to read your lines. Timothy Dalton ís perfect...
Annacathalicia 2 years ago 2
As far as I know, this is what Timothy Dalton trained in - classical acting. And he`s damn good at it.
morgandrim 2 years ago 8
OMG it's James Bond! Lol
Why is Timothy Dalton playing Mr Rochester? He's much too handsome. As someone already said, he'd make a brilliant Darcy :)
DisneyPrincess0001 2 years ago 5
Hello, he is indeed handsome but very talented, and what a voice he has.. wow..
Of course he would have been perfect as Mr.Darcy...
Annacathalicia 2 years ago 4
@DisneyPrincess0001 - shame he did not play Darcy - as did Laurence Olivier after doing playing Heathcliffe.
susanbird1 1 year ago
Go and read your book, child!!
rainbowghostsplinter 2 years ago
He's so nice man.I warned him for Oksana.I was right.
Now Mel has the trouble with her.
theflowerpower01 2 years ago
Comment removed
Annacathalicia 2 years ago
He's such a good actor. But all i can say is Bond James Bond lol :)
mentalist007coldplay 2 years ago
all i can say is....Bond, James Bond
mentalist007coldplay 2 years ago
The passage in the book about Celine Varens is much longer and worth the read. Certainly no other Rochester wore the period clothing better than Dalton. And what a gorgeous voice!
Daltonitis 2 years ago 8
Oh, how I love his voice!
FantasmaLuna 3 years ago 7
see THIS is how i always pictured Rochester
0239512057steve 3 years ago 10
Geez, my mom was crazy in love with this movie. She must've made me watch it 50 times. And Rochester gave me nightmares. I dunno it that's a tribute to his acting or what. :P
zprodigy 3 years ago
i love how she bursts his bubble with her words.the heroine may be submissive yet profoundly intelligent :)
MUTYAAR 3 years ago 3
I watched this about a week and a half ago for the first time. I then read the book for the first time, finishing it yesterday (having enjoyed it extremely, of course.) I then, over the course of yesterday and today, watched this again. There are little things I wish hadn't been cut, or changed, but over all, I really like this. I'm going to reread the book now ;)
phynnlessimaging 3 years ago
In my opinion it is number 1 version. I've looked at every one available to us.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Hi Galina,
Re:JE George C Scott
Have watched film. Didn't give up like the William Hurt version. Have many thoughts.
As it was a film not a four-hour adaptation, they have to cut some very important storylines, eg. Aunt, Uncle in Spain,.., inherited fortune. The last one I most disapproved of as that means JE did not return to Mr R as a woman of independent means, an equal.
As it is the first JE film I've seen in full, I'll wait till I have seen JE-Hinds/Morton before commenting in detail.
battycys 3 years ago
Hi,
I am afraid that you won't loke Hinds one, because it is even more liberal than 70. I can see the German movie you've recommended me instantly on Netflix. Did you see Scarlet Pimpernel? It suprised me that he could pretend to be French. Is it just movie liberty or he didn't have any accent? Thanks for your thoughts about Hugo.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Hi,
Sorry for taking so long to come back to this thread. The Hinds/Morton DVD arrived this morning. Guess from where? The States! I struggled to get one from UK & had to give up.
I have watched two Scarlet Pimpernel DVDs, one with Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour & the 2nd with Richard E Grant.
Bought the SP book as well but have not read it yet.
I'll report again once I've read the book & watched the JE Hinds/Morton DVD, probably in about 3 days.
Thank you again for your recommendations.
battycys 3 years ago
It is all right. We all have other responsobilities. I watched Scarlet Pimpernel with Elithabeth McGovern. It is pretty good. I am not sure if you'd like Hinds/Morton's version. Sorry you go into such trouble to get it.
galinaqt 3 years ago
It is alright. I like Samantha Morton ever since I saw her in Minority Report at the theater. She was outstanding in that film and it was one of my fav. movies. Can't believe I said that as I hate Tom Cruise! Indication how good SM was (&direction of the film. I would have collected all her DVDs at some stage.
The one I saw with Richard E Grant is the one EMc played his French wife. I think AA/JS + 'Gandalf' :o) version is better even though JS was below par, not her usual high standard.
battycys 3 years ago
Found & watched Das Leben der Anderen in the meantime. Can't say much because of storyline. It must have been unbearable to live under conditions in which even typewriters were tracked & controlled.
Film's good enough to win Foreign film Oscar,great lead actor. I now remember another non-English language film, Pan's Labyrinth, which was nominated for foreign film Oscar but didn't win. If it was the same year as Das Leben der Anderen, then I think Pan's Labyrinth was better and should have won.
battycys 3 years ago
I think Tom Cruise is pretty good. I like him in Risky Business, Top Gun, Few Good Men, Jerry Maguire (spell)
galinaqt 3 years ago
Oh No! I take back what I said about Tom Cruise rightaway. I have only seen him in Minority Report, War of the Worlds and two Mission Impossible films. I thought he's overrated based on those, obviously none of them made his top four best work.
I have not seen any of the four films you mentioned. I've heard of all of them except Risky Business (Please, please, please don't tell me it's really famous movie! Embarrassing!)
battycys 3 years ago
I will put the four films on my rental request lists. Any one of them worth buying a copy to keep for good? I recommend Minority Report, I have watched that about ten times now, truly a great film.
About a third of the way through JE Hinds/Morton. You are right, dialogue totally different, but I am thinking it might be the movie adaptation I like best.
(comparing that to the horrid JE3?, JEScott, JEHurt which I couldn't stand). I think there might be one with Joan Fontaine, is that true?
battycys 3 years ago
Ricky business is pretty famous in the US. All right moves is good. You may like young Cruise. There is a version with Orson Wells and Joan Fontaine. It was made in 40th. Quality is pretty bad. Plot is very liberal. J. Fontaine is very good in Hotchcock's Rebecca where she is soft and nice girl. She plays JE same way. I don't like that version.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Risky Business most expensive here. Rest I can get for £4 or less. Rental with the postal turnaround is about £2 each, so might just buy them. Hand them to a charity shop if I run out of space on my shelves. Shop gets about £1.50. If they have it in the stock, I can buy from them & re-donate after view.
Definitely have seen J Fontaine's Rebecca. I CHEATED with that book in my reading list by watching the film first before reading the book! Did that with The Great Gatsby as well, Hush,....sh!
battycys 3 years ago
BTW- Have a look at Mitchell and Webb's comedy piece on Rebecca! Really hilarious. I think it is on youtube, saw that a few months ago.
battycys 3 years ago
BYW did you see Anna Karenina? There are lot of versions. You will like it.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Have not read Anna Karenina nor any Tolstoy. I have read Crime and Punishment, and seen Eugene Onegin as an opera, with the Pushkin story. It was the first opera I saw at Royal Opera House. I caught the opera bug. Then someone gave me a gift membership to ROH and the Met so I won't miss anything.
I had a literature reading list for a science major, really short, just Crime and Punishment for Russian Lit. Shakespeare, Margaret Atwood, Margaret Laurence, Hemingway (H=Hate), F Scott Fitzgerald,...
battycys 3 years ago
Which version of AK do you recommend? Please.
battycys 3 years ago
Masterpiece Theatre: Anna Karenina
(1977) TV-PG
I like that version except Vronsky. I just don't like his appearance. I like a lot actress who plays Anna. A plot line is pretty good. Ricky Business is ok, but if it is too expensive you can skip it. Foreighn movies cost more here too.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Thank you, will try to get that version of AK. Will buy disc instead of rental as I have no Tolstoy. AK is a library must at some stage.
As for Risky Business, I have settled for a VHS tape version at 99p. DVDs are about £15 new! Must be what you said, being a famous movie.
Some people are selling VHS tapes at 99 pence each or lower here because most shops are no longer stocking video players. I've a combined DVD/video player. Take advantage of bargains if visual quality irrelevant:o)
battycys 3 years ago
I still have vhs. Same thing here. One can buy them much cheaper. I think you'll enjoy Ricky Business.
galinaqt 3 years ago
I think the US/Canadian VHS will not play on machines here. I brought a few VHS tapes over from Canada as they come out quicker and cheaper there than in UK. They won't play on UK players. Just random fuzzy lines on the screen! Defeated!
battycys 3 years ago
One need to be very careful about buying correct vhs. If I am buying from Amazon for US I am safe.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Yes, I didn't realise the ioncompatibility before. I bought a few VHS tapes of films I like in Toronto only to find out later the formats are different.
SP Book- I have gone two chapters into the book and have decided I should give up. Not terribly impressed with the prose.
So ready to comment on SP, just the two films only.
SPGrant/McG- This film is not as well made as the older one but the acting from all the three main actors/actress are better. Unfortunately, they had a ridiculous script!
battycys 3 years ago
SPGrant/McG-cont'd The script is ridiculous!
At the beginning of the film: SP married, wife's French, has a brother living free in France. France had a revolution. Some died without fair trial. Englishmen tried to rescue innocent nobles/imprisoned and the French knew that tried to capture SP et al.
PLOT-Brother captured to blackmail Marguerite, more nobles died, SP+wife captured, a slimy French actress/betrayer. died...
SP+wife freed, sailed back to England declaring love for each other.
battycys 3 years ago
End-, SAME as beg., NO ADVANCEMENT OF PLOT. We're told the couple loved each other very much,but wasn't that the reason they got married in the 1st place! French cont'd to kill innocents, nobody who was imprisoned at the beg. of film was saved!
Excuse me! Have I been watching nothing? I must say credit to the actors/actresses for carrying on. Someone must have realised there was nothing much to watch when they added that racy scene with the 2nd Fr. actress, typical filmmaker's desperate move!
battycys 3 years ago
SP-AA/JS Sir Ian-
The plot and the script were better. The most important character inclusion was Dauphin de la France. That made the whole point of the film, to save the eldest son of the former King of France. Of course that's fictional, but at least we saw that at the end of the film, he was taken to 'safety'.
I am not sure the son of the former King was in the original book but who cares, it's fiction. At least there is a point to this movie, so better than the newer adaptation IMO.
battycys 3 years ago
We probably should right each other personnal messages. This space is for T.Dalton's episode so some people can be upset.
galinaqt 3 years ago 2
SP conclusion: SP and Marguerite met at the Flanders Regiment Ball. The regiment did exist to help the suppressed people of the Flanders. That's accurate. SP considered 'done'. Please PM me if you think not.
Agree, I was thinking about that as well. Will PM non-TD JE comments from now on. Comments re: JE Scott, JE Morton should be in your Inbox in the next few days.
Regards
battycys 3 years ago
Re: Tom Cruise films- bought Jerry Maguire and Top Gun, two DVDs are right in front of me. Will wait till I have Risky Business and Few Good Men. Jerry Maguire case said nominated for 5 Oscars so no doubt I should keep that disc.
Nearly done with JE Morton, played whole movie in my study last night but I was working on a paper, not sure I missed anything. Also having problems remembering all the pros/cons of JEScott after three weeks so should to rewatch that one as well.
battycys 3 years ago
I think you'll enjoy these Cruise's movies. I should watch old version on Pimpernel. I just think that McGovern's one is interesting to watch. I don't know history that well to know how true it is. I should try to see the one you recommended.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Thank you for TC recommendations, Will PM once viewed.
RE: SP We have started so I'll finish here & call that done. I must say the author of SP was a Hungarian who came to England to study Painting, met an Englishman, married and became British, Definitely 'Brit' but by no means a trained historian. The prequel, 'The First Sir Percy' re: 1st Sir Percy's life in Flanders have more historical base than SP as the English were known to go over to Flanders to help the long suffering ppl there.
battycys 3 years ago
I have also checked the Mitchell and Webb clip. Still on youtube. If you type ' Mitchell Webb Rebecca ' in the search, should show up. Clip is only about four minutes long, quick view. Only people who have read Rebecca and/or seen the film will appreciate it, the interplay with the two characters, Rebecca and second Mrs DeW, having Rebecca delivering the lines spoken by the second Mrs DeW.
battycys 3 years ago
P.S. Guess who did they have playing Chauvelin in SP-Andrews/Seymour? Gandalf! Sir Ian McKellan.
battycys 3 years ago
Correction- Sir Ian McKellEn
battycys 3 years ago
I have seen this version of JE & Toby Stephen/Ruth Wilson's. I have John Hurt's version on DVD but stopped watching after the scene when Jane & Mr Rochester first met. I think John Hurt is more of an ill-tempered Mr Rochester, not a tortured soul, so just put the DVD back the shelf. I have not seen any of the other versions mentioned here.
IMHO, this is as perfect an adaptation of JE as can be, faithful to Charlotte Bronte's novel & definitive.
Thank you TD and Zelah Clarke.
battycys 3 years ago
William Hurt's version doesn't have any passion plus very liberal. One of the weakest IMO. In my book 2006 is the worst. It not true to book but even to time. At lease all other versions are true to time.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Sorry, wrong Hurt, I got the two names mixed up! (The Hurt in Accidental Tourist, I know him, good actor but not in JE) I only watched minutes of that version. Thank you for the brief. I thought that few minutes was painful to watch, yes weak.
battycys 3 years ago
I saw almost every version. In my book best is this one 83. Pretty good close to book is 73. 70 is pretty liberal, but not too bad. 97 has a lot of problems, but gripping and easy to watch. Somebody put 30th version here. I'd watch it at least once. I don't like 44 with O. Wells. To start with I could hardly understand the words. It is pretty bad quality.
galinaqt 3 years ago
From what you said, looks like I have seen the best (83) and the worst (2006) versions! Apart from the William Hurt one, which one(s) do you think I should watch next?
2006- I think not a total disaster, saved by Ruth Wilson's acting (too tall considering they casted Toby Stephens as R.)
Jumps in time- St John Rivers scenes all over the place. & telepathy! Disgusted.
Banging on door scene after aborted wedding was most undignified! Charlotte Bronte must be turning in her grave.
battycys 3 years ago
I totally agree about 2006. I am suprised how many people like it. I suggest you 73 it is very good close to book version. You can also see 70 it is short version, but has descent script. You can also see at least once 97. It is very liberal, but has something.
galinaqt 3 years ago 2
I am looking forward to hear your opinion about other versions. We are fortinate th have Netflix here. I was able to rent every verson but 70.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Yes, British Films and TV Dramas are more readily available to view in the States! I have two DVD rental by post subscriptions and will have a look at their lists. I'm about 20 mins from the BBC shop at Bush House and 25 mins from a video/music mega store at Piccadilly Circus. Something for my shopping list next weekend.
The JE version you're missing- Have you tried the British Film Institute (BFI)?
I haven't seen it but have you seen Wide Sargasso Sea, the prequel? Worth watching?
Goodnight.
battycys 3 years ago
I don't think BFI version is available at Netflix. I haven't thing Wide Sargasso Sea. It doesn't have good reviews on Netflix. From what I've heard it was written by a different aurthor who presented Mr. Rochester as a monster who was guilty in Berta's madness. I prefer to stick with Bronte's version of Mr. Rochester who was a good man who was lured into the marriage with a mad person.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Yes, I didn't watch WSS for similar reasons- not Charlotte Brontë, changing the character of Mr R from what CB intended. I also think it was a piece of political correctness interfering with outstanding literature. Some ppl consider the suggestion that Bertha who was from Caribbean became mad when she arrived in Britain is political incorrect. As for as I can see, hereditary illnesses affect ALL RACES, the prequel is not a work of literature at all,it is a political statement not worth watching.
battycys 3 years ago
One of the "youtubers" told me that WSS was written to prove that not all Creole are crazy. I agree with you. She was a mentally ill person. It can happened to anybody. I guess, since book became famous people look with microscope at every detail. May be the author wants fame. If JE is famous something related to it would be read as well. I've heard that it is a weak movie. I can watch it our of curiosity.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Yes, written to be political correct to Creoles. I do not think Charlotte Brontë intended any racial slur or suggestion of mistreatment by Mr R, just hereditary illness which some of Bertha's family members also suffered. They never lived in Britain or with Mr R, so diabolical to blame Mr R and British society of the time.
battycys 3 years ago
In UK,one can download movies from the BFI site. I've never tried as the shops or my rental lists have most of the movies I want. Not sure if that facility is available to the States.
Thank you for PM, I recommend STRONGLY P&P80 (Rintoul/Garvie) if you haven't seen it.If you are only seeing it once on rental, please pay particular attention to Sabrina Franklyn who played Jane Bennet.
In JE83 I've see the perfect version of JE. Not yet P&P. However,I think Sabrina Franklyn's Jane B. is perfect.
battycys 3 years ago
What do you think about Persuasion. I saw 95 version with C. Hinds. I am reading the book now. Don't know when I finish. It is hard to find time.
galinaqt 3 years ago
I like the book. Only seen one TV version, think it was last year. Remember that to be excellent. Read Persuasion (short and easy read) about four years ago, forgotten fine details, so cannot tell how faithful to the book. I think yes, as I did not remember screaming 'I don't think that is in the book!'
Is Persuasion95 any good?
Bye for now.
battycys 3 years ago
It was my first experience with watching Austen. I found it slow. Probably if i watch it now after P@P it would be better. I think it worth watching. BYW C. Hinds plays captain W. in Persuasion 95 and Mr. R. in JE97.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Sorry for the late reply. Have been following the Big Bang experiment in CERN , Geneva, most of the day. The project leader is Welsh.
Persuasion is more of a tale than a drama about love found, lost and found again. It sends several powerful messages.
Persuasion was published after Jane Austen's death and I assume may lack her finishing touch. As the story spans over almost a decade, Persuasion does not make as gripping drama as Pride and Prejudice which has a time frame of less than a year.
battycys 3 years ago
I prefer C. Firth to any other Darcy. I can remember his eyes long after I've finished watching the movie. Older Bennet should be very beautiful I understand. May be her acting was correct, but in terms of looks I don't find Jane in all three version beautiful enough. Netflix has more than enough good movies. I am watching North and South with R. Armitrage right now.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Colin F does not make a Darcy P&P suggested, he was too likeable in the 1st part. He is more of a HEATHCLIFF than a Darcy. Physically, he is more of a handsome farmer than a heir. He sulked through the scenes more than showing UNBEARABLE pride. Firth is too attractive before the meeting at Pemberley, so it is difficult to imagine despite his immense wealth, not a SINGLE person in the Herts village, not even desperate spinsters liked him.
Rintoul's Mr D is totally unlikeable before Pemberley.
battycys 3 years ago
aN heir!
battycys 3 years ago
If you have time, look at Rintoul's performance. For the first part, no woman will like him even if he is the richest person in the world.
The housekeeper scene- That is one of the most crucial scenes. The first time Elizabeth Bennet hear someone (apart from Bingleys/Col Fitzwilliam) VOLUNTARIly spoke well of Mr D. the turning point when EB wondered if she's been wrong. I always look at how adaptations deal with that important change of EB's attitude.
battycys 3 years ago
For Pemberley housekeeper scene to be effective, they must have Wickham's & Darcy's pictures side by side. P&P95 have scene ended with Elizabeth B giggling at D's statute, losing the fact that she just confirmed Darcy's account of events through the housekeeper. Her master was not in, she could have just showed visitors around but because Mr D was so good that she did not miss an opportunity to praise him even to strangers.
Sabrina F is prettier than Elizabeth G (sorry), a MUST to play Jane.
battycys 3 years ago 2
North & South- I haven't read the book & will watch the adaptation after I've done that.
I can't wait for the NEW BBC ADAPTATION of one of my favorite books, Thomas Hardy's Tess Of the D'Urbervilles. THE BOOK IS A MASTERPIECE, Hardy's genius. It's a tale of social & religious hypocrisy in Victorian England & how that destroy the life of young Tess. Part I starts in UK Sunday 14th Sept. Don't miss it. KLEENEX ESSENTIAL throughout, esp final Stonehenge scene. Will devastate a forest.
Bye for now
battycys 3 years ago
I found 98 adaptation of this book on Netflix. Thank you for your P&P replies. From what I see 95 is more enjoyable (IMO) and tailored for masses but less true to the book. I have to read a book and then reread your replies. You may prefer JE 73 to JE83 like two of my friends here because it is truer to the book. I still prefer JE83.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Yes, lake scene in P&P95, definitely for the masses not true to Jane Austen. About Darcy, I truly believe that the actor have to be TOTALLY unlikeable prior Pemberley. Remember a handsome man with so much money disliked by so many must act really proud and has total disregard for others, that I think Rintoul has acted that out better than the likeable Colin Firth.
Please do not forget about Thomas Hardy's Tess Of the D'Urbervilles, a masterpiece. When they are showing the series in the States?
battycys 3 years ago
I should really read P@P. What you are saying sounds correct. I saw on Netflix two older versions of Thomas Hardy's novel. I am not sure when the newest adaptation will be shown here, but I'll keep an eye on it.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Hi Galinaqt,
JE73- obviously worth watching from your reviews
Order a copy of JE73. Should be in my post by end of week.
JE30 - Sent in a search request for JE30. Was told a copy is available from a retailer. Negotiating at the moment. :o)
Will get back to you after viewing JE73.
Thank you again for the advice.
battycys 3 years ago
Hi, I have whole JE30 on my playlist. You may like 73 even more than 83, because you are book purist. Mr. R. shoudn't be drop dead goreous. I have two very knowledgeble friends here who prefferred 73. We'll see. I just watched Mansfield park 83. It has a good plot, acting, Edmond is "hot" (imo). I watched Emma with Kate W. I found it rather boring, no big shakes.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Hi, You're kidding. Me, book purist? No, just don't like changing the original stories too much. Timothy Dalton can be Quasimodo in Notre-Dame de Paris and I would still think that is a PERFECT adaptation! Mr R being drop dead gorgeous is perfectly fine with me provide that 20 years+ age gap is believable. Zelah Clarke played a 18 years old matured in manner for her age. Think JE83 is perfect.
Seen clips of JE73, so far nothing special, hate the narration. Unnecessary, 'I sat down ...'!
battycys 3 years ago
JE73 goes overboard with the narration, but I still recommend you to watch it. It is close to the book. M. Jayston's performance is talented. JE30+ is very liberal. My daughter likes parts about Adele. Thanks for your recommendations. I make sure to watch them when time permits. I have hard time with J. Austen at first: slow, too many characters. I've learned to enjoy it.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Even though JE30 is only 67 minutes long, Adèle has a lot of screen time. I can see why your daughter likes Adèle in that version. They made her character really cute.
Hopefully, JE73 will be in this morning's post.
I am glad I am not the only one who noticed the over-narrated from the clips here on youtube, so so annoying, often stating the obvious. What's the point of having a visual adaptation with so much narration?
battycys 3 years ago
I read reviews on Amazon and Netflix. Some people complained about too much narrations of this version. I guess none of them are perfrct. M. Jayston has different interpretation of Mr. Rochester. It worth watching. I have to read Emma myself to have better judgement.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Hi, Galina
JE73 DVD was waiting for me Wednesday night.
Watched all four hours of the adaptation.
Very good as you said. Thank you for recommending this version. Narration was not too overboard, just in the library scene.
Michael J. did give an excellent performance. Not sure I want Mr R to be less refined. His acting was amazing though. Didn't like SC's Jane ( hate the cynical smiles) as much as Zelah Clarke's.
Still think TD's best Mr R.
battycys 3 years ago
Hi,
I have similiar opinion about M. Jayston's Rochester. Sorcha said at Bronteana site that her performance in JE was flat. I think she wasn't that bad. Overall, I prefer JE83, both insights and appearances. One of my friends pointed out that Cusack and Jayston resemble (appearance) Bronte and her husband. Still, it is not how I imagine them from the book. If it is not hard to get, try JE 70 and 97. They are liberal, but make sense to watch at least once.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Hi,
I also prefer JE83 and believe that adaptation is unbeatable, perfect.
Yes, I will try to find JE70 and JE97 and will report to you once I have watched them.
Did not watch the new adaptation of Tess in the end. I have never read the book without crying so not brave enough to watch a film/TV adaptation in full. Only managed to bear short clips of adaptation of Tess so far.
battycys 3 years ago
New Tess is not available in US so far. I'll try old. I am usually pretty strong. I prefer 83 version as well.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Hi Galina,
Ordered the JE with George C Scott, should be with me early next week and will report to you after viewing.
Still not brave enough to watch any Tess!
battycys 3 years ago
Hy,
You should like it. I plan to see old version of Tess which is available to us. I don't know when. Nice to hear from you.
galinaqt 3 years ago
I've read that there are also JE versions which are available only in Britain, but I don't know for sure. There are also radio version.
galinaqt 3 years ago
Hi Galina,
Good morning!
Don't have to wait till next week. The George C Scott JE arrived in this morning's post, complete with a bonus Last Days of Patton DVD, pristine and factory wrapped. Only £4 plus £1 postage! I'll view the movie this w/e and report asap.
Hinds/Morton to order next, then I'll compile a list of what's available in UK for JE and compare notes with what's available in the States.
battycys 3 years ago
Hi,
Most of the people don't watch "old" movies. I often buy new as used real cheap. I was hoping you can rent them. May be you won't like the version. I especially not sure if you would like Hinds/Morton one. People or like it or hate it.
galinaqt