My Latest Obsession

Hello Readers!
So, if you know me really well, you probably know that I love classic literature. *Love it* And every once in a while I get a bit obsessive about one old book or another. Well, I'm definitely that way right now! I'm on a major Jane Eyre kick. How many of you have read Jane Eyre? I think I actually saw a movie version before I read the book, but I definitely went back to the source! I absolutely love this story. I have to admit, its almost like the origins of modern day soap operas, but what can I say? I love the twists and turns, the drama and romance, the surprises, and -definitely- love the characters. It's all about a young girl, Jane Eyre, who is orphaned at an early age. She goes to live with her aunt and uncle Reed of Gateshead, but her uncle, who is her mother's brother, dies when Jane is very young. Her Aunt Reed is then left to raise her, but the lady isn't fond of her husband's niece at all. She has three children of her own, whom she spoils ridiculously, all while blaming every wrong doing on Jane and starving her of any affection. When Mrs. Reed finally decides she is done raising someone else's child, she sends her off to Lowood school for girls, run by the proud and cruel Mr. Brocklehearst. There Jane makes two new friends, Helen Burns, another student, and Ms. Temple, a teacher. Here's where I have to get sketchy so I don't ruin the plot! After finishing her education there and spending two years as a teacher, Jane leaves Lowood at the age of 18. She goes to Thornfield Hall, the home of Mr. Rochester, where she is employed as a governess to his young Ward, Adele Varons. Mr. Rochester is demanding, sarcastic, and condescending to Jane, but she sees something in him that others don't. Likewise, Mr. Rochester falls in love with Jane for her good heart and strong sense of right and wrong, as well as her true sincerity and genuine nature. After months of beating around the bush, including Mr. Rochester leading the county to believe he will marry another for the sake of making Jane jealous enough to admit her feelings, Mr Rochester proposes to his governess, a move that is found shocking to everyone but them. But on the day of their wedding.......
Well, you're just going to have to read the book!
One incredible thing about Charlotte Bronte's masterpiece, Jane Eyre, is the amount of film versions it has inspired. There have been 22 versions released since 1910. 22 versions of the same story! I have only seen three (Currently watching my fourth) but I love how each movie shows a different aspect of this complicated story. I can't say for sure which version is the best, (or even my favorite!) But I have two tied for first at present. The very first version I watched is really great, the 1983 BBC miniseries with
Timothy Dalton

and Zelah Clarke.

One thing I love about this version is it shows just how annoying Mr. Rochester can be! He isn't a perfect character by any means. He's sarcastic, he's bossy, and he tends to treat Jane like a child. But somehow, you love him in spite of all that! And Timothy Dalton definitely makes you love the character. I also thought Zelah Clarke did a good job of showing how principled Jane is, that she makes the decisions she does for solid reasons, not just social conventions. My other fave is the 2006 version with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson. For one thing, Toby Stephens
as Mr. Rochester is AMAZING. I absolutely love how he portrays the character! You get all the emotion and passion that Charlotte Bronte seemed to intend, and it's so obviously he truly loves Jane with all his heart. He gets some of the sarcasm, but I do think that's one way Timothy Dalton has him bested. But no Mr. Rochester will melt your heart like Toby Stephens. Ruth Wilson
has plenty to bring to the table too, again bringing out the passion of the character (A theme highlighted in this film) and proving that Jane doesn't have to be wooden to do the right thing. Fortunately for anyone who loves this story as much as I do, both of these films are available in their entirety on Youtube, as long as you don't mind watching them in parts.(If you watch it in a playlist its not too bad at all) Here is the first part of the '83 version:

And here's part one of the '06 version:

Also, coming out in.... March I believe is the newest (22nd) version of this beloved classic. It features Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland,  Defiance) and Michael Fassbender (300, Centurion) I hope it ends up being good! Here's the official trailer:
                     
If you have other favorite versions, or if you love the book (or if you hate it!) I'd love to hear about it so please leave a comment!
Till next time.....
 The Princess