Jane Eyre (Movie hits theaters tomorrow!)

Okay, so not everyone is a huge fan of the classics. I'm certain that my husband would rather watch paint dry than read Jane Eyre or even see the film version.  I, however, just happened to read this novel for the first time over the summer and was impressed.  While the Bronte sisters are known for being a bit bleak and morose in their writing, this novel actually leaves the reader feeling satisfied because justice is served and good is rewarded.

For those of you unfamiliar with the story, Jane becomes an orphan at a young age and is raised by her aunt who resents her and treats her with cruelty and disdain.  She is eventually sent to a school where her circumstances are not much better.  She meets characters who represent both goodness and greed and manages through it all to keep her composure and focus on her studies.  She eventually becomes a teacher, then answers an ad to be a governess.  This position brings her into the more gothic, mysterious world of Mr. Rochester, who is the guardian of the young French girl Jane is to instruct.  Well, I can't give away the story, but it is full of life and death, love and loss, mystery and thrills.

What struck me the most was the intelligence and strength of Jane's character, which was unusual for the time period during which this was written. Jane is described as plain but her intelligence and determination make her shine. Jane Eyre is truly a heroine ahead of her time, which is such a credit to Charlotte Bronte.  It is obvious through the characterization and the writing that Charlotte, too, was far ahead of her time.

The movie is to be released TOMORROW in theaters throughout the country, so literature lovers, have a girls night out and enjoy!  (Guys, you may like it, too.  Give it a chance.  You never know until you try!)

Some details about the film:

1.  While it is based on Charlotte Bronte's novel, the screenplay was written by British-born Moira Buffini.
2.  The director is Cary Fukunaga, whose previous work has been cinematography and the direction of short films. (Here's hoping this full feature is a great success for him!)
3.  The actress playing Jane is Mia Wasikowska.  She was in Alice in Wonderland, The Kids are All Right, and Defiance.


The following is a trailer for the film.  It looks exciting to me!  (Of course, my very favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice, so I am all about British period pieces.)

The Help (Movie to be Released in August 2011!)

Skeeter speaks with Aibileen

As I recently reviewed the book The Help (see January archives), I felt it was my duty to inform fans that a movie is being made, based on the book.  I have mixed feelings about books made into movies.  On one hand, as a teacher, I think the use of mixed media helps struggling readers to really put the story together.  On the other hand, movies rarely meet my expectations – especially of well-written books.  My vision of the characters is usually so different as to be distracting.  However, there have been exceptions.  One that comes to mind is The Color Purple – both an excellent book and film. 

Here are some factors that the movie has going for it:

1)     The screenwriter/director, Tate Taylor, is a childhood friend of Kathryn Stockett, the author, and I’m sure will work closely with her in order to uphold the integrity of the book.

2)     The studio producing the film is DreamWorks, not some unheard of company – but one created by one of the greatest directors of all time, Stephen Spielberg.

3)     There is some major talent in the cast.  However, a high profile cast does not a great movie make.  It is the combination of actors, screenplay, cinematography, and direction. 

The movie is set to be released in August of 2011.

 

Here is a list of some actresses and the characters they will portray:

Emma Stone as Eugenia (Skeeter) Phelan

Allison Janney as Charlotte Phelan 

Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark

Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook (I have reservations about this casting decision. Hilly is supposed to be quite porky, but this is Hollywood and chubby actresses don't get jobs, I guess.)

Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson (In the picture, Octavia is on the left and Viola, right)

Sissy Spacek as Missus Walters (I just know that Sissy will nail this role!)

Cicely Tyson as Constantine Jefferson

Jessica Chastain as Celia Foote (I could not find a picture where she portrayed Celia - Marilyn Monroe on steroids. I'm hoping they make her blonde and do the original character justice.)

For more pictures from the movie and to follow along in its production, check out its facebook site:

www.facebook.com/thehelpcommunity

And please, if you haven't read the book already, DO SO!  It is EXCELLENT!!!