Title: Read the book, then see the movie
Product review: I must admit my eyebrows went up when I saw the pairing for Franco Zeffirelli's "Jane Eyre". William Hurt certainly didn't seem a likely Rochester and Charlotte Gainsbourg was an unknown quality. But the pairing works, at least in this version.Zeffirelli emphasizes the dark aspect of Charlotte Bronte's story, an aspect too often neglected. Hurt is obviously a man living with painful thoughts and Gainsbourg has a quiet, strong presence. Zeffirelli might have used more voice-overs; they would have clued the audience in on what the characters were going through. As is is, unless one is familiar with the book, you may have to guess. Another flaw is the "rushed" ending; surely the director could have added a few more minutes to tie up all the loose ends and let the viewer enjoy the conclusion.Bottom line on this version is that you'll appreciate its virtues all the more if you've read the book. And why no soundtrack??
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