Jane Eyre 1996

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Jane Eyre ★★★ 1996 (PG)

Zeffirelli creates an eloquent yet spare interpretation of Charlotte Bronte's 1847 master piece, about a meek governess and her mysterious employer, in its fourth film in carnation. Everything about it, from the lighting to the score, is muted and somber. Still a beautiful film, it seems to lack a certain passion that earlier versions (especially the 1944 classic) brought to the screen. Strong performances all around, including Oscar-winner Paquin and French star Gainsbourg as the younger and older Jane, and Hurt as the tormented Rochester. 116m/C VHS, DVD . William Hurt, Anna Paquin, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Joan Plowright, Elle Macpherson, Geraldine Chaplin, Fiona Shaw, John Wood, Amanda Root, Maria Schneid er, Josephine Serre, Billie Whitelaw; D: Franco Zeffirelli; W: Franco Zeffirelli, Hugh Whitemore; C: David Watkin; M: Alessio Vlad, Claudio Capponi.