Character Portrayal:
* Jane's Character: The movie portrays Jane as more passive and less independent than in the book. While the book shows her as assertive and principled, the film focuses more on her suffering and dependence on Rochester.
* Mr. Rochester: The film highlights Rochester's brooding and romantic side, downplaying his possessive and manipulative tendencies present in the book.
Plot Changes:
* The Timeframe: The movie condenses the story, making the timeframe more compact than the book's extensive timeline.
* The Romance: The film speeds up the development of Jane and Rochester's relationship, omitting some of the nuances and complexities of their interactions.
* The Love Triangle: The movie downplays the love triangle between Jane, Rochester, and Blanche Ingram.
* The Ending: The film has a more upbeat and romantic ending than the book.
Key Omissions:
* Jane's Childhood: The film significantly cuts back on Jane's early years at Gateshead and Lowood Institution, reducing their impact on her character development.
* The Social Commentary: The film focuses more on the romantic story and less on the social issues of class and gender that are prominent in the book.
* Minor Characters: The movie omits or shortens the roles of many minor characters, such as Bessie, Miss Temple, and Mr. Brocklehurst.
Visual Emphasis:
* Romantic Atmosphere: The film relies heavily on romantic visual elements, such as scenic landscapes and intimate close-ups, to enhance the emotional impact of the story.
* Gothic Elements: The movie emphasizes the gothic elements of the story, such as Thornfield Hall's dark and mysterious atmosphere.
Overall:
The 1996 "Jane Eyre" film offers a visually appealing and emotionally engaging version of the story. However, it sacrifices some of the novel's depth and complexity for a more streamlined and romantic narrative. It's a decent adaptation, but it doesn't fully capture the richness and nuanced characters of the book.