MovieChat Forums > Jane Eyre (1971) Discussion > Scott's portrayal of Rochester

Scott's portrayal of Rochester

posted 18 years ago by roghache
21 replies | jump to latest

I personally find George C. Scott perfect in the role of Thornfield Hall's gruff and brooding master! Some consider Scott too old for the role or too restrained, but I don't find his age an issue (he's simply "mature"!) and his passionate nature certainly comes across, IMO. In fact, he has taken possession of this role and ruined it in my book for any other actor. I'm sure their performances are fine but when I see William Hurt or Timothy Dalton, I'm thinking they should be Scott and find them both quite unbelievable as Rochester!

How do other viewers find Scott's portrayal of Mr. Rochester?

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[–] Rosemel92 18 years ago

I thought his acting was great but I probably chosen someone different for Rochester. Probalbly because I have a picture in my head and I don't think anyone can live up to it.

[–] rosamaderafont2005 17 years ago

OMG he was amazing in this films just like many others he has performed along the way in his career. I grew up loving this film, seeing it many times. I had this sort of platonic crush on him, his strong features are just so interesting. I guess tough love works for some. Then as an adult I thought more of him, but that is information that shall be maintained as secrecy. Cheers.
ROSEWOOD

[–] carolyn_davis2 17 years ago

I think that Scott was the perfect character actor in that he could take any character and make it his own.

[–] roghache 17 years ago

Thanks for the response, Carolyn! I agree that Scott is a wonderful actor, and my only complaint is the 1984 movie version of A Christmas Carol. I do enjoy that film for the music, atmosphere, and various other reasons but find that Scott just can't help looking like he's enjoying himself a wee bit too much playing Ebenezer Scrooge!

I love Scott as Mr. Rochester and otherwise, think of him mainly as General Patton! Actually, I just bought this Jane Eyre DVD yesterday, fortunately at an inexpensive price, as its quality leaves a bit to be desired. I started this thread quite awhile ago and thought I'd "improve" my original post, having just been refreshed with the movie details.

[–] carolyn_davis2 17 years ago

Thanks, Roghache! I think that many (stage, anyway) actors like playing such a familiar character as Scrooge. In the stage plays that I've seen, that's often part of the fun, but I can understand that it would detract from your enjoyment of a filmed version.
Mr. Rochester and General Patton: quite a pair!
I'm sorry that your DVD is of less-than-good quality; that must detract from the refreshment of your memories of it.

[–] roghache 17 years ago

Oh, I don't actually mind the quality of the DVD, though might object if I'd spent a fortune on it. It doesn't really detract from my enjoyment of the movie at all. I'm not like the young whipper-snappers who are used to everything being just so! (Not wanting to insult all the wonderful young whipper-snappers out there! )

It didn't really dampen my enjoyment of A Christmas Carol either as I actually got quite a charge out of Scott enjoying himself so much as Scrooge! I've seen the more recent 1999 Patrick Stewart version as well, and suspect that all the great actors want to play Scrooge at some point during their career! Who can blame them?! I also enjoyed the Stewart version but had a difficult time seeing this actor as other than Star Trek's Captain Picard! I get quite "set" in my characters!

[–] carolyn_davis2 17 years ago

I get quite "set" in my characters!

I know what you mean: I first saw Helen Mirren in the role of 'Morgana' in Excalibur, and no matter her diverse and often brilliant portrayals since, a part of me will always think of her as that wicked temptress!

I also agree with you about some perfectionist whipper-snappers!

P.S. I saw Simon Williams in an ITV programme, playing a contemporary husband in the 1970s. I didn't recognise him at first because of the 1970s hairstyle and clothes!

Dimwit Davis

[–] roghache 17 years ago

Not a dimwit at al1, Carolyn! It might be the death of me to see Simon Williams as other than James!

[–] carolyn_davis2 17 years ago

Ah, you are faithful and true, Hazel!

[–] kambo63 17 years ago

This is the first version I ever saw of Jane Eyre. Had not read the book. So for me, when I did read the book I pictured George C. Scott. I loved the book and read it every few years. Have also watch as many versions of the book as well. Just finished the most recent BBC version and enjoyed it. I don't think this book can be done in a two hour TV movie (which is only about 1 hour and 40 minutes). It must be done as a mini series.

I also have a DVD version of this movie and the quality it not good. I've read that the original negative has been damaged, so it is hard to make a good copy of this version. So something is better then nothing.

George C. Scott is one of my all-time favorite actors. He had such a huge range. Not your classic handsome leading man type, but he still had that quality about him that was sexy. Just not in the traditional sense. My other favorite role is in The Hospital.

I think I may have to get out this DVD and watch it again this weekend.

"To love another person is to see the face of God" Jean Valjean

[–] Jo_Dwight_Fry 8 years ago

I could have written your post. I saw this movie first and ran to get the book. Scott is the only Rochester for me, and I see him when I read the book, which I've read numerous times. He IS sexy in this film. Particularly after the fire is put out and he blurts out his feelings for her that she would NEVER have imagined. I have the DVD and there are many scenes that were lost...between Rochester and Jane.
Scott is my favorite all-time actor and I fell in love with him when I was 13 and saw this movie!

Your signature is awesome. I've been to see Les Mis three times. It's my fave musical of all time.

I love Jesus, but I drink a little...

[–] rizdek 15 years ago

While I am an avid GCS fan in his other movies (Patton, ACC), I did not enjoy his portrayal of Rochester as much. To me, I liked the Stephens-Wilson version better, with the subtle sarcasm of Stephens playing off Wilson's emotional energy. Overall, I did not care for York's portrayal of JE as much as Wilson's. York was a better wife of Mr Crachet in ACC than a JE.

my god its full of stars

[–] peterquincy 15 years ago

I think he's perfect in the role, but Ms. York is too old. Jane is supposed to be a naive teenager, and although York is a good actress she's not THAT good! lol Great film, though.

"Harold . . . That was your last date!"

[–] ThatDoesntMatter 13 years ago

To me, he is the worst Rochester of all I have seen: Orson Welles, Michael Jayston, Timothy Dalton, William Hurt, Ciarán Hinds, Toby Stephens, the new one is not playing here yet, I caught glimpses of the Tzech version which I liked and the 1934 is not to be taken seriously...

This Rochester has no humour, no passion but anger, I did neither see his love for Jane nor why she should love him. They did have some chemistry in a couple of scenes, so maybe it's down to the script and director, I don't know.

I like GCS as an actor, but this did not work for me at all.

I just put this in to have an opposite opinion on here, not to offend!:-)