Do you think that Rochester was struggling in this scene? Maybe I have watched too many oversexed movies, but when I watched this scene, Rochester didn't want to let go of Jane's hand and he hesitated - as if he wanted to ask her....something.
What do you think?
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken
I thought it was that Rochester was ever so slightly pulling Jane in the direction of the bed! (not just holding on to her hand, but pulling)
If you have the DVD, take another look and see what you think.
Or you can watch it on Youtube here actually.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMhX1qvOQSo
Yes! I was NOT imagining that struggle! I saw that "pulling" too. One minute he's gentle and thanking her...then he's pulling her...then jolted out of the moment by the word "cold".
The Bronte stories do not outright contain scenes of a sexual nature however the tension is right in your face (from Rochester...poor Jane seems not to know what's happening to her). I remember feeling that tension and struggle when I read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. I've always been amazed by the "wordliness" of the Brontes considering how small their world really was!
I have to say that the actress portraying Jane was the perfect choice. She has to keep that "plain" face while TD is emoting all over the place. I know I couldn't stop myself from reacting. I would have been fired because there would be so many takes!
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken
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I don't think TD is overacting. He is portraying Rochester accurately IMO. However what strikes me as the viewer of the series Jane Eyre is how much he talks and expresesses his emotions! It's like he switched places with Jane - if you think in stereotypes - she should be the more verbally expressive character while Rochester should be the distant silent type. That's what I meant by emoting (which is defined as: to give expression to emotion especially in or as if in acting).
How many men are portrayed as a "Rochester" in American movies, television, novels, etc.?
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken
Dalton is pretty much playing Rochester as written (well, except for the "ugly" part, which he can't help). It is an unusual role for a male actor, which is possibly why it is reportedly one of Dalton's favorites. Men usually aren't called upon to engage in such emotional gymnastics in a role. Rochester is not a role for a lazy actor. I always thought Dalton as an actor tries to put more shadings into everything he does -- even the cartoony villains, oddly enough -- but here he is allowed free rein to do that and he doesn't have to sneak it in.
I don't see where having so much of Bronte's words is disadvantageous - does Shakespeare have too many words in his roles?
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what I liked about the scene was that Dalton's Rochester probably wasn't even aware that he was pulling her. (Nor why he felt angry when she didn't acquiesce!)
Another scene that is debated in his performance is the farewell scene where he goes quite theatrical, but I liked how he pushed it. I saw him as more humanly petulant than nobly tortured. He just seemed so poignantly immature, like the very young man he was when he got sucked into marrying the first Mrs. Rochester. I enjoyed the whole stripping-away process of all of his worldly weariness, to get to that moment.
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I agree elea1 - Rochester is a man who relishes in his strength over people. It's obvious in the small world of Thorncroft. Not really much of a challenge but Rochester sounds like a man who's been spinning out of control for a long time (I like the description of ER as immature - so dead on!). He speaks his mind while Jane waits until all is right (i.e. safe) before saying anything.
I read an article on TD's portrayal of Rochester. A critic called his Rochester a "demented bull" and added "You could see how Rochester's first wife ended up a loony in the attic."
Read the whole article here:
http://www.geocities.com/nagna_gella/Interview1984/Interview1984.htm
(the accompanying photo is beautiful)
I thank you all for continuing this discussion. I love classic literature and have no real outlets to talk about what I read.
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken
Ooops - I meant Thornfield! Thornecroft is an equine program for people with disabilities (I'm a special ed teacher so you can see where my brain is tonight!).
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken
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Do you think that Rochester was struggling in this scene? Maybe I have watched too many oversexed moviesThis scene is so awesome. I didn't get a sexual vibe from it; I think the modern audience sees it through an oversexed filter. The place was on fire just a few minutes earlier, and they both agreed that even he wouldn't be spending the night in that room, so why would they be hinting (or whatever) about sex and/or the bed? The conditions were deliberately un-sexy.
but i do find it quite sexual,
just not "biological."
regards,
Love your translation!
Remember, Rochester loved Jane from the first time he met her, when he fell off his horse.
Jane started to love him at this time. Maybe he was picking up her vibes?
www.freerice.com