Focus Features is starting the last big push for Cary Fukunaga‘s upcoming film as new photos and two first look video clips have been unveiled of his revisioning of Charlotte Brontë‘s “Jane Eyre” starring break out stars Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender.
The two thesps play the titular Eyre and Mr. Rochester in the story which sees a young governess fall for her employer in 19th century England. This particularl adaptation was noted to be playing up the novels’ dark, gothic sensibilities, but we’re admittedly worried by scribe Moira Buffini after watching Stephen Frears‘ farcical “Tamara Drewe.” Put simply, we’re basing a lot of our anticipation for this on Fukunaga’s involvement, who will be reuniting with cinematographer Adriano Goldman from his compelling debut “Sin Nombre.”
There’s a fairly strong supporting cast here including Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, Imogen Poots, Holliday Grainger and Tamzin Merchant which definitely bodes well for Fukunaga’s sophomore effort, with Bell playing St. John Rivers, Eyre’s clergyman cousin; Dench as Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper of Thornfield Manor who disapproves of Eyre’s engagement with Rochester; Hawkins as Eyre’s aunt Mrs. Reed who adopts her but abuses and neglects her; while Poots and Grainger will play Diana and Mary Rivers, sisters to St. John. A full synopsis of Fukunaga’s adaptation further details the story.
Based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, the romantic drama stars Mia Wasikowska (“Alice in Wonderland”) and Michael Fassbender (“Inglourious Basterds”) in the lead roles. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. The isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. As Jane reflects upon her past and recovers her natural curiosity, she will return to Mr. Rochester – and the terrible secret that he is hiding…
“Jane Eyre” hits theaters on March 11th for the BBC Films, Focus Features and Ruby Films collaboration. [Moviefone/SheKnows/UpAndComers]