Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska in Jane Eyre
There’s always a smidgin of excitment when attending a movie screening, but it was exceptionally so, a couple of days ago when I attended the screening for Jane Eyre, adapted from the Charlotte Brontë novel about a unassuming governess who falls for her wealthy employer.
What made this screening notable were the VIP attendants, actress Mia Wasikowska, who played the title character and Cary Fukunaga, the young upcoming director (this is only his second film after Sin Nombre).
Director Cary Fukunaga filming Jane Eyre
After the film concluded, the two were seated in director’s chairs before a packed audience and answered questions about the film. Wasikowska explained how 35-hour per week ballet training when she was young, prepared her for working as an actress physically and mentally; adding that it made her disciplined. She also admitted to extensive research, viewing period images, and re-reading the novel as part of her preparation for her role in the film.
During the screening, I learned that there have been more than three dozen versions of “Jane Eyre” adapted for film and television. Although Fukunaga admitted to the 1943 version starring Orson Wells and Joan Fontaine as his favorite movie as a child, he avoided watching other versions because he didn’t want pressure regarding what to include in his film.
Mia Wasikowska in Jane Eyre on location in Northern England
There were also a couple of fun facts unveiled during the Q&A inlcuding costuming, which was somewhat grueling for Wasikowska who wore waist-cynching corsets that she described as painful and said she could only breathe half breaths as a result. Fukunaga revealed that the film was shot mostly in Northern England in Derbyshire at Haddon Hall, an estate that has been used in several other films including “The Princess Bride” (1986), “Elizabeth” (1998), and “Pride & Prejudice” (2005).
I also had an exclusive opportunity to interview Fukunaga one-on-one. Stay tuned for that interview on Chic Spy TV later this month!
A Sneak Peak From Jane Eyre
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/20632723[/vimeo]
(Images and video footage courtesy of Focus Features)Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
