michaeljaystonfan

[michaeljaystonfan]

Really loving all the Austen men polls. But I think we are in dire need of a battle of the Rochesters. And then the Darcy winner vs the Rochester winner. And then any Darcy vs any Rochester. And then just book Darcy vs book Rochester.

That'll ensure at least weeks of anxiety fun.

Special edition: wet shirt Darcy vs wet shirt Rochester!!!

[michaeljaystonfan]

Michael Jayston as Ross Brassington in Flesh & Blood 1980.

[michaeljaystonfan]

Same, Ross Brassington, same.

Source: Ep 3, Flesh & Blood

[michaeljaystonfan]

Anyone who have watched "Jane Eyre" 1973 version will hear this image.

[michaeljaystonfan]

The way she* is always on my mind.

*Jane Eyre (1973)

[michaeljaystonfan]

Really loving all the Austen men polls. But I think we are in dire need of a battle of the Rochesters. And then the Darcy winner vs the Rochester winner. And then any Darcy vs any Rochester. And then just book Darcy vs book Rochester.

That'll ensure at least weeks of anxiety fun.

Special edition: wet shirt Darcy vs wet shirt Rochester!!!

[michaeljaystonfan]

I have now seen three out of five episodes. I went into this knowing people thought Jane rather strange in this and that she smiled a lot, but like some posts I've seen about this, I do think it has an actual foundation. Sure, some of Rochester's comments about her being austere and smiling little come off strange, but I also like seeing how amused by and interested in Rochester she is and her genuine enjoyment of his company. I find almost all other adaptations a bit lacking in that regard. It feels like an essential element to their dynamic, which is why I think in this version they probably have the most chemistry after 2006! Michael Jayston as Rochester is fantastic! I don't necessarily like him better than my other favourite Rochesters (1983 and 2006), but I do like him very much, and there's a je ne sais quoi he brings to the role. Other casting is rather good too. I like that Mrs Fairfax is a bit less bright than other portrayals and emphasises why Jane and Rochester long for other company. Loved seeing her confusion at their exchanges. That's not usually included. Blanche Ingram is usually completely unlikable but I think here (though also in 1997) you also see a bit what makes her appealing. Yeah, I'm really enjoying it so far! It's rather faithful and an engaging watch. And though it's inaccurate, I really enjoyed that Jane immediately recognised it was Rochester dressed up as the fortune teller.

I rate 1973 very high because of its treatment of the childhood part of the book, yes, but also specially because of the Jane/Rochester dynamic. It makes or breaks an adaptation of Jane Eyre for me. It doesn't even have to be exactly the way it is in the novel, but I need to get a sense that they are on the same wavelength, and that that is a strange wavelength. And 1973 passes this test with flying colors.

Michael Jayston's Rochester is special to me, because it embraces so much the ridiculousness of the character, his theatrics, his impishness. I feel adaptations often feel the need to make him macho and dominant, and that's not what I get from the novel as his character. Toby Stephens has something of this, but not the level of commitment to the bit Jayston's has.

And yes to what you say about Mrs Fairfax and Blanche Ingram.

I'm so glad you are enjoying it :3

[michaeljaystonfan]

Sorcha Cusack as Jane Eyre and Michael Jayston as Edward Rochester in "Jane Eyre"

[michaeljaystonfan]

Rest in peace Michael Jayston

[michaeljaystonfan]

Team Smiley + Guillam 5EVA

[michaeljaystonfan]

current sexual orientation: quietly sassy Peter Guillam

[michaeljaystonfan]

tfw The Circus is tumblr and Connie is you

[michaeljaystonfan]

Currently listening to the audiobook of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Michael Jayston clearly had fun doing Connie Sachs' voice. "Oh Geooooorge!!!" 😂

[michaeljaystonfan]

Guillam + listening to Smiley 

[michaeljaystonfan]

One of the fantastic reasons to watch 1973 version is to hear Mr. Rochester sing at the party. Michael Jayston, the actor of said character performed it by himself. It's also good to see his subtle looks to Jane as he sings, as if he dedicated his song to her.

[michaeljaystonfan]

Sorcha Cusack (Jane) and Michael Jayston (Mr. Rochester) from "Jane Eyre" 1973 version.

[michaeljaystonfan]

TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY (1979)