Numerous elements make the 2011 film adaptation of Jane Eyre a top-notch version of Charlotte Brontë’s haunting classic. Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) and Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds) illustrate sheer talent under Cary Fukunaga’s bright direction. The legendary coupling of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester isn’t the only duo that radiates on screen. Behind a chilling yet romantic backdrop is an elaborate score composed by none other than Academy Award winning composer Dario Marianelli with striking contributions by violinist Jack Liebeck. Stringed instruments take center stage amidst this gothic narrative, detailing Jane’s highs and woes throughout her wanderings. The melodies bend to the moods of each character and suffuse an atmospheric color to scenes with the strike of a bow.

Marianelli infuses an ominous tone in Jane Eyre similar to previous adaptations. The composer’s innovative approach to portending anguish sets this score a part from earlier Eyre music. In “A Restless Night,” Marianelli honors silence in the film, treating it not as a void, empty space to fill but a blank canvas with creative possibilities. The chilling rests accentuate the tension throughout the work, deeming both facets of the composition as gripping musical elements. A broken repetition throughout musical phrases connotes a looming, instability in the film. Restless voices and a hesitant harp pizzicato that cunningly transforms into a piano riff additionally imbue “A Restless Night” with a ghostly quality.

In a continued haunting sense Jane Eyre’s bone chilling scenes are heightened in “An Insuperable Impediment.” Liebeck’s play with violin timbre takes an imaginative form as the rattling, succession of notes slither their way into the foreground of the piece. The musician commences the dark melody with a low, hunched, unforgiving tone played in a legato style. The track progresses toward an eventual chaos sparked by a crescendo of high-pitched violins, whose sharp melodies overlap one another to unleash a prolific dread in Thornfield Hall. The catastrophic plot turn and its musical partner gel to uncover woeful secrets and exemplify the existing harmony between plot and score.

Ghostly reputation aside, most people are enamored with Jane Eyre because of its moving love story. Currently the most purchased piece on the album, “Yes!”, boldly details the iconic declaration of love between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. The piece is honest and ethereal as the soft plucking of the harp intertwines with Liebeck’s transfixing violin arpeggios. I daresay this is the star of the score, as there is never a moment in which the composition detaches from the narrative; the newly betrothed couple melds to this piece and signifies an ultimate union and enchanting passion that will make your heart flutter.

“A Game of Badminton” proves particularly refreshing, as the piece departs from a trend of stringed instruments. The minute long piece takes on the simple aspects of the film such as the blades of grass that sway in the spring wind on the moors. Short pieces similar to “A Game of Badminton” serve as tiny gems that instill a sense of peace with tender piano melodies throughout the film. No one can doubt that one might need a short repose from this emotional albeit enjoyable rollercoaster.

Dario Marianelli and Jack Liebeck produce a luminary score in Jane Eyre and have raised the bar for 2011. The musicians pay great homage to Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece in their musical efforts while steering clear from creating another cliché classic. The composition isn’t fettered by standards but is unconfined, allowing the film to soar cloud-high.

By Megan Acheampong

Tracks: 11 Yes! 14 An Insuperable Impediment