There are numerous elements that make the 2011 film adaptation of
Jane Eyre a top-notch version of Charlotte Bronte’s haunting classic. Cary Fukunaga’s bright direction along with Mia Wasikowska’s (Alice in Wonderland) and Michael Fassbender’s (
Inglorious Basterds) excellent character portrayals illustrate sheer talent. However, the legendary coupling of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester is not the only duo who radiates in this film. It is no surprise that behind this chilling yet romantic backdrop is an elaborate score composed by none other than Academy Award winning Dario Marianelli featuring revered violinist Jack Liebeck. Stringed instruments take center stage amidst this gothic narrative, detailing Jane’s highs and woes throughout her wanderings. Consequently, the virtuosic score exemplifies the intricacy of stringed instruments, as their melodies bend to the moods of each character and suffuse an atmospheric color to scenes with the strike of a bow.
Four key pieces illustrate the way in which such musical treasures imbue the cinematic experience.Marianelli infuses an ominous tone in Jane Eyre similar to previous adaptations; however, what marks this work as outstanding is the composer’s innovative approach to portending anguish. 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 musical tension throughout the work, deeming both facets of the composition as gripping musical elements. The composer also incorporates a broken repetition throughout musical phrases thereby connoting a looming, instability in the film. Restless voices and a hesitant harp pizzicato that cunningly transforms into a piano riff are other notable ghostly characteristics in “A Restless Night.”
In a continued haunting sense, Jane Eyre’s bone chilling scenes are heightened in “An Insuperable Impediment.” Liebeck’s extraordinary play with timbre on the violin 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 thus, 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 thereby signifying their ultimate union and enchanting passion, which will quite simply make your heart flutter. “A Game of Badminton” is another tender piece in Jane Eyre. The piece is particularly refreshing due to its departure from the strings’ heightened tensions. The minute long piece takes on the simple aspects of the film suchas the blades of grass that sway in the spring wind on the moors. Short pieces such as “A Game of Badminton” serve as tiny gems that instill a sense of peace into the film when needed, for no one can doubt that one might need a miniature repose from this emotional albeit enjoyable rollercoaster.
Dario Marianelli and Jack Liebeck produce a luminary contribution towards 2011’s film scores in Jane Eyre. Although many other composers appear to have their own stellar compositions in the works for this year, Marianelli continues to raise the musical bar. The musicians pay great homage to the Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece in their musical efforts while steering clear from creating another cliché classic. Consequently, the innovative composition is not fettered by standards but is unconfined, allowing the film to soar cloud-high.
(9.5/10)
- Megan Acheampong
Tracks: 11 Yes! 14 An Insuperable Impediment
