August 17, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 19 New film adaptation of Bronte classic stays true to novel by Dennis Seuling “Jane Eyre” (Universal Home Entertainment) is the latest adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s Gothic romantic tale. Raised by her aunt (Sally Hawkins) after her parents die of typhus, young Jane Eyre (Amelia Clarkson) is later sent to a stark, depressing boarding school as a result of her perceived insolence, and suffers at the hands of the icy, inhumanely strict administration. When she turns 18 and completes her education, the Jane (Mia Wasikowska) finds work as governess for Adie Varens (Romy Settbon Moore), the ward of Edward Fairfax Rochester (Michael Fassbender), master of Thornfield Hall. This beautiful-looking film manages to be true to the novel within the confines of a two-hour running time. It’s fascinating to see Wasikowska transform from an introspective mouse to a woman in full bloom. Fassbender’s Rochester is a combination of curt lord-of-the-manor aloofness and hidden vulnerability. His scenes with Wasikowska bristle as their fireside conversation takes on the style of a sparring match, yet underlying it all is a percolating passion. The movie begins with the adult Jane running madly on the moors in a raging downpour. Viewers don’t know why she is fleeing or from whom. She is taken in by a clergyman (Jamie Bell) and nursed back to health by his sisters. Only later do viewers discover why she risked the elements in flight. This is an excellent example of a nonhorror film with a highly atmospheric of the Vietnam War and social unrest are broadcast over the radio, David Holzman (L.M. Kit Carson) spews forth seriocomic monologues to his 16-millimeter camera. When his relationship with Penny (Eileen Dietz) tanks, he retreats further into moving images, secretly recording his attractive neighbor and even turning his lens to the TV shows he watches. No longer able to deal with life beyond celluloid, David begins to erode all of his ties to the real world. A forerunner of such mockumentaries as “Best in Show” and “Waiting for Guffman,” “David Holzman’s Diary” meticulously sets up scenes meant to look authentic, mirroring the then-emerging cinéma vérité movement. Director Jim McBride challenges the viewer to piece together a portrait of David from bits of dialogue, seemingly unrelated scenes, and his own monologues. This kind of filmmaking isn’t for everyone, especially for those who demand straightforward narrative, but filmmakers and movie fans who enjoy quirky individuality will embrace this movie’s style. Extras include three additional films by McBride. “Breaking Glass” (Olive Films) captures the 1980’s London punk scene in a gritty New Wave musical, a rags-to-riches tale of talented and rebellious young singer-songwriter Kate (Hazel O’Connor), leader of the rock group Breaking Glass. Kate’s socialist ideals contrast with her pragmatic rock manager, Danny (Phil Daniels), a streetwise hustler who discovers her and develops her into a star. The film focuses on the struggles for artistic recognition and an individual whose talent and mental health are endangered by the music business and its power structure. The core plot is familiar: A talented unknown rises from obscurity to stardom. This plot has been seen it in “Singin’ in the Rain,” “A Star Is Born,” and ‘80s break dance movies. What distinguishes “Breaking Glass” is an extraordinary portrayal by O’Connor, a riveting performer in the style of Janis Joplin. Available in Blu-ray and DVD, “Breaking Glass” contains no (continued on Crossword page) Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska star in the new adaptation of ‘Jane Eyre.’ setting. Cinematographer Adriano Goldman has envisioned Thornwood Hall as a residence that would be right at home in a 1930’s Universal fright flick. The foreboding mood contributes tremendously to the success of this “Jane Eyre.” Blu-ray bonus features include deleted scenes, commentary with director Cary Fukunaga, and featurettes on the film’s scoring and lighting design. “Jane Eyre” is also available on DVD. “David Holzman’s Diary” (Kino International) is often referred to as a puzzle movie because it confounds traditional expectations. It created a good deal of controversy when released in 1967. As news