Times Online has debuted the first image of Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) in Jane Eyre, Cary Fukunaga’s follow-up to Sin Nombre adapted from Charlotte Bronte’s story.
Wasikowska stars as the title character who flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender). The isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. As Jane reflects upon her past and recovers her natural curiosity, she will return to Mr. Rochester – and the terrible secret that he is hiding. Jamie Bell and Dame Judi Dench also star.
Focus Features is distributing the feature and while I still have it as part of my “The Contenders” section as a potential Oscar contender, it still isn’t a guarantee it will be released this year. The film is currently five weeks into a nine-week shoot in Derbyshire. My gut tells me we won’t see it until 2011, but if it’s too good to hold back perhaps this winter for a big Oscar push.
The “Times Online” article also discusses Andrea Arnold’s adaptation Wuthering Heights, which is scheduled to start filming in Yorkshire next month making for two Bronte stories going in front of the camera in a row. That film, starring Kaya Scodelario, almost certainly won’t be ready until next year and will likely make a Sundance or Cannes Film Festival debut.
