There have been MANY movie/TV versions of Jane Eyre over the years– i have now seen 5– 3 TV mini series and 2 movies. Of course the movies cannot pack in as much in as a mini series but the 2011 version did a pretty good job. The costumes and scenery were top notch, the acting was very good and Michael Fassbender is one of the best looking Mr. Rochesters so far!
As the story goes, Jane is an orphan who is living with her cruel aunt. she ends up being sent away to a boarding school where the cruelty continues. Once Jane is done school she sets off on her own becoming the governess and teacher of Adele– the ward of one Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester– one of literature’s most intriguing leading men.
Altho Fassbender cuts a fine Rochester figure i have to say that when i read the book i pictured Ciaran Hinds the whole time– he seems to match the book description best– from chapter 17:
“Most true is it that ‘beauty is in the eye of the gazer.’ My master’s colorless, olive face, square, massive brow, broad and jetty eyebrows, deep eyes, strong features, firm, grim mouth, all energy, decision and will, were not beautiful according to rule; but they were more than beautiful to me: they were full of an interest, an influence that quite mastered me, that took my feelings from my own power and fettered them in his.”
Who is your favourite Mr. Rochester?
1971 – George C. Scott 
1983 – Timothy Dalton 
1996 – William Hurt 
1997 – Ciaran Hinds 
2006 – Toby Stephens 
(i have not seen this version but the photos look quite good!!!)
2011 – Michael Fassbender – 
literary hoarders 
Going strictly on looks here, because I’ve only seen the ’97 version, I pick Toby.
That was my choice too Steph!
Toby Stephens, followed by Michael Fassbender.
Ciaran Hinds, para mí, el mejor.
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Toby Stephens, his features are most accurate to the book (after him I’d say fassbender). The other actors are just ugly. Toby stephens is handsome, just he has strong features that were not considered attractive at the time. He played the part wonderfully and he is just like I imagined as I read the book.
Timothy Dalton – no question about it. He is the one and only Rochester for me!
Timothy Dalton for me
Toby Stephens. You MUST watch.
I really should look into it!! 🙂
Dalton of course. Toby looks the part, but his portrayal was clingy instead of selfish and a little too romantic.
Timothy Dalton, Timothy Dalton, Timothy Dalton…sans doute.
I can’t decide whether it is Toby Stephens or Timothy Dalton. I love them both as Rochester.
Timothy Dalton is my favorite followed by Cirian with Toby bringing up the rear.
absolutely Toby Stephens.
Without a doubt Timothy Dalton is the best Rochester ever.
Timothy Dalton
Toby Stephens was and always will be the best Rochester.
My favorite Mr. Rochester is Toby Stephens!
Toby. He just took Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester out of the book and gave him to me. He’s Jane’s (and mine) Sir, Mr. Rochester and Edward. You see, there are differences between the three. Toby’s the only one who got that right.
Tim all the way!!!!!
Toby Stephens, absolutely