Wide Sargasso Sea 2006

     This film is a prequel to Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and an adaptation of a 1966 novel by Jean Rhys.  Edward Rochester is in Jamaica of the 1830’s focused on making his fortune.  Since he is the second son and not the eldest, he cannot count on an inheritance from his family.  He is introduced to Antoinette Cosway, they begin to see each other and Edward is offered a substantial dowry to marry Antoinette.  He begins to hear stories about madness in the family and this turns him against Antoinette.  Their relationship starts a downward spiral fueled by his fears that she is mad. 

     This is the second film adapted from the Rhys novel, the first one was made in 1993.  Antoinette later is renamed Bertha by Edward and she is the madwoman of Thornfield Hall.  This film makes you wonder if Antoinette would not be mad except for being driven mad by her husband?  We’ve always thought he is the one deserving pity?  Was he first driven mad by doubt, suspicion and jealousy fueled by gossip and rumor?  3 ½* (I liked this movie)

84 min, Drama directed by Brendan Maher with Rafe Spall, Rebecca Hall, Nina Sosanya, Victoria Hamilton, Fraser Ayres, Lorraine Burroughs, Alex Robertson, Karen Meagher.

 

Note:  Imdb 6.0 out of 10, 46% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.