MovieChat Forums > Jane Eyre (1996) Discussion > Which actor is the best Rochestor?

Which actor is the best Rochestor?

posted 19 years ago by doherty-elle
58 replies | jump to latest

I have been obsessed with this story for god knows how long, I'm halfway through the book - Finally have it as it was bought as a present :0)I own the '96 version and intend to see the others. Who would you say is the best Rochestor: Timothy Dalton, Orson Welles or William Hurt?

Yes I know in the book Rochestor is supposed to be dark-haired and a little cruel to Jane but I thought Hurt played his part really well
'Meet the new boss...Same as the old Boss'

[–] marsha-aiello 19 years ago

Don't forget George C. Scott in the 1971 version!

[–] jekyllhj7 19 years ago

IMO, the best Rochester I have seen was in the Broadway stage version. It was a short lived musical. (beautiful music) It's problem was that it came out about the same time as The Producers so it didn't stand a chance. James Barbour played Rochester. Wonderfully smoldering looks, beautiful baritone voice. <<<sigh>>>>>

He is listed on IMDB with a photo, so....

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] amiNotAwake 19 years ago

Timothy Dalton without a doubt.

[–] JFP56md 19 years ago

James Barbour who played him in the musical is my second favorite after orson welles

[–] palinure 19 years ago

Michael Jayston!!! The 1973 adaptation is the best and to me Jayston BECOMES Mr. Rochester. He has every nuance down. James Barbour is my second favourite though.

-*-*-*-
The gross vapours of earth were gathering around me, and closing in upon my inward heaven.

[–] littlekaren 19 years ago

There *is* something about that beautiful story that is hard to forget.
Although the William Hurt version of Jane Eyre is what's mostly shown on TV, and he is quite good...my vote goes to Ciaran Hinds who is a bit more ferocious. Both, hugely talented actors...as are their predecessors.

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] darcycharm 18 years ago

Timothy Dalton. He has set the standard, in my book.

So great is his certainty that mere facts cannot shake it.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] Shesgotthelook 18 years ago

I was impressed by each of the actors and actresses performances. Bravo

[–] sanna_o75 18 years ago

What about Samantha Morton and Ciaran Hinds??? You didn't mention them

"She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock.
She was Lola in slacks. She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on
the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita. Light of my life,
fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lolita..."

[–] sndform 18 years ago

I have always felt George C. Scott played the part to perfection.He is not really ugly or handsome, he was gruff but yet tender. He was able to portray a very commandng demeaner without being too overbearing.

As someone else mentioned, Alan Rickman would be great in the part.

[–] kat63 18 years ago

Without a doubt Michael Jayston in the 1973 adaptation. I think a lot of the people who have commented have never seen this adaptation, but after watching it nothing else comes close. Michael Jayston portrayed the character perfectly. He is an outstanding actor and his voice is amazing. Dalton is an excellent actor but once you've read the book he just doesn't seem right in the part. Also too handsome. For anyone who hasn't seen it, buy the 1973 version when it comes out on DVD in June.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] doherty-elle 18 years ago

Joy! This thread is still alive!!!!

'Meet the new boss...Same as the old Boss'

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] mechanicalsockmonkey 18 years ago

Hands down William Hurt. He is absolutely perfect in the role.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] basford 18 years ago

I'm sorry for contradicting anyone else's opinions, but Orson Welles IS Rochester! Timothy Dalton was ok, but no more than ok. And I was dissapointed with Hurst's portrayal. He was far too tired and didn't seem interested throughout a lot of the time. But the bit where he revealed Bertha to everyone did impress me. But the charcater of Rochester didn't come across to me at all with Hurt (although Hurt did do an almost flawless english accent). Orson Welles seemed to have been born for the part of Rochester, after I saw him in the 1944 film I really grew to like the story even more!

I'm England, that's all - Laurence Olivier

[–] kenzie2 18 years ago

Yes, liked Orson Welles, probably my second favourite Rochester. Really disliked Tim Dalton, just not right for the part. But my favourite has to be Michael Jayston, he IS Rochester. What a performance, stunning!

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] tomassina-1 18 years ago

Have just watched Michael Jayston as Rochester and he is AMAZING. Where has this adaptation been hiding all these years?