On DVD and Blu-ray Today: Jane Eyre

Available now on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital downloads is Focus Features' (Pride & Prejudice and Atonement)' latest film adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench (Pride & Prejudice's Lady Catherine),  Sally Hawkins, (2007 Persuasion' Anne Elliot), and (Pride & Prejudice's Georgiana Darcy). 

 DVD Extras will include an audio commentary with director Cary Fukunaga,deleted scenes, and 3 featurettes ("A Look Inside Jane Eyre", "To ScoreJane Eyre - Cary Fukunaga and Dario Marianelli Team Up", "TheMysterious Light of Jane Eyre"). The Blu-ray release will also includeadditional BD-Live features.

Go get your copy today! Buy it, rent it, Netflix it, or order either the DVD or Blu-ray versions of this film at Amazon.com.

See DVD/Blu-ray cover artwork below...

 (source: Amazon.com)

Amazon.com

Charlotte Brontë's Victorian romance is no stranger to the silver screen, but Sin Nombre director Cary Fukunaga's affecting and beautifully mounted adaptation is among the best. Sometimes, casting can make all the difference. In this case, Australia's Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) plays the determined Jane Eyre opposite Ireland's Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank) as the world-weary Edward Rochester (neither actor betrays their country of origin). Fukunaga begins with Jane's escape from Rochester's High Gothic Thornfield Hall before flashing back to the days when the plainspoken orphan lived with her cruel and resentful aunt (an unsympathetic Sally Hawkins). The aunt ships her off to a loveless charity school, where she still manages to receive a fine education, after which she lands a position as governess for Rochester's ward, Adèle. Though his housekeeper (Dame Judi Dench, excellent) makes Jane feel welcome, the brooding Rochester attempts to mock and demean her, but the quick-witted 19-year-old can hold her own. What might offend a more superficial man intrigues her employer (played by a gent more handsome than the author intended). Sparks fly, but he expresses greater interest in a local beauty. Just as Jane finally pierces Rochester's armor, she discovers his terrible secret, and hits the road. She meets a kindly missionary (Jamie Bell) and his sweet sisters, who offer her the family she never had, before a sequence of well-plotted developments allow Jane to forge her own future. For once, no one can stop her, making for a swoon-worthy, if bittersweet conclusion. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

More about → On DVD and Blu-ray Today: Jane Eyre

DVD News: Jane Eyre coming to DVD and Blu-ray August 16th

According to Jane Eyre's official facebook page, Jane Eyre is coming to DVD and Blu-Ray on August 16th!

Jane Eyre Exciting news! Jane Eyre will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 16th!

Focus Features (Pride & Prejudice and Atonement)' latest film adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench (Pride & Prejudice's Lady Catherine),  Sally Hawkins, (2007 Persuasion' Anne Elliot), and (Pride & Prejudice's Georgiana Darcy).

No DVD and Blu-ray details (though the cover artwork for both are now available) yet, but will post and update here as soon as it does...For now, you can pre-order the DVD or Blu-ray versions of this film at Amazon.com.

See DVD/Blu-ray cover artwork below...

 (source: Amazon.com)

Amazon.com

Charlotte Brontë's Victorian romance is no stranger to the silver screen, but Sin Nombre director Cary Fukunaga's affecting and beautifully mounted adaptation is among the best. Sometimes, casting can make all the difference. In this case, Australia's Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) plays the determined Jane Eyre opposite Ireland's Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank) as the world-weary Edward Rochester (neither actor betrays their country of origin). Fukunaga begins with Jane's escape from Rochester's High Gothic Thornfield Hall before flashing back to the days when the plainspoken orphan lived with her cruel and resentful aunt (an unsympathetic Sally Hawkins). The aunt ships her off to a loveless charity school, where she still manages to receive a fine education, after which she lands a position as governess for Rochester's ward, Adèle. Though his housekeeper (Dame Judi Dench, excellent) makes Jane feel welcome, the brooding Rochester attempts to mock and demean her, but the quick-witted 19-year-old can hold her own. What might offend a more superficial man intrigues her employer (played by a gent more handsome than the author intended). Sparks fly, but he expresses greater interest in a local beauty. Just as Jane finally pierces Rochester's armor, she discovers his terrible secret, and hits the road. She meets a kindly missionary (Jamie Bell) and his sweet sisters, who offer her the family she never had, before a sequence of well-plotted developments allow Jane to forge her own future. For once, no one can stop her, making for a swoon-worthy, if bittersweet conclusion. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

More about → DVD News: Jane Eyre coming to DVD and Blu-ray August 16th

Then & Now: More Pride & Prejudice Actresses

The beautiful Bennet girls are not the only ones whose careers soared and have continued to be busy after their P&P film. Here are the rest of the best Pride & Prejudice supporting cast who are all wonderful, versatile, and amazingly talented group of actresses (from a few season veterans to breakout newcomers) and what they're up to now... 

 
Pride & Prejudice Cast
Where are they now?

Brenda Blethyn (Mrs. Bennet)
Best known for role(s): Mrs. Bennet (Pride & Prejudice, which she was nominated for a BAFTA film award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role), Cynthia Rose Purley (Secrets & Lies, which she was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role), Mari Hoff (Little Voice, which she was, again, nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role)     
Last seen in: London River -as Elizabeth, The Calling - as Sister Ignatious,  Dead Man Running - as Mother  
Will be seen next in: Vera (TV series) (completed) (2011) as DCI Vera Stanhope   

Judi Dench (Lady Catherine de Bourgh)
Best known for role(s): M (James Bond Movies), Lady Catherine de Bourg (Pride & Prejudice), Queen Elizabeth (Shakespeare in Love, which she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress with interestingly, an only a cameo appearance!),  Jean / Jean Pargetter ( As Time Goes By (TV series) ), and many, many more...
Last seen in: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (a cameo as Society Lady), Jane Eyre as Mrs. Fairfax with P&P co-star .
Just Completed: Stainless Steel (completed) as Ms Begley with, once again, P&P/Jane Eyre co-star  
Upcoming Films: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (post-production) with P&P co-star Penelope Wilton,  My Week with Marilyn (post-production) as Dame Sybil Thorndike,  J. Edgar (post-production) as Anne Marie Hoover, as Bond 23 (pre-production) as M,  The Curse of The Buxom Strumpet (pre-production) as Mrs. Halfpint, Better Living Through Chemistry (pre-production)
   
Penelope Wilton (Mrs. Gardiner)
Best known for role(s): Isobel Crawley (Downton Abbey (TV series) ), Mrs. Gardiner (Pride & Prejudice), Ruth (Calendar Girls)
Last seen in: South Riding (TV mini-series) as Mrs. Beddows, Downton Abbey (TV series) as  Isobel Crawley
Currently filming: Season 2 of  Downton Abbey (TV series) as  Isobel Crawley  
Upcoming film(s): The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (post-production) with P&P/Iris co-star Judi Dench,  Hotel Caledonia (announced) as Linda Tickle (rumored)

Kelly Reilly (Caroline Bingley)
Best known for role(s): Caroline Bingley (Pride & Prejudice, which she won an Empire Award for a Best Newcomer), DC Anna Travis (Above Suspicion movie and TV series), Mary Morstan (Sherlock Holmes movies) 
Last seen in: Above Suspicion: Deadly Intent (TV series)
Currently filming: Season 4 of her Above Suspicion TV series titled: Silent Scream. 
Upcoming film(s):  Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (post-production) reprises her role as Mary Morstan with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law in theaters December 16, 2011, Edwin Boyd (post-production) as Doreen Boyd  

Claudie Blakley (Charlotte Lucas) 
Best known role(s): Emma Timmins (Lark Rise to Candleford (TV series) ),  Charlotte Lucas (Pride & Prejudice),  Mabel Nesbitt (Gosford Park)
Last seen in: Lark Rise to Candleford (TV series) Emma Timmins, The Nativity (TV mini-series) as Anna
Currently seen in: The Cherry Orchard  (stage play). The play started its previews May 10th, with an official opening May 17th and runs through July. See Photos: Claudie Blakley in Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard'
Upcoming TV/film(s): The Night Watch (TV movie) (2011) as Nancy

Tamzin Merchant (Georgiana Darcy)
Best known role(s): Georgiana Darcy (Pride & Prejudice), Catherine Howard (The Tudors (TV series)),  Mary Rivers (Jane Eyre) 
Last seen recently in: Syfy's original movie Red Faction: Origins (TV movie) as Lyra
Currently seen:  Jane Eyre as Mary Rivers with P&P co-star Judi Dench.
Upcoming film(s):  Stainless Steel (completed) as Tammy Watts with Jane Eyre co-stars Judi Dench, Mia Wasikowska, and Jamie Bell.       

More about → Then & Now: More Pride & Prejudice Actresses

On TV Tonight: Watch 'Red Faction: Origins' starring Tamzin Merchant

Switching gears and taking a break from PBS' Masterpiece to SyFy channel...

The new SyFy original movie Red Faction: Origins starring Robert Patrick, Kate Vernon, Brian J. Smith, and Tamzin Merchant (aka Georgiana Darcy in P&P movie) premieres tonight (June 4th), on SyFy channel at 9 PM ET and repeats at 1 AM (June 5th). See tonight's Syfy schedule here!



RED FACTION: ORIGINS
Twenty-five years have passed since Alec Mason (Robert Patrick) led the Martian Colonies to freedom …and 12 years since vengeful enemies killed his wife, kidnapped his daughter Lyra (Tamzin Merchant), and left a broken hero in their wake.

Jake Mason (Brian J. Smith), Alec’s last surviving son and an officer in the Red Faction Militia, has his world turned inside out when he discovers that now, 12 years after her kidnapping, his sister is still alive.  As a powerful new enemy swarms across the planet, Jake goes out to find her, only to learn that his lost sister is one of them…a cold-blooded soldier sworn to destroy the Red Faction.

Jake must now battle the relentless regime and somehow reunite a family torn apart by war.

 

Watch the preview trailer for Red Faction: Origins

 

Check out two stills of Tamzin below via Comic Book Movie and see more Red Faction: Origins images here!

Red Faction: Origins production stills

 featuring Tamzin Merchant as Lyra Mason

(source: Comic Book Movie | Syfy)

Previous Related Posts

• Watch the trailer and sneak peeks of Syfy's 'Red Faction: Origins' starring Tamzin Merchant 
• Tamzin Merchant stars in Syfy's 'Red Faction: Origins' and premieres June 4th

More about → On TV Tonight: Watch 'Red Faction: Origins' starring Tamzin Merchant

Watch the trailer and sneak peeks of Syfy's 'Red Faction: Origins' starring Tamzin Merchant

As previously posted here, the new SyFy original movie Red Faction: Origins starring Robert Patrick, Kate Vernon, Brian J. Smith, and Tamzin Merchant (aka Georgiana Darcy in P&P movie) will premiere on Saturday, June 4th, on SyFy channel at 9 PM ET.

The trailer and sneak peeks has already been showing on SyFy TV's channel and website. Check out the trailer screen caps and sneak peek caps as well as the video trailer and sneak peek clips featuring our girl Tamzin Merchant. She took a break from her usual period TV and film roles (ie. Pride & Prejudice, The Tudors, and Jane Eyre to name a few) to co-star in this action, sci-fi movie for SyFy channel. So, looking forward to seeing her in something different on this one!

Red Faction: Origins (via Syfy):
In the year 2125, Alec Mason led the Martian Colonies to freedom in the hit action game Red Faction: Guerrilla. Now, Syfy and THQ are teaming up to continue the saga of conflict on Mars 25 years later in an all-new Original Movie, Red Faction: Origins. Stargate Universe's Brian J. Smith stars as Jake Mason, son of revolutionary hero Alec Mason (Terminator 2's Robert Patrick) and a Red Faction ranger. Fighting to preserve Martian freedom, Jake encounters a powerful new enemy in a dangerous and mysterious group led by the charismatic Adam Hale (Torchwood's Gareth David-Lloyd) and holding secrets that will rock the Mason clan. Jake must now battle the relentless regime and somehow reunite a family torn apart by war.

Red Faction: Origins also stars Battlestar Galactica's Kate Vernon and The Tudors' Tamzin Merchant, and will feature music from Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica).

Red Faction: Origins trailer screen caps
featuring Tamzin Merchant

Watch the trailer for Red Faction: Origins

(source: SyFy)

Red Faction: Origins Sneak Peek screen caps
Make it Easy clip - featuring Tamzin Merchant

Watch the Sneak Peeks below
Make This Easy

  A Solitary Moment
     

and TV spot promo - A New Chapter
 

(source: SyFy)

View all Red Faction: Origins trailer and sneak peeks here!

More about → Watch the trailer and sneak peeks of Syfy's 'Red Faction: Origins' starring Tamzin Merchant

Tamzin Merchant stars in Syfy's 'Red Faction: Origins' and premieres June 4th

, best known to us P&P movie fans as Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Darcy's little sister in the 2005 film, Pride & Prejudice is currently seen as Mary Rivers in a new adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, where she co-starred alongside Mia Wasikowska (in the title role), Michael Fassbender, Sally Hawkins, Jamie Bell, and Judi Dench (Georgiana Darcy's aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh...though interesting, they didn't have any scenes together in P&P movie) and will be seen next on cable TV here in the U.S. this early summer in a new TV movie (Her former P&P co-star Keira Knightley will be seen as Tinker Bell in Neverland on Syfy later this year)...

According to recent press release via TV By The Numbers, Tamzin Merchant is co-starring in a new Syfy TV's live-action movie...

Syfy Movie 'Red Faction: Origins' To Premiere Saturday, June 4
SYFY AND THQ ORIGINAL MOVIE RED FACTION: ORIGINS TO PREMIERE ON SYFY SATURDAY, JUNE 4, AT 9PM (ET/PT)

ALL-STAR CAST LED BY BRIAN J. SMITH (Stargate Universe), ROBERT PATRICK (TERMINATOR 2) AND KATE VERNON (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA)

RED FACTION ARMAGEDDON VIDEO GAME SET TO BE RELEASED MAY 31

New York, NY, and Agoura Hills, CA – April 15, 2011 – Part of a first-of-its-kind transmedia deal, the THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Syfy Original Movie Red Faction^®: Origins^TM, based on the highly successful Red Faction® video game franchise, will premiere on Syfy Saturday, June 4, at 9PM (ET/PT), less than a week after the Red Faction^® Armageddon™ video game is released.

Red Faction: Origins follows the children of rebel hero Alec Mason, set during a period between the Red Faction^® Guerrilla™ and Red Faction Armageddon video games.

Directed by Peabody-Award winner Michael Nankin (Caprica, Battlestar Galactica, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Red Faction: Origins stars Brian J. Smith (Stargate Universe), Robert Patrick (Terminator 2: Judgment Day), Kate Vernon (Battlestar Galactica), Danielle Nicolet (The Starter Wife), Gareth David-Lloyd (Torchwood), Tamzin Merchant (The Tudors) and Devon Graye (Dexter)


RED FACTION: ORIGINS
Twenty-five years have passed since Alec Mason (Robert Patrick) led the Martian Colonies to freedom …and 12 years since vengeful enemies killed his wife, kidnapped his daughter Lyra (Tamzin Merchant), and left a broken hero in their wake.

Jake Mason (Brian J. Smith), Alec’s last surviving son and an officer in the Red Faction Militia, has his world turned inside out when he discovers that now, 12 years after her kidnapping, his sister is still alive.  As a powerful new enemy swarms across the planet, Jake goes out to find her, only to learn that his lost sister is one of them…a cold-blooded soldier sworn to destroy the Red Faction.

Jake must now battle the relentless regime and somehow reunite a family torn apart by war.

Kate Vernon portrays The Matriarch, leader of the tribal Marauders sect.
Red Faction: Origins is produced by Universal Cable Productions (UCP) and UFO Films (Lake Placid 2 & 3).

The Red Faction: Origins screenplay was written by notable writer and producer Andrew Kreisberg (Warehouse 13, Fringe, Eli Stone), based on a story developed by THQ Director, Fiction Development Paul DeMeo (The Rocketeer, The Flash, Viper) and THQ Executive Vice President, Core Games, Danny Bilson (The Sentinel, Human Target, The Flash). Kreisberg also serves as executive producer. Read full press release here!

Check out two stills of Tamzin below via Comic Book Movie and see more Red Faction: Origins images here!

Red Faction: Origins production stills

 featuring Tamzin Merchant as Lyra Mason

(source: Comic Book Movie | Syfy)

Speaking of Tamzin Merchant and Jane Eyre...her Jane Eyre co-stars Mia Wasikowska, Judi Dench, and Jamie Bell reunited and co-starred with her again in another new crime drama/mystery film written by Judd Apatow titled Stainless Steel...

Stainless Steel Storyline (via IMDB):
Former underground out-law, John Steel is hired from the CIA to bring down 4 members of a silent corrupt group within the FBI.

Tamzin Merchant as Tammy Watts
Judi Dench as Ms Begley
Mia Wasikowska as Scarlet
Jamie Bell as Paul Rufus

It is listed as completed on IMDB with a 2012 release.

More about → Tamzin Merchant stars in Syfy's 'Red Faction: Origins' and premieres June 4th

In Theaters Today: Jane Eyre

Now showing in two select cities (New York and Los Angeles) today is Focus Features (Pride & Prejudice and Atonement)' new film adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench (Pride & Prejudice's Lady Catherine),  Sally Hawkins, (2007 Persuasion' Anne Elliot), and (Pride & Prejudice's Georgiana Darcy).

Jane Eyre (directed by Cary Fukunaga), while it's showing in two select cities (and four theaters count) today, worry not, it'll eventually expand to more theaters starting next Friday. Find Theatres listing for Jane Eyre here! For JE fans who want to see this new JE film sooner (and not later), you can plan a group screening of the film at a theatre near you! For more information, Call 1-855-4JANEEYRE

Read a Jane Eyre: Film Review - The Hollywood Reporter, The Playlist'sReview: ‘Jane Eyre’ A Hauntingly Effective Gothic Drama, and JE review from Entertainment Weekly. See photos of "Jane Eyre" New York Premiere - Inside Arrivals as well as "Jane Eyre" New York Premiere - After Party


Synopsis

Based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, the romantic drama stars Mia Wasikowska (“Alice in Wonderland”) and Michael Fassbender (“Inglourious Basterds”) in the lead roles. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. 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…

Watch the trailer for Jane Eyre below...

(source: Yahoo! Movies)

Jane Eyre screen caps featuring Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax

and Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Reed...

Also, check out Jane Eyre stills here! 

Larger Jane Eyre stills of Tamzin Merchant (Mary Rivers) and Sally Hawkins (Mrs. Reed)... 

'Jane Eyre' Stills

 (source: Photo by Laurie Sparham/Focus Features | Yahoo! Movies)

More Jane Eyre video links (or visit Focus Feature's Jane Eyre website for more videos and clips) below...

• Jane Eyre: Featurette
• Watch the featurette featuring Judi Dench for Jane Eyre, a Focus Features release. 
• Clip: Just the Housekeeper
  Watch a clip featuring Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfox from Jane Eyre, a Focus Features release 
• Clip: Is This How You Perceive Me
  Watch a clip featuring Tamzin Merchant as Mary Rivers from Jane Eyre, a Focus Features release.
• To Score Jane Eyre: Cary Fukunaga and Dario Marianelli Team Up
  Director Cary Fukunaga recounts working with Academy-Awarding winner composer Dario Marianelli (Atonement and Pride & Prejudice) to unlock the musical soul of the Jane Eyre. 

Jane Eyre's original soundtrack is now available in various music stores as well as through iTunes and Amazon.com!

More about → In Theaters Today: Jane Eyre

Two of five new 'Jane Eyre' Clips featuring Judi Dench and Tamzin Merchant

Focus Features (Pride & Prejudice and Atonement)' upcoming new film adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench (Pride & Prejudice's Lady Catherine), Sally Hawkins (2007 Persuasion' Anne Elliot), and (Pride & Prejudice's Georgiana Darcy) will be in select theaters March 11th, just a month from today.

Focus Features has released 5 new clips from the new JE film with one of them featuring Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax and the other with Tamzin Merchant, who plays Mary Rivers.

Check out and watch them below!

Watch Clip #5 - Just The Housekeeper
featuring Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax

(source: Focus Features)

 Clip #2 - Is This How You Perceive Me?
featuring Tamzin Merchant as Mary Rivers 

(source: She Knows | Focus Features)

If you missed the trailer for Jane Eyre, watch it here!

Charleybrown's
Enchanted Serenity has more info on Jane Eyre here!
Also, at Enchanted Serenity, you can watch Video: 2 NEW FILM CLIPS  and Video: 2 MORE FILM CLIPS  

Plus...
Jane Eyre Soundtrack music by Dario Marianelli 
to be released March 8th! 

DARIO MARIANELLI - JANE EYRE (2011) (CD)
 

 Scoremagacine reports that the soundtrack for Jane Eyre 2011 music by Academy Award Winner composer Dario Marianelli (He received Best Original Score nominations for Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, in which he won Best Original Score twice for Atonement at thet 80th Academy Awards [See a photo of him and his acceptance speech here] and Golden Globe Awards. He has collaborated with director Joe Wright 3 times for his 3 films from Focus Features: P&P, Atonement, and The Soloist) featuring violinist Jack Liebeck can be already pre-ordered on Amazon and will be released on March 8. See Jane Eyre tracklisting here!  

More about → Two of five new 'Jane Eyre' Clips featuring Judi Dench and Tamzin Merchant

Jane Eyre stills and character images featuring Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, and Tamzin Merchant

Focus Features (Pride & Prejudice and Atonement)' upcoming new film adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench (Pride & Prejudice's Lady Catherine), Sally Hawkins (2007 Persuasion' Anne Elliot), and  (Pride & Prejudice's Georgiana Darcy) will be in select theaters March 11th.

As the theatrical release for Jane Eyre (directed by Cary Fukunaga) approaches just two months away, Focus Features' site for the film now has more info, in depth articles, synopsis, trailer, and new stills of the JE. Check out Jane Eyre stills here! Updated 1/26/10 Scroll down for larger Jane Eyre stills of Tamzin Merchant (Mary Rivers) and Sally Hawkins (Mrs. Reed)...

One of those stills features Dame Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax.

Another one...

 

Also, check out...
People in Film Dame Judi Dench
Get the inside line on the Oscar-winning British actress who plays Mrs. Fairfax in Focus Features’ adaptation of Jane Eyre. Read More »

Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax

Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Reed

In Depth A Classic Novel, A Passionate Adaptation: The Production of Jane Eyre
Production notes from the movie Jane Eyre, a Focus Features release.
Read More » 


And a first look (and a nice cast biography) of ...

Tamzin Merchant as Mary Rivers

Tamzin Merchant | Mary Rivers

As a teenager, Tamzin Merchant realized a dream; her great admiration for author Jane Austen spurred her to phone the casting director of the pending movie version of Pride and Prejudice to ask to audition for a part in the film. After meetings, she was indeed offered a role – Georgiana Darcy – even though she had no previous acting experience. The then-novice threw herself into the work, even learning to play the piano selections that her character would be playing on-screen in the Focus Features release directed by Joe Wright. She played the part, acting opposite Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, and Judi Dench of Jane Eyre.


Since that debut performance, she has continued to cultivate an acting career while also completing her university studies. She has made more films, including Andrew Silver’s A Touch of Love (a.k.a. Radio Cape Cod); and Marc Forby’s Princess Ka’iulani (a.k.a. Barbarian Princess), opposite Q’orianka Kilcher.

Ms. Merchant is best known for her portrayal of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard, in the hit series The Tudors. Her telefilm credits include Sheree Folkson’s My Family & Other Animals, with Imelda Staunton; Bryn Higgins’ Casualty 1906; and Syd Macartney’s [The] Good Housekeeping [Guide], with Alan Davies. (Source: Jane Eyre | Focus Features Film)

Updated 1/26/10
Larger Jane Eyre stills of Tamzin Merchant (Mary Rivers) and Sally Hawkins (Mrs. Reed)... 

'Jane Eyre' Stills

 (source: Photo by Laurie Sparham/Focus Features | Yahoo! Movies)

Related links:

• Rope of Silicon Ties Knot with Jane Eyre and Hanna 
• THE PLAYLIST lists Jane Eyre as “most anticipated” 2011 film

More about → Jane Eyre stills and character images featuring Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, and Tamzin Merchant