It is always so difficult to adapt great literature into the movie. Sometimes the literature is chopped, distorted, and modified horribly, missing out the important epiphany or failing to connect each episode smoothly. At least, 'Jane Eyre' does not make this kind of mistake. It captures most of the important developments of the story and stays faithful to the original. The problem is the lack of emotions of character and of the storyline. I'm sure Wasikowska worked hard to portray untroubled and reserved Jane Eyre wiser than her age. However, within the continuity of calmness, the character Jane Eyre should be allowed to display some subtle emotions. After all, Mr. Rochester loves Eyre's smile in the book. The plot development is so plain and flat without any dynamics, opposite of the literature as well.
I also want to mention the lack of chemistry between Eyre and Rochester and abrupt ending. If Jane Eyre had a little bitty more cheerfulness and emotions, it would have been better chemistry. AND the ending is very unkind, wrapping up the whole thing without giving time to process (which was supposed to be) moving moment of reunion. (Again, the lack of emotion is a problem)
I also want to mention the lack of chemistry between Eyre and Rochester and abrupt ending. If Jane Eyre had a little bitty more cheerfulness and emotions, it would have been better chemistry. AND the ending is very unkind, wrapping up the whole thing without giving time to process (which was supposed to be) moving moment of reunion. (Again, the lack of emotion is a problem)