Thursday, January 15, 2009

Tess of the d'Urbervilles

The controversial novel, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy, originally couldn't find a publisher because of the content surrounding its main character. Hardy advocated against censorship, and the book was later released by an American publishing company. Now a classic in its own right, this tale of betrayal and forgiveness, is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published.Tess tells the story of a poor young woman who learns that she is descended from nobility. Because of her meager circumstances, she sets off to meet her rich relations, in the hope of improving her family's dire situation. At the d'Urberville family seat, she meets a jaded and callow young man named Alec who immediately sets about to seduce and use Tess. With no one to protect her, a series of tragic events follow which will change her life forever.

Determined to make a clean start, Tess sets out in search of a place where no one knows of her troubled past. In her new life as a milkmaid, she meets and exceptional young gentleman farmer named Angel Clare. The two quickly fall in love, and are married. However, on their wedding night, Angel learns of Tess's troubled past, and is unsure how to reconcile his feelings on the situation. Beautifully filmed, with exceptional performances from Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) and Eddie Remayne (The Other Boleyn Girl), Tess is haunting, bittersweet, and completely absorbing. If you happened to miss the original Masterpiece broadcast, the film will be available for a limited time on the website: www.pbs.org. I hope you enjoy this wonderful adaptation as much as I did (and don't forget a box of Kleenex). Happy viewing!

6 comments:

Suzanne said...

Man!! You got me all excited to see this and then I look up the time to see it and it is showing at 11:00 at night, AT NIGHT!! I have no DVR and now I am mad. I did see that Wuthering Heights will be on the next couple of Sundays, ooooohhhhh that might be fun to watch. -Suzanne

TLC said...

Oh what a let down...I was al set to race to my TV to see when it comes on for me and then to find out it was already on was such the anxiety let down! WAY props to you Megan dear for terrific review writing on detailing this film!! <3

I have never heard of this before but BOY DID YOU GET ME ON MY SEAT!
As stated, I was ready to RACE toward the TV.
Does this have a good ending or is this going to leave me mad?????

Ann Marie said...

Tierra- Mad.
I havent seen it, but I heard all about it.

I LOVE the review! Love it!
I am going to see it even though it's not my happy-go-lucky chick flick. I have a harder time with some darker tales, but I will see this one! We are trying to find it!

Wasn't the office HILARIOUS and sad? Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!

~Michelle~ said...

Now that we have switched over to a digital converter box, we no longer get channel 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11, and we only have the basic channels!
I was okay with this situation since most of the shows I love are on 13 anyways, but now I'm feeling all sad and depressed that I'm missing such great shows.
Maybe I'll have to get someone to record Wuthering Heights for me, it looks interesting. I tried to watch the preview but for some reason my computer doesn't have sound, the pictures however were enough to intrigue me.

Natalie Harris said...

Girlie...did you TI VOE this? I watched on the web and got to Chapter 17 when it went off the internet waves due to viewing rights at 10pm!!!! I am feeling desperate...
I NEED to see the end...I ended when she sees d"urberville in the preaching tent....yikes!!!

Gallegos Family said...

I saw it. Loved it. It was tragic, but I couldn't stop watching it. I totally cried at the end.