Tess Of The D'Urbervilles [2008]

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Customer reviews

review by: gavlyon123 date: 2008-12-27 rating:
What were we to expect?
What were we to expect and what was actually delivered? It is the dichotomy between the two that left me feeling underwhelmed by this BBC adaptation. The BBC at the moment have gone into period/costume drama overdrive and seem to be churning the things out relentlessly, and it is for this reason that I believe that their adaptation of 'Tess' fell so short of the mark. That having been said, I have yet to see a production of a Hardy piece that matches the depths of melancholy and despair of many of his novels. So perhaps this work while not being particularly good is not as bad as some of the others.

Gemma Arterton performed extremely well, at least as well as the script allowed. Angel, sweet angelic Angel, was overly wimpish and no real chemistry between himself and Tess existed. As for Alec he was not villainous enough. OK, the things he did were bad and he was morally wrong, yet he was not portrayed as evil which in the text is abundantly clear with the symbolism of the fall of Eve and the temptation by the serpent. What i was pleased with was the fact that Arterton was not visually 'raped' by lecherous and pervy camera work, a thing that has been essayed about because of Polanski's adaptation. But, allegedly, from Polanski could we have expected anything less?

My particular quibble was the poor scripting. Events were slightly changed (for instance Tess wore no red bow in her hair at the dance at the begining (the symbolism of red and white are vital in the novel), and the burying of her dead child at midnight, Alex sleepwalking, to name but a few). The whole thing seemed dumbed down, on whos behalf, the audience or the poor script writers, i am not entirely sure. Everything seemed to be telegraphed. They had to make it abundantly and irrevocably clear that Tess was raped. Every other sentence between herself and Alec were 'i don't want to', 'this is against my will', or 'why do you force me?'. The ambiguity to the rape scene, which was well done in the series, arises from the ommission of any physical description of it in the text. Yet it is evident that she is forced against her will, we do not need to be repititiously banged over the head with it. Let us decide for ourselves. Whis is what you should do after reading this and other reviews. Its not great but its as good as its going to get for a production of Hardy. I have read the text numerous times, watched the film and series, included it as part of my undergrad dissertation and recieved a distinction for an essay on it for my Masters. So, trust me I know what I'm talking about.

If you want a sure thing get 'Cranford' its fantastic.

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review by: date: 2008-11-20 rating:
Poor Thomas Hardy
I thought this new BBC dvd was quite good - until near the end when Tess
and Angel are hiding in the empty mansion and we are suddenly confronted
with and orgy of nudity and sex. I think the BBC have lost the plot.
Thomas Hardy's text certainly does not call for such an exhibition.
I think the older versions available have more integrity and artistic
merit.

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review by: p_a_green date: 2008-11-13 rating:
Cold and Despairing!
I was extremely disappointed with this BBC adaptation of the Hardy classic. It was unrelentingly grim and despairing and I found the characterisation of Angel Clare very unconvincing.

For a truly special portrayal of Tess of the D'urbervilles you should look no further than the 1998 television production starring Justine Waddell in the title role. It brings the 'Wessex' countryside of the 19th century to life in a way I have never seen before and it is a truly moving experience.

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review by: date: 2008-11-04 rating:
Outstanding, Emotional & Beautiful!
I read this book when I was a teenager and found Hardy's style of writing hard going; but it painted a vivid picture of the extremes of the rich and the poor, the depths of emotional despair and the cruel twist of fate. At each crossroad Tess seems to take the wrong path and we are left to ask "what if?".
Having watched and loved the Polanski film, I was expecting alot of the BBC. I wasn't disappointed. Atherton's beauty and touching portrayal of Tess took my breath away. If you don't connect with Tess from the beginning, it is harder to sympathise with her every time she takes a wrong turn, and Atherton captured me from the first scene.
Everything about this adaptation is beautiful ... the cinematography, the casting and the acting.
I was worried from the outset that I wouldnt cry at the end, that somehow this wonderful portrayal would let me down at the crucial climax. Instead I was left sobbing like a baby for about half an hour after the credits rolled and I knew I'd watched something truly special.


review by: Huma Altaf date: 2008-10-20 rating:
Awsome..Breathtaking
I stumbled across this programme while searching for another programme on BBc iPlayer and then I just couldn't wait to watch it all off. It was just awesome. A must have for your collection.

PS
Please know that this review is about the drama itself and has nothing to do with the quality of the DVD on sale here.

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Similar categories

Video . DVD & VHS . Categories . Drama . Period
Video . DVD & VHS . Categories . Television . All Television
Video . DVD & VHS . Categories . Television . Drama
Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . Format (binding_browse-bin) . DVD
Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . BBFC Rating (intended_use_browse-bin) . 15
Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . Editions (feature_two_browse-bin) . Standard Edition
Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . Region(feature_browse-bin) . Region 2
Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . Release Date (feature_three_browse-bin) . 2000 and later

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