This film is praised very highly, and while it is breathtaking to look at (it benefits from being the only surviving cinematic adaptation, the two earlier silent versions being lost, and the two later productions were made for television), it's not the best representation of the Thomas Hardy novel. Director Roman Polanski, along with Gerard Brach and John Brownjohn made some curious omissions and changes that lessen the impact of the story. Nastassja Kinski is of course, beautiful but her performance is surprisingly passive and lacking passion in several scenes. She's so soft-spoken that it can be hard to hear her dialogue - when she actually does speak. Her accent comes and goes, but for the most part, she did an admirable job in that department. Peter Firth also seems a bit de-energized and the chemistry between him and Kinski is lacking, and there weren't enough scenes to establish their growing romantic attachment, which hurts the story to a degree. Of the lead actors, only Leigh Lawson seemed to be energetic and in the grasp of his character. The supporting cast was good.
The photography, recreation of the period, and the music are fantastic and the film deservedly won three Oscars for Cinematography, Art Direction, and Costume Design. The French countryside works very well but is missing the Dorset "stamp" which has been showcased in other productions based on Hardy's work.
It may be hard for some to separate Polanksi's off-screen conduct from the film's subject matter, but if you can look past that and you have the patience to watch a film that runs at least three hours, you will probably find it rewarding. If you are looking for an adaptation closer to the novel, check out the 1998 A&E miniseries. The 2008 BBC production is very good in its own right but not as faithful as the former.
The memorable score by Phillipe Sarde will stay with you after the film is over.
The photography, recreation of the period, and the music are fantastic and the film deservedly won three Oscars for Cinematography, Art Direction, and Costume Design. The French countryside works very well but is missing the Dorset "stamp" which has been showcased in other productions based on Hardy's work.
It may be hard for some to separate Polanksi's off-screen conduct from the film's subject matter, but if you can look past that and you have the patience to watch a film that runs at least three hours, you will probably find it rewarding. If you are looking for an adaptation closer to the novel, check out the 1998 A&E miniseries. The 2008 BBC production is very good in its own right but not as faithful as the former.
The memorable score by Phillipe Sarde will stay with you after the film is over.