Roman Polanski’s historical romance, Tess, inspired by Thomas Hardy’s 1891 novel, “Tess of the D’Urbervilles,” and imbued with a contemporary viewpoint, excelled in its cinematography and production values.
Grade: B
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Original theatrical release film poster
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Polanski wrote the screenplay in French with his usual collaborator Gérard Brach, then it was translated and expanded by John Brownjohn.
However, fans of the book claimed that the film’s screenplay deviated from the spirit of the book, that role of Alec d’Urberville was too much toned down, and that German actress Nastassia Kinski (daughter of legendary actor Klaus) was miscast in the lead.
The males, including Leigh Lawson as Tess’ rich cousin, and particularly Peter Firth, as Angel Clare, Tess’s husband, acquitted themselves more honorably.
The film was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture and Director, and won three: Cinematography (Geoffrey Unsworth and Ghislain Cloquet), Art Direction-Set Decoration (Pierre Guffroy and Jack Stephens), and Costume Design (Anthony Powell).
Credits:
Directed by Roman Polanski
Screenplay by Gerard Brach, John Brownjohn, Polanski, based on “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” 1891 novel by Thomas Hardy
Produced by Claude Berri
Cinematography Ghislain Cloquet
Geoffrey Unsworth
Edited by Alastair McIntyre, Tom Priestley
Music by Philippe Sarde
Release dates: October 31, 1979 (France); April 9, 1981 (UK)
Running time: 172 minutes
Budget $12 million
Box office $20.1 million
