Gerald Wright's Movie Coverage      

Tribeca Film Festival- April 25th-May 6th   

LADY CHATTERLEY

World Narrative Competition
2006, France, Belgium
Director: Pascale Ferran
168 minutes
A Kino International Release

Winner of five major prizes, including Best Film and Best Actress at the 2007 Cesar Awards (France equivalent of the Oscar's), this frankly sensual yet never vulgar film is based on the second of three versions of D.H. Lawrence's tale about an earthy passion that is both innocent and subversive.

This period piece takes place in France, during the World War 1 era. Sir Clifford Chatterley (Hippolyte Girardot) is a wealthy owner of a small town's mine where everyone in this community depends on him to earn a living. He lives on a grand estate covering several acres, but he can't enjoy it because he doesn't have use of his legs. His wife, the Lady Constance Chatterley (Marina Hands) is supportive in his care, but sexually repressed. On this calm and peaceful estate Constance finds herself bored and takes walks through the forestry on a daily basis. One particular place is the Hut (a secluded garden of eden), where a gamekeeper and basic handyman Oliver Parkinusually resides, is where Constance finds the peace of mind she desperately needs. After daily visits to this retreat an affair begins between Oliver and Constance. She sees him as a sexual relief and he relates to her with caution, because he's an employee. Soon she domesticates this shabby hut, by bringing flowers and such, which adds a comfortable home setting.

As the relationship escalates without the knowledge of Sir Clifford, the two fall deeply in love with one another. Of course this really can't be a true love relationship because complications will persist. But the moral of this epic movie is that, their love will withstand any amount of time and distance.

With great cinematography, fine costume designs, superb acting by this international cast this is one of the years' finest film to be showcased at the festival.

Gerald Wright is a film critic for Rotten Tomatoes.com and has also served as a film festival judge.

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