Lady Chatterley (2006)

A French adaptation of the second (and much less well-known) version of D.H. Lawrence's erotic tale.

Director:

Pascale Ferran

Writers:

Roger Bohbot, Pascale Ferran,

Stars:

Marina Hands, Jean-Louis Coulloc'h, Hippolyte Girardot

11 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marina Hands	...	Constance
Jean-Louis Coulloc'h	...	Parkin
Hippolyte Girardot	...	Sir Clifford Chatterley
Hélène Alexandridis	...	Mrs. Bolton
Hélène Fillières	...	Hilda
Bernard Verley	...	Sir Malcolm
Sava Lolov	...	Tommy Dukes
Jean-Baptiste Montagut	...	Harry Winterslow
Fanny Deleuze	...	Tante Eva
Michel Vincent	...	Marshall
Colette Philippe	...	Mrs. Marshall
Christelle Hes	...	Kate
Jade Bouchard	...	La jeune bonne
Joël Vandael	...	Field, le chauffeur
Jacques De Bock	...	Le médecin (as Jacques de Bock)

Storyline

Sir Clifford has returned from the Great War to his estate near Sheffield, paralyzed from the waist down. Lady Constance, his young wife, cares for him, but she's lifeless, enervated. Her physician prescribes the open air, and she finds a quiet retreat at the hut - the workplace - of Parkin, the estate's gamekeeper. The rhythms of nature awaken Connie - daffodils, pheasant chicks - and soon she and Parkin become lovers. She's now radiant. Parkin, too, opens up. Class distinctions and gender roles may be barriers to the affair becoming more. Connie's trip to France, with her father and sister, bring the lovers to a nuanced resolution.

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Plot Keywords:

estate | affair | class distinction | paralyzed from the waist down | gamekeeper | 

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Taglines:

Based on one of the most scandalous novels of our time

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and graphic nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [es]

Country:

Belgium France

Language:

French

Release Date:

1 November 2006 (France)

Also Known As:

Kochanek Lady Chatterley

Filming Locations:

Château de Montmery, Ambazac, Haute-Vienne, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£48,776 (UK) (24 August 2007)

Gross:

$687,414 (USA) (30 November 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Maïa Films, Saga Film (I), arte France Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

168 min 220 min (2 parts) (TV)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Every English character name is kept from the original novel apart from the game keeper who is called "Parkin" instead of "Mellors".

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Goofs

On the cabin porch, while drinking water, the two different glasses are switched from one character to the other between takes.

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Connections

Version of Lady Chatterley's Lover (1955)

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Soundtracks

"Well-tempered Clavichord, Book I, Fugue No.2, BWV.847"
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

User Reviews

Without compare

As you enter the cinema, I think there are several instructions certain viewers must first take heed of, as regards this film.

Firstly, face facts, it's French, so don't be surprised if there are hardly four lines of dialogue in the first thirty minutes. This works marvellously as an introduction into the repressed yet sensual world of the characters, but if you know you're likely to get bored without having everything immediately explained, then please save yourself the bother.

Secondly, it ain't all about the sex. If you're seeking XXXX thrills, again, don't bother.

Finally, Lady Chatterley is based upon the second (earlier) version of the book, NOT the famously explicit and more widely published rewrite Lawrence ultimately settled on. Don't be expecting the clunky politics that isn't very relevant in the 2000's, instead enjoy a tale of love and freedom, of hope that two very different people can become a reason for one another's happiness within this overbearing world we're all inevitably a part of.

As for the film itself, acting honours go to Marina Hands for an exquisite portrayal of Constance, truly from her performance every emotion can be felt without a hint of exaggeration. It's delightful stuff. Jean-Louis Coullo'ch's Parkin/gamekeeper is a good fit, for what really is the less starry role, and he handles everything, including a touching confessional scene, with an admirable strength and gentleness.

Underpinning everything is the lavish production, sound and photography to make an audience feel as part of the forest setting, a tranquillity that intimates so much of what the story is trying to say.

This is superb stuff.