Tess

Synopsis: Restoration of Roman Polanski’s acclaimed 1979 adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. This is the first time that TESS has been available in High Definition. Nastassja Kinski plays the eponymous role: a strong-willed working class girl who discovers that she has title connections by way of her old aristocratic surname and who is raped by her wealthy cousin, whose right to the family title may not be as strong as he claims. Filmed in Brittany, this multi-award-winning epic was the most expensive French film of its time, and features a career-defining performance by the 17-year-old Kinski. Extras include TESS: FROM NOVEL TO SCREEN (Laurent Bouzereau, 2004), Polanski on the adaptation of Hardy’s classic novel, with contributions from Hardy scholars and cast and crew; FILMING TESS (Laurent Bouzereau, 2004): cast and crew discuss the technical challenges they faced; TESS: THE EXPERIENCE (Laurent Bouzereau, 2004): those who worked on Tess discuss their experiences; COSTUME DESIGNS (2013): Anthony Powell’s award-winning designs; the original theatrical trailer and a fully illustrated booklet with essays and credits
Language: English
Country: France
Year of release: 2013
Notes: Dual format Blu-Ray DVD edition
Subjects: English language and literature
Keywords: feature films; Hardy, Thomas; Literary adaptation

Director

Roman Polanski

Cinematographer

Geoffrey Unsworth; Ghislain Cloquet

Composer

Philippe Sarde

Cast

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British Universities Film & Video Council