Watch Lady Chatterley
- R
- 2006
- 2 hr 48 min
-
6.7 (4,813)
Lady Chatterley is a 2006 French drama film directed by Pascale Ferran, and based on the novel Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence. The film follows the story of Constance Chatterley (Marina Hands), a young woman who marries Sir Clifford Chatterley (Hippolyte Girardot), a wealthy and successful businessman. Sir Clifford is paralyzed from the waist down following an accident during World War I, and Constance finds herself lonely and sexually unfulfilled in their loveless marriage.
When Sir Clifford goes away to tend to his business affairs, Constance begins to explore her sexuality and forms a passionate relationship with the estate gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors (Jean-Louis Coulloc'h). Oliver is a rough and rugged man with a troubled past, and their relationship defies both social class and convention.
The film depicts the struggles that Constance and Oliver face in navigating their societal differences, as well as the moral and ethical implications of their affair. Constance must decide whether to follow her desire for passion and fulfillment, or adhere to the expectations of her social status and loyalty to her husband.
The performances of the three leads anchor the film, with Marina Hands delivering a nuanced and complex portrayal of Constance as a woman torn between her duty and her desires. Jean-Louis Coulloc'h brings a raw sensuality to the role of Oliver, and Hippolyte Girardot imbues Sir Clifford with an understated dignity that makes his character sympathetic despite his flaws.
The film also employs stunning cinematography to capture the natural beauty of the English countryside in which the story unfolds. The lush greenery and idyllic landscapes serve as a visual metaphor for the freedom and beauty that Constance finds in her relationship with Oliver, a stark contrast to the artificial confines of her aristocratic lifestyle.
Overall, Lady Chatterley is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations. Ferran's direction is subtle and evocative, allowing the characters and their emotions to take center stage. The film is a faithful adaptation of Lawrence's novel, and a worthy addition to the many cinematic versions of this classic story.