The Tenant of Wildfell Hall | 
 enlarge | Director: Mike Barker
Actors: Tara Fitzgerald, Cathy Murphy, Jackson Leach, Sarah Badel, Toby Stephens
Studio: BBC Warner
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $8.66
You Save: $6.32 (42%)
New (30) Used (6) Collectible (1) from $8.66
Rating:  44 reviews
Sales Rank: 1589
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 159
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: WARDE36990D
UPC: 883929010646
EAN: 0883929010646
ASIN: B00005JOA0
Theatrical Release Date: October 26, 1997
Release Date: April 15, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 04/15/2008 Run time: 159 minutes Rating: Nr
Amazon.com
The BBC adaptation of Anne Bronte's moral tale The Tenant of Wildfell Hall will be a delight to those who revel in classics brought to the screen. Tara Fitzgerald stars as Helen Graham, a secretive woman who seeks independence for herself and her son from her cruel husband, Arthur Huntingdon. Huntingdon, a rake taken with women and drink, is played to perfection by Rupert Graves, believable as both the young lover who seduces Helen and as the depraved and brutish man he becomes. Toby Stephens is Gilbert Markham, the suspicious yet adoring yeoman farmer smitten with the supposed widow. The scenery and costumes of this period piece are lush, although the use of flashback as a narrative device is at times jarring. This tale is darker than the Jane Austen adaptations that BBC audiences are used to, yet the two-part film has an ending satisfying enough for even the most cynical of romantics. --Jenny Brown
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 39 more reviews...
 A Dark tale Superbly produced January 2, 2009
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As a fan of British period films - I expected this Anne Bronte film to be whimsical like many BBC productions - but was pleasantly surprised at the haunting darkness of the story.
The lead female, played by Tara Fitzgerald, is almost repulsive in her abrasive and aloof character at first... but then as you discover her story, you are heartened by her strength and courage.
Rupert Graves is convincingly detestable in his role as the lover, turned abusive and monstrous husband. He plays the role to the tee, and adds (in the disturbing flashback scenes) an almost creepy edge to the film. The fact that these flashbacks involve a child that Fitzgerald is protecting, makes them all the more unnerving.
I found the film to be engrossing - You cringe to watch the deplorable abuses and yet yearn to discover how things happened and where they will end. You view from several vantage points, the misconceptions of relationships - and how differently people define "the benefits of marriage."
Excellently acted, not outdone by scenery and costuming, but wonderfully produced from start to finish. Although definitely a darker film, this is a British period peice worth watching!
 A bit dark for me December 31, 2008
Although I've never considered the book particularly dark,at times situations are bleak while character is being built and challenges overcome. Here in the movie version of the tale,however,there seems to be a focus on all the dark challenges while minoring on the beautiful character outcomes that grow from making honorable choices. Too bad. The actors and sets are great.
Great story, not quite true to the book. December 25, 2008
I Read this Bronte novel 1st and then found the movie. Actually, I found Toby Stephens and knew I had to have to movie! He is an excellent Gilbert! And, it's one of his movies easily available in the states with a happy ending. (Hope I didn't give it away, but that only means he's still alive at the end!)
There are a few scenes in the movie version that are out of order and change the meaning from the book. I understand that to make a good movie, some creative license must be allowed. Over all a great romance. You always know who you're rooting for. I highly recommend it.
5 stars for.... December 11, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
getting my wife out of my hair by watching this. From a guy's perspective, this stuff is as boring as watching grass grow... in fact, I'd rather sit and watch grass grow than watch this! Only good to send men to sleep in a hurry :)
One of my favorites December 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I enjoyed this BBC series (The Tenant of Wildfell Hall). I wanted to see more of Toby Stephens' work after being blown away by his performance as Edward Rochester in the BBC's 2006 version of "Jane Eyre". I checked out the video cassette from my public library several times before the DVD became available earlier this year.
Since seeing the series I've read the book by Anne Bronte several times. The deviations from the book don't bother me that much - I feel the series is true to the spirit of the book that Anne Bronte wrote. The cast was excellent. I particularly enjoyed Gilbert Markham's interactions with his mother and sister. The series gradually reveals, through flashbacks, the background of the mysterious and severe Mrs. Graham. I first saw Rupert Graves in "The Forsyte Saga" and enjoyed his performance so much. Here, he's a completely different kind of character - self-centered and manipulative. It is only as a last resort that Helen leaves Huntingdon - she does her best to be a good wife to him in the manner of the time.
There's great chemistry between Stephens and Fitzgerald. Helen's and Gilbert's admiration and attraction for one another grows subtly as the story unfolds. Their friendship and quiet enjoyment of one another in the bleak landscape is so appealing. Gilbert befriends Mrs. Graham even as the suspicious townsfolk begin to turn against her, and it's this unwavering (mostly!) support that makes Gilbert so admirable. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and the story.
|
|
|
