Jude the Obscure BBC [1971 BBC Production] [DVD]

There's something ambiguous about this production that, at first, seemed a bit too odd but, as the film progressed, became absolutely essential to the depiction of this most complex and controversial of Thomas Hardy's novels. Namely, it came across as a hybrid between a play and a movie. The sets didn't have an authentic 19th century Victorian feel so much as the look and feel of a stage set. There was almost a flimsiness to the buildings, especially the interiors. However, as the story moved forward, this stage setting atmosphere served to better emphasize the characters and their interaction."Jude The Obscure" is by far the most play-like of Hardy's novels in that the dialogue and characterizations almost completely dominate the setting, whereas, in all the other Hardy novels, the setting tends to dwarf the characters. Even the city of Christminster, the centerpiece of Jude Fawley's entire existence, fades into the background as if it's no more than a cottage. In this production nothing is allowed to diminish the dramatic tension between the characters.Robert Powell's performance as Jude Fawley was superlative in every aspect. The only performances of any actor in any film I've every seen that rival Powell's are those of Ciaran Hinds in Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge," Leo McKern in Ibsen's "The Master Builder" and Michael Hordern in both Shakespeare's "King Lear" and "The Tempest." Fiona Walker was superb as Sue Bridehead, bringing a malevolence to the somewhat cold-blooded character which wasn't readily apparent in the novel itself. And Alex Marshall was wonderful as Arabella Donne, with a coarse sensuality that stayed with her as her station in life rose; although, as with Fiona Walker's Sue Bridehead, there was a sinister aspect to her characterization. And John Franklyn-Robbins was picture perfect as the school master Phillotson, hopelessly drawn to Sue Bridehead.This is a tale of high tragedy, brought about by Jude's desire to transcend his lot in life amidst a society whose classes were rigidly defined and where very little existed to bridge the gap. The great tragic irony is that if Jude could have been presented to the schools of divinity at Christminster while still a boy he might have succeeded in his ambition. But having to teach himself in order to prepare for acceptance at Christminster, he grew to manhood too soon and his presenting himself as a potential divinity student became a mockery of his ambition. Another great irony of this tale is that normally in Thomas Hardy's novels it's the women who are victimized by the caprice and callousness of the men; whereas in "Jude the Obscure" it's the men - both Jude and Phillotson - who are victimized by the caprice and callousness of the women.This was Hardy's last novel. Not his last work; but its scandalous reception in Victorian England turned him away from the novel as a vehicle for expressing his pessimistic, even sardonic, view of life. This film captures the essence of the novel, which is itself the inevitable expression of Hardy's view. It's where all his other novels were leading. And it was just too much for Victorian society.

Delivered from the UK, it was advertised as playable in the US. It is not. Pity since it saw the original episodes on PBS while a teenager. Wanted to re-visit the production again, but was denied.

This is a BBC adaptation from 1971. The most important thing you need to know is that it was filmed on video, so it's hard to escape the feeling of cheapness when you watch it. I am told that despite the public's prejudices towards film, video actually renders a superior picture. That may be true, but the fact is that as you watch this you'll be hard pressed to take it seriously, on account of our mental association of video and cheap soap operas. The problem is especially acute with this production on account of the gravity of the ending.Further, the filmmakers don't appear to have had a lot of money, so most of the scenes are staged indoors. Outdoor shots are brief and cramped.The three leads are superior, though, and very convincing. The direction, while occasionally imaginative, is mostly stiff and forgettable. (I'm guessing the director was much more comfortable with the stage than film, since it's almost like you're watching rigid adaptation fit better fit for the stage than the screen.)From its intimidating running time (over 4 hours), you might be tempted to think that is adaptation follows the book excruciatingly faithfully (unlike, say, the recent  Jude ), but no, not especially. Several liberties are taken, much is changed, and countless scenes or subtleties from the book are dropped entirely.

This movie, as well as the book, was a real "downer". No matter what this man did, he could not win. The women in the movie were most unattractive, and what man would have fallen so hard for either of them? I was very dissapointed in the actresses who were his wives - as one looked like a tramp, and the other like an old maid schoolteacher. The casting was awful! When he died, it was a relief - because now he was finally out of his misery. In several ways, it reminded me of Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy" only, he didn't kill his first "love."Of all the Hardy books I've read, this one was the most depressing, so the movie could have at least made realistic casting of beautiful women. Ugh. I purchased this item from Amazon, which never disappoints in packaging, timely shipping, etc.

My students HATED this film. I showed it in an upper division college seminar on Victoian literature when I was out of town at a conference. I returned to highly vocal complaints--many students called it "the most depressing film I have ever seen!"Well, that's Thomas Hardy for you.Beautifully made and acted, but certainly not a laugh a minute riot.

A CLASSIC VINTAGE FILM BASED ON THE GREAT THOMAS HARDY NOVEL.THIS IS A MUST-SEE FOR LITERARY MAJORS, FICTION LOVERS, ANGLOPHILES,FILM AFICIONADOS, AND LOVERS OF ENGLISHFILMAKERS' ABILITY TO CREATE PERIOD AUTHENTICITY.THANKS A BUNCH AMAZON FOR STOCKING THIS RARE FILM FOR ME.ED

Read so many classics many years ago and am enjoying purchasing them in DVD format and seeing the characters come to life.

I consider this movie an excellent example of the cause and effect of life. Perhaps some of us dont have the same degree of emotions as others and problems arise where "love" is contemplated on both sides of the divide Is Love enough? or is there some other emotion that can span the two emotional divides. Jude the obscure does not answer the question but it has certainly moved from cause to effect.

A shockingly dark tale. The author made his point about social expectations and what happens when people do not abide by them. As I said, it was shocking and disturbing, and I won't watch any more Hardy stories for a while. They are all good and fascinating stories but Hardy knows how to touch the nerves and guts of his audience. There's is always a lot to take in.

Looking forward to watching this, read the book some years ago and want to compare. I know the story is good if a little heartwrentching.

I’m sorry to say that I couldn’t remember how poor the story of Jude was portrayed!

Excellent dvd. Parts all well played as evidenced by my desire to slap Sue Bridehead many times

Very well done, characters spot on.