Tess - 1979

Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented, also known as Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman, Tess of the d'Urbervilles or just Tess, is a novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1891. It initially appeared in a censored and serialised version, published by the British illustrated newspaper, The Graphic. It is Hardy's penultimate novel, followed by Jude the Obscure. Though now considered an important work of English literature, the book received mixed reviews when it first appeared, in part because it challenged the sexual mores of Hardy's day. The original manuscript is on display at the British Library, showing that it was originally titled "Daughter of the d'Urbervilles.

The 1979 "TESS" film directed by Roman Polanski, as an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 1891 novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles tells the story of a strong-willed, young peasant girl who finds out she has title connections by way of her old aristocratic surname, who is raped by her wealthy cousin, whose right to the family title may not be as strong as he claims. The screenplay was by Gérard Brach, John Brownjohn, and Roman Polanski.

Polański made the film because the last time he saw his wife Sharon Tate alive (before she was murdered by Charles Manson's family), she had given him a copy of Tess of the d'Urbervilles and said it would make a great film. The dedication at the opening of the film reads simply: "to Sharon".

Although the film is set in England, it was filmed in Locronan, Brittany, France. Polanski was wanted as a fugitive in the United States, and he could have been extradited from the United Kingdom.

On 28 October 1978, cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth died of a heart attack during the third week of shooting. Most of the scenes he shot were exteriors in the first half of the film and can be distinguished by their use of fog and slight diffusion. Ghislain Cloquet shot the remainder of the film, including most of the interior scenes, without diffusion. Unsworth and Cloquet were both named in the successful nomination for Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Cloquet alone was nominated for and won the César Award for Cinematography. This is the perfect film for a rainy afternoon or night.

Tchaikovsky - 2007

Conductor Charles Hazlewood journeys to Russia in search of clues to uncover the heavily shrouded mysteries surrounding the life of enigmatic composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (played by Ed Stoppard). Through dramatic interpretation and personal insight, Hazlewood paints a portrait of a genius whose inner demons, paralyzing neurosis and closeted homosexuality combined to make Tchaikovsky one of music's most fascinating and troubled figures.


This is a two-part docudrama on the composer's life. THE United Kingdom and the BBC know how to tell an elaborate story of interest.
Episode 1: Tchaikovsky: The Creation of Genius (2007, UK)
Episode 2: Tchaikovsky: Fortune and Tragedy (2007, UK)
Tchaikovsky was played magnificently by Ed Stoppard.   This is a 'must-see' for anyone who is musically inclined or has a LOVE of music.

De-Lovely - 2004

De-Lovely is a 2004 musical biopic directed by Irwin Winkler. The screenplay by Jay Cocks is based on the life and career of Cole Porter, from his first meeting with Linda Lee Thomas until his death. It is the second biopic about the composer, following Night and Day.


Although Porter was a passable singer at best, director Irwin Winkler cast Kevin Kline, winner of two Tony Awards and two Drama Desk Awards for his musical performances on Broadway, as the composer. He stayed in character by limiting his vocal range. Most of his singing was recorded live on the set, and the actor played the piano himself in the scenes where Porter plays.


According to Winkler's commentary on the DVD release of the film, he had considered numerous actresses for the role of Linda when Ashley Judd's agent advised him she was interested in the part. Winkler was certain her salary demand would exceed that allowed by the budget, but the actress was so anxious to portray Linda she was willing to lower her usual asking price. Judd is twenty years younger than Kline, although the composer's wife was eight years older than he. Filming locations included Chiswick House and Luton Hoo.

The Greatest Game Ever Played - 2005

This is a 2005 biographical sports film based on the early life of golf champion Francis Ouimet. The film was directed by Bill Paxton. Shia LaBeouf plays the role of Ouimet. It is distributed by Walt Disney Studios. The film's screenplay was adapted by Mark Frost from his book, "The Greatest Game Ever Played: Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet, and the Birth of Modern Golf". It was shot in Montreal, Quebec, with the Kanawaki Golf Club being the site of golf sequences.


The story is set mainly in 1913 and takes you back to this period. I really loved this one. It's not just about winning.

The Legend of 1900 - 1998

I found this film as a fan of Tim Roth, the piano music made me watch it, both were worth it. Watch it if for no other reason but the piano duel. Amazing.

Raised aboard an ocean liner after being abandoned there as an infant, 1900 (Tim Roth) becomes a virtuoso piano player who learns about the outside world only through interactions with passengers, never setting foot on land, even for the love of his life. Years later, the ship may be destroyed, and a former band member fears that 1900 may still be aboard, willing to go down with the ship in this compelling drama from director Giuseppe Tornatore.