The reaction to Thomas Hardy’s novel “Jude the Obscure” was so negative that he never wrote another one afterward. This film adaptation has also generated controversy, though it’s certainly worth seeing. Christopher Eccleston takes on the lead role as Jude, a stonemason with aspirations for education and a better existence. Eccleston's performance is commendable because he doesn’t conform to typical Hollywood looks; his features are unconventional, but they contribute significantly to his portrayal, particularly later in the movie. It's disappointing that the audience isn’t given more insight into what motivates Jude's actions. Kate Winslet plays Jude’s cousin, Sue, and brings a level of skill to her part that almost surpasses Eccleston’s. Her work feels genuine rather than manufactured. Rachel Griffiths portrays Jude’s wife, Arabella, who repeatedly returns to his life after abandoning him, and this character is a significant weakness in the film. As Gothic storytelling was declining when the novel was written, readers were increasingly drawn to realistic narratives like those by Charles Dickens or imaginative tales from H.G. Wells. Arabella feels out of place within the context of this period piece. The scenes introducing her are bathed in sunlight and depict an idyllic setting, which contrasts sharply with her later appearances dressed in black, set against drab backgrounds and the forced happiness of Jude and Sue. A more powerful actress, such as Nicole Kidman or Emily Watson, would have been better suited for the role; Griffiths lacks the necessary presence. Any other performer could have embraced the part and truly inhabited it, but Griffiths’ portrayal comes across as that of a simple-minded woman lacking any depth. In the early scenes depicting her courtship with Jude, a different actress might have conveyed innocence and charm, however, Griffiths portrays Arabella as foolish. The director, known within British and independent film circles, demonstrates expert direction, distinguishing this adaptation from others of lengthy English novels. Winterbottom uses on-screen text to inform viewers about Jude’s movements. The movie begins during Jude's childhood, and Winterbottom shoots that section in black and white, creating a sense of nostalgic romance. Hossein Amini, the screenwriter, and Winterbottom include an excessive amount of sexuality, which eventually overshadows the plot and characters. The musical score and set design are exceptional, and I would recommend this film to others, although perhaps not as a resource for high school students studying Thomas Hardy. "Jude" contains considerable emotional intensity, including the tragic fate of Sue and Jude’s children, but Jude's character remains, if you will excuse the expression, enigmatic. There is something worthwhile here despite its shortcomings.

Source on TMDB