Set against the backdrop of a difficult economic period in the 1870s and 1880s within Blackmore Vale, England, a rural family uncovers their noble heritage, leading to their eldest daughter—an exceptionally lovely woman portrayed by Nastassja Kinski—being introduced to a wealthier household. She subsequently finds herself caught between the affections of two very different men, played by Leigh Lawson and Peter Firth. Roman Polanski’s 1979 film "Tess" is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 1891 novel "Tess of the d'Urbervilles." The director was motivated to create the movie because his late wife, Sharon Tate, had recommended it to him, suggesting it would translate well to the screen and that she herself would be interested in playing the lead. Sadly, this marked the last time Roman saw his pregnant wife before she returned to America where she was murdered by members of the Manson cult on August 9th, 1969, while he remained in Europe to finish a project. The film is dedicated to her and that dedication appears during the opening credits. The two male characters are essentially variations on a similar theme: one lacks any sense of morality, while the other embodies an excessive adherence to it. A scene from the novel depicts Alec arriving at harvest time wearing a cape with an upturned collar and carrying a pitchfork—the symbolism is quite clear. Angel's character is evident in his name itself. What’s the purpose? Just as someone can be excessively wicked, another person can be overly virtuous. The Bible touches on this idea in Ecclesiastes 7:16-18. They represent opposing extremes and both possess the ability to ruin the lives of those they influence. As expected, Angel ultimately tries to correct his mistakes, while Alec continues along his path of casual amorality, which eventually brings about disaster. The unchanging nature of this is represented by Stonehenge. While many people tend toward one extreme viewpoint or lifestyle—whether it be moralism, hedonism, or disbelief—most individuals exist somewhere in between, feeling uncertain and searching, much like Tess does. To appreciate this film requires a willingness to settle in for a story that unfolds at its own pace. You'll encounter aspects of Victorian life, the everyday routines of rural existence, beauty, desire, affection, foolishness, humility, regret, pride, and tragedy. The movie has a running time of 3 hours and 6 minutes; the original theatrical release was 2 minutes shorter, while the DVD version clocks in at 2 hours and 52 minutes. It was filmed entirely in France. GRADE: A-/B+

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