Lady Chatterley

When I picked up Sons and Lovers ten years ago, I knew only one thing about D.H. Lawrence: he wrote about sex. After reading about twenty-five pages, I discovered another thing about him: he wrote about coal miners. I lazily lost interest (just what was I expecting?), put the book on the shelf and forgot about the writer.

A couple weeks ago my friend Mick recommended Lady Chatterley, a French film based on the second version of another D.H.Lawrence novel, Lady Chatterley's Lover. Although the movie is almost three hours long, I thought surely a French film about sex wouldn't lose my interest, no matter what book it's based on. Over the course of three nights I savored this movie.

The story is about an aristocratic wife who has an affair with the gamekeeper who lives near her mansion. The story itself is beautiful, but the way it was shown in this version was enchanting. It unfolded ever so slowly, making full use of the countryside paradise where it was filmed.

The movie begins near the end of winter, when Constance (Lady Chatterley) first finds interest in the gamekeeper. As their relationship blossoms, the seasons change with it. Her walks through the French forest, complete with the sounds of gurgling water and chirping birds, are meditative. You just want to be there.

As if the feast of nature wasn't enough, we're given an absolutely charming love story played by equally adorable characters. Their respect for one another is complemented by their playfulness. Their time together is so honest and tender, you can't help cheering for them, hoping there's a happy ending. I even giggled a few times at their innocent dialogue. And since I'm trying to sell the movie, I'd like to add that there is some full frontity noodle, but it's very tactful, I promise.

With the weather here being what it is, and the cluttered rush of daily life, Lady Chatterley is a welcome respite. If you get bored, just finish watching it the next night. Or...I'm sure you'll think of something to pass the time.