Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 9786303584676 Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC ISBN: 6303584675 Label: Buena Vista Home Video Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Video Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: April 30, 1996 Running Time: 139 minutes Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Theatrical Release Date: March 31, 1995 Sales Rank: 26416
Amazon.com: While American history buffs and Gwyneth Paltrow fans will want to own this movie just because, it actually compels the viewer to examine the life of our third president a little more closely. Jefferson focuses on the mid-1780s, when widower and pre-presidency Jefferson (Nick Nolte) replaces Benjamin Franklin as the U.S. representative to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. A lively period, to say the least. And lively, too, is Jefferson, keeping time with a married woman (Greta Scacchi). Also in Paris is one of Jefferson's six children, his eldest daughter Patsy (Paltrow), who went on to have 12 children of her own--remarkable for the time. When another daughter dies back in Virginia, Jefferson sends for his youngest, who brings along her slave, Sally Hemings (a luminescent Thandie Newton), then 15. As nearly everyone knows now, Jefferson allegedly had a long relationship with Hemings and, reportedly, several children with her. This Merchant-Ivory production, written by frequent collaborator Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, languidly attempts to depict a complete portrait of the obviously complex and conflicted Jefferson, who kept slaves but penned the Declaration of Independence.
Initially, Nolte may seem an odd choice--he doesn't resemble the familiar visage on a nickel (or $2 bill). Still, Nolte's performance and his contemporary feel lend a credibility and immediacy to the fascinating story--however true or apocryphal it may be. --Nadine Mendoza
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - OK
This was a little boring but maybe more accurate it talks more about him and his time in Paris. I was more concentrated on Sally Hemmings.
Rating: - loved it!
I loved this film. It is incredibly accurate from an historical point of view. The events. people, and places depicted were 100%. If you are a Jefferson scholar, historian, or fan; you will appreciate ... Read More
Rating: - Good
It keeps your attention and is interesting-for a historical movie. What I liked about this is the forbidden, tense, sexual attraction between Nolte & cute-as-a-button Thandie Newton. Paltrow plays something ... Read More
Rating: - Disappointed
I saw this in school, years ago. At first I was disappointed because I thought the teacher said we were going to watch "the Jefferson's in Paris". So I was a little bummed when George and Weezy never showed up, ... Read More
Rating: - Pretty good
This isn't the best Merchant & Ivory movie, and the plot is subtle to the point of non-existent, but the production values are fantastic, and Nick Nolte warms up to being pretty good. (And I think he really looks ... Read More
- loved it!
- Good