A round of applause to director Paul Unwin and scripter Michael Hastings for ensuring that Henry James' themes emerge relatively intact in this BBC adaptation of his clear-eyed account of American folly abroad. Christopher Newman (Matthew Modine) is a 19th-century success story who amassed his wealth in California and is now polishing off his rough edges in Europe. While taking in the Louvre's collection, he meets painter Noemi Nioche (Eva Birthistle) and nonchalantly sleeps with her. Newman hopes to find a socially suitable bride during the course of his grand tour, but he doesn't understand aristocratic mores and sets his sights on unattainable widow Claire de Cint...
Released:
2001
Rated:
NR
Length:
90 mins