About this product

Product Information

The murder of her father leaves Rosina unable to support herself. She assumes a new identity and accepts work as a governess on the remote island of Skye. The head of the house Charles Cavendish appears cold and distant at first, but before long the two are engaged in a passionate affair. The arrival of Charles' son causes problems...

Product Identifiers

ProducerSarah Curtis

EAN5060021171399

eBay Product ID (ePID)3960622

Product Key Features

ActorHarriet Walter, Florence Hoath, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Bruce Myers, Minnie Driver, Tom Wilkinson

Film/TV TitleThe Governess

DirectorSandra Goldbacher

LanguageEnglish

Subtitle LanguageEnglish

Run Time110 Mins

Aspect Ratio2.35 Wide Screen

Release Year2001

FormatDVD

FeaturesWidescreen, With Subtitles, Trailer

GenreDrama, Period

Additional Product Features

Number of Discs1

Certificate15

ComposerEdward Shearmur

Production DesignerSarah Greenwood

Additional InformationIn 1840s London, Rosina's beloved father is killed, so she must take a job in order to keep her deeply religious Jewish family afloat. Choosing the new name of Mary Blackchurch, she accepts a job as a governess to a wealthy gentile family in Scotland. Her responsibility is to be the friend and teacher of the Cavendishes' young daughter, Clementina, a mean-spirited, spoiled child. Mary is much more interested in the work being done by Mr. Cavendish as he attempts to perfect an early form of photography. But working closely in the laboratory soon releases feelings that change their very different worlds.<BR>Sandra Goldbacher's debut feature film is steeped in religious overtones as Mary-Rosina struggles to maintain--and hide--her Jewish identity. Minnie Driver is excellent as Rosina, her round face almost glowing amid the deep, muted tones of Sarah Greenwood's sets. Tom Wilkinson is superb as Charles Cavendish, trying desperately to hold back his feelings, unable to break free of the repressed society that dominates him. As Charles becomes obsessed with the technical aspects of his work, Mary tries to show him the beauty that his work can create, ultimately leading to an emotional confrontation for which neither is prepared.

ReviewsNew York Times - ...[A] ravishingly handsome film....THE GOVERNESS is a wonderful showcase for Ms. Driver....[The film] leaves a lasting after-image..., Box Office - ...Sumptuous....Goldbacher has brought a strong sense of style and a feminist touch to her story....Intriguing..., Sight and Sound - ...Sophisticated....Countless finely observed details of locale and atmosphere..., USA Today - ...Ashley Rowe's photography is exquisite and Driver has never been better..., Los Angeles Times - ...It affords a terrific role for Minnie Driver, who holds the film together with her talent, star presence and distinctive beauty...

ScreenwriterSandra Goldbacher

Costume DesignerCaroline Harris

Sound sourceDolby Digital 2.0

EditorIsabelle Lorente

Movie/TV TitleThe Governess

Director of PhotographyAshley Rowe