JEFFERSON IN PARIS

US/France, 1995, 139 minutes, Colour.

Nick Nolte, Greta Scacchi, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Simon Callow, Seth Gilliam, James Earl Jones, Michel Lonsdale, Nancy Marchand, Thandiwe Newton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lambert Wilson.

Directed by James Ivory.

Merchant-Ivory have moved from E.M. Foster country and period, A Room with a View, Howard’s End as well is their great success previous to this film, Remains of the Day to Paris in the late 1780s with a portrait of Thomas Jefferson during his period as American ambassador - which included the French Revolution. 

Sets, decor, costumes and photography are meticulous and will exhilarate many audiences.  Many reviewers express the wish that plot, drama and conflict and acting matched the texture of the film.  Nick Nolte does his best as Jefferson, but his character does not engage interest and sympathy.

There is a strong supporting cast led by Greta Scacchi.  However, they are often given rather arch dialogue, aping an 18th century English style which makes it sound a touch `precious' and pretentious.  (Some would mean that one commentator referred to “prigs in wigs”). However, for those interested in the period, it offers perspectives on the Revolution and how it affected the man who was to become president.  Strong period setting - less strong drama.

1. The reputation of the Merchant/Ivory films, literary adaptations, period, meticulous attention to detail, costumes and decor?
2. Audience knowledge of Jefferson, in the revolution, founding father, relationship with Washington, sent as US Minister to France? Audience knowledge of this pre-Revolution French history?
3. The focus of Jefferson, Nick Nolte’s presence and performance? In the War of Independence, his home and household, wife, daughters, widower though not to remarry? Sent to France, his response to 18^th century pre--Revolution France, culture?
4. The setting pre-Revolution, Versailles, costumes and décor, the court, corruption?
5. The range of locations: The Hotel de Laungeac, Lafayettes, Versailles, the Panthemont Abbey, Dr Mesmer's, The Opera, The Palais Royale, Pike County, Ohio?
6. The episode with Dr Mesmer?
7. Jefferson himself, his age, widower, diplomatic skills, his interest in the arts, sciences, dismay at the poverty of France?
8. The portrayal of Jefferson as a person, his marriage and devotion to his wife, not to remarry, his relationship with his daughters, with Polley, with Patsy? The encounter with Maria Cosway, her marriage, her husband, artist, musician, the relationship, her devotion to him, strengthening the relationship? The hostility of his daughters? And his vow not to remarry?
9. The character of Sally Hemmings, a relationship, his wife’s heart sister, the family background, the slavery, mixed-race families? James Hemmings, Sally’s brother, studying to be a chef in Paris, the intention for his return to Monticello? The break with Maria Cosway?
10. Washington, the invitation for Secretary of State, his decision to return? Sally and her pregnancy? Not wanting to return, James not wanting to return? Jefferson, his oath and commitment to their freedom?
11. The film as a different perspective on the founding fathers, on the US at the period, the Constitution, Bill of Rights, issues of slavery and freedom, the status of the United States abroad?