JEFFERSON IN PARIS depicts historical statesman Thomas Jefferson's 5-year ambassadorship in pre-revolutionary France where he not only begins a relationship with the married Maria Cosway, but also engages in a passionate affair with his black slave, Sally Hemings, who becomes pregnant with his child. The film is a fascinating interpretation of a relationship in Jefferson's life of which the historical details are widely debated; it stars Nick Nolte as Jefferson and Thandie Newton as Hemings.
From Merchant Ivory Productions, director James Ivory brings to the screen the story of statesman and Declaration of Independence author Thomas Jefferson (Nick Nolte). The film takes place during the five years Jefferson lived in pre-revolutionary Paris, serving as the American ambassador to France prior to the fall of the Bastille in 1789. JEFFERSON IN PARIS focuses, however, on the personal side of his time there. A widower, he meets beautiful Anglo-Italian artist Maria Cosway (Greta Scacchi), whom he starts to court. When his slave's sister, Sally Hemings (Thandie Newton), joins the family in Paris, Jefferson also begins a relationship with her that would last for many years and would produce, arguably, many children. This passionate affair with his African-descended slave has been the subject of many historical debates and is thought-provokingly rendered in this period drama. Gwyneth Paltrow also stars as Jefferson's daughter, Patsy.
Theatrical release: April 7, 1995.
JEFFERSON IN PARIS was filmed on location in Paris, France.
Thomas Jefferson became the American ambassador to France in 1784, succeeding another famous statesman, Benjamin Franklin.
Ivory has said that when the film premiered in 1995, many people in the press condemned it for being inaccurate. However, since then it has become believed that DNA studies prove Jefferson to be the father of at least one of Hemings's children.
Jefferson In Paris Reviews:
"...[A] customarily sterling job in capturing the opulent detail..."
-- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"...Paltrow is captivating as one of the story's most intriguing figures..."
-- Todd McCarthy, Variety
"...An extraordinary spectacle....The rare contemporary film that's both entertainment and an education..."
-- Janet Maslin, New York Times
"...[The] décor and costuming are meticulous..."-- Michael Atkinson, Sight and Sound
"...The look of the past has been beautifully re-created with great care..."
-- Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
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Jefferson In Paris DVD
Jefferson In Paris DVD Features
Jefferson In Paris
Hollywood favorite Nick Nolte (I LOVE TROUBLE, THE PRINCE OF TIDES) stars with the sexy Greta Scacchi (SHATTERED, PRESUMED INNOCENT) in this impassioned story of forbidden love! During one man's unforgettable visit to liberal and socially permissive France, he meets and falls in love with a worldly and mysterious woman! But when the alluring charms of another prove irresistible, he finds himself courting scandal in a heated triangle of passion and desire! Another acclaimed triumph from Merchant-Ivory Productions, award-winning creators of HOWARDS END, THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, and A ROOM WITH A VIEW -- JEFFERSON IN PARIS delivers stylish and highly provocative big-screen entertainment!
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