Gemma Arterton in Tess of the D’Urbervilles Essay Example
Gemma, known for her role in the 2007 version of St. Trinians, portrays the character Tess derby-field in this BBC one series airing on Sundays at nine o'clock. She is an up and coming actress, known for her talent and accomplishments. Tess is an innocent yet opinionated peasant girl from a poor family, and Gemma brings fantastic empathy to this role.
I was thrilled when the series was recommended for this review as I have been following it with great enthusiasm since day one. Tess is sent to work for her long-lost relatives, the "d'Urbervilles," as a chicken farmer because of "claiming kin." However, this turns out to be a terrible mistake as she is brutally raped by Alec D'Urberville, a wealthy but mentally unstable young man. Despite always being skeptical of Alec, Tess's confidence was severely shattered.
...She left her job and returned home only to discover that she was pregnant. Although the child had been forced upon her, thanks to Gemma's exceptional performance, it was evident that Tess still loved the baby. Consequently, she was devastated when it died at just a few months old.
Despite leaving her home and finding work on a dairy farm, she remained unable to completely leave her past behind. Alic, refusing to let her go, continued to hold her back, preventing her from moving on and finding happiness even after falling in love. Her hidden past continues to hinder her ability to move forward with her life. However, the series as a whole is excellently directed and produced.
The play incorporates a range of effects, from simple lighting to simulated rain. The cast is highly talented with no criticisms o
their performances. The audience consistently connects with the characters' emotions. However, one actress stands out among the rest. Gemma flawlessly portrays Tess and evokes genuine emotions, bringing me to tears in multiple scenes. Her use of facial expressions is remarkably successful, but what truly impresses is how she expresses her innermost feelings through her lips – her most striking feature. Unlike other actors, Gemma's lip movements match the intensity of her eye expressions. Personally, I struggle with knowing what to do with my lips when not speaking; often finding myself unconsciously mirroring my eye movements.
Gemma's performance is elevated by her use of lips, contributing to its authenticity and persuasiveness. Additionally, her flawless accent and expressive eyes also play a significant role in the impactful effect she achieves. One particularly powerful moment occurs when Gemma endures the loss of her child, pushing herself to the brink and showcasing her talent. Throughout this scene, she maintains excellent posture while her previously radiant expression fades away, leaving behind a sense of emptiness. However, despite appearing devoid of emotion, Gemma effectively communicates profound pain through tightly clasped hands and wide eyes. When she speaks again, there is a hint of detachment in her voice but not complete emptiness. Even if you had just started watching, you would be able to perceive that she has experienced an immense loss.
In this section, she showcases her incredible expertise in managing not only her facial expressions but also her posture and voice.
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