Despite a growing portentousness towards the end, and moments of silliness (memorably, the fireside nude wrestling scene between Bates and Reed) scattered throughout, a surprisingly restrained, even respectful adaptation of DH Lawrence's novel. Much of the credit lies with the cast, camerawork (by
Billy Williams
), the art direction and
Georges Delerue
's score, though it must be said that Russell, if seemingly unconcerned with the novel's political thrust, is in fruitful sympathy with Lawrence's sexual politics. Far from good, but better than one might fear or expect.