Derby’s own Jack O’Connell has been making waves in the film industry with his critically acclaimed performances – yet it’s a rare treat for fans to hear his authentic accent on screen.
The talented actor, who shot to fame with his role in the cult series Skins, has an impressive portfolio, including roles in 2006’s This is England and 2009 Harry Brown. He recently wowed audiences as Paddy Mayne in the popular series SAS Rogue Heroes.
However, it’s his role in the 2022 adaptation of Lady Chatterley’s Lover that brings him closer to home than ever before. Starring opposite Emma Corrin, Jack takes on the role of Oliver Mellors, a working-class gamekeeper in the steamy historical romance based on D.H. Lawrence’s controversial 1928 novel.
Critics and fans alike are praising the “convincing” chemistry between the leads in this “erotic” yet “mature” portrayal. In the film, Jack’s character Mellors is charged with the upkeep of Wragby Hall’s land and animals.
Meanwhile, Emma Corrin plays Connie, also known as Lady Chatterley, who finds herself seeking solace in the arms of Mellors after her husband, Sir Clifford Chatterley, becomes paralysed and their marriage starts to crumble. The story delves into themes of class disparity and the pursuit of happiness, all wrapped up in a narrative renowned for its provocative edge.
A review on Rotten Tomatoes praises the film, saying: “The best version of Lady Chatterley’s Lover that I’ve seen. It not only captures the steamy passion of the illicit affair really well (credit to both leading actors for some very convincing sex scenes) but also expertly puts it into the class-ridden social context of the period.”
Another reviewer echoes the sentiment, stating: “The best film adaptation I’ve seen of this novel. The leads are excellent, with their passion illuminating every scene they’re together. The mature approach to the topic was appreciated, as was the treatment of the impending issues of the era.”
Jack brings a touch of authenticity to the film using his Derbyshire accent and colloquialisms. In one memorable scene, he teaches Lady Chatterley the regional phrase “Ayup me duck” – a characteristic expression of the East Midlands.
Jack’s portrayal of the Teversal-native gamekeeper Oliver Mellors stays true to the 1928 novel. Teversal, a Nottinghamshire village bordering Derbyshire, is also where the writer D.H. Lawrence drew inspiration from, particularly from Teversal Manor, the real-life equivalent to the fictional Wragby Hall, and a location close to Lawrence’s home.
The esteemed author, born and raised in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, faced numerous controversies before his untimely death in 1930 at the age of just 44. His novel, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, was subject to criticism and even censorship trials due to its ‘radical’ depictions of romance and sexuality for the time.
Fast forward to the 21st century, the film adaptation has been praised for its intimate scenes, featuring full nudity from both Jack O’Connell and Emma Corrin. “The sex scenes are certainly ample and have enough sense of authenticity to bring realism to the romance between Connie Chatterly and Oliver Morrels,” one review reads.
Another critic commented: “The beautifully choreographed, steamy scenes and a deep sense of romantic longing are alluring, but its rushed third act and underdeveloped characters set the film back. You can watch the 2022 adaptation of Lady Chatterley’s Lover starring Jack O’Connell on Netflix.
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