The American (Film 1998)

A 1998 PBS television adaptation of the Henry James novel, directed by Paul Unwin. Michael Hastings wrote the script, which deviates significantly from James's text, including sexual scenes between Newman and Noémie and between Valentin and Noémie.

After the horror of the Civil War, ‘ignorant’ Christopher Newman made his fortune. He travels to France is search of cultural treasures. He won’t get past the Paris nightlife. After an affair with a haughty painter, he falls in love with the daughter of the late marquis de Bellegarde. She was married off and traumatized by her abusive late husband for the family’s sake. Her elder brother supports their ruthless mother, but junior Valentin is besotted with the artist and strikes a partnership with Christopher.

Starring; Matthew Modine, Diana Rigg, Aisling O'Sullivan, Paul Hickey, Andrew Scott, Brenda Fricker and Eva Birthistle.