I believe now that the less-full version is put together in separate pieces that can be worn together or singly, which is why it is sometimes seen shorter than full-length. Here is a promo image from CHOLERA showing how short it is, with just the top tier of the skirt attached to the bodice:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2022611200/tt0484740
JJL wears the less-full version too! See this b&w promotional image from WashSq
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm669096192/tt0120481
The skirt is definitely less full, with much less fabric gathered into the waistline. It makes me wonder if the very full version was difficult to move in, so they made a duplicate with less fabric gathered into the waistline.
Costume Commentary
I believe now that the less-full version is put together in separate pieces that can be worn together or singly, which is why it is sometimes seen shorter than full-length. Here is a promo image from CHOLERA showing how short it is, with just the top tier of the skirt attached to the bodice:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2022611200/tt0484740
JJL wears the less-full version too! See this b&w promotional image from WashSq
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm669096192/tt0120481
The skirt is definitely less full, with much less fabric gathered into the waistline. It makes me wonder if the very full version was difficult to move in, so they made a duplicate with less fabric gathered into the waistline.
I’m convinced there were actually two dresses, as suggested below, or perhaps only one bodice, but definitely two skirts. There are definitely two different skirts used in the film Love in the Time of Cholera: the less full skirt pictured above, and a more full skirt in the screencaps I’m adding to this message, taken during the scene when the women visit the Belgian photographer to have their picture taken. (See how the skirt looks as full as the one worn by Jennifer Jason Leigh?) Right after having her photo taken, Hildebranda Sanchez is seen walking through a very crowded street wearing the less-full version of the skirt.