Iris (B or 3/4 stars)
'Iris', directed by Richard Eyre, tells the true story of the lifelong romance btwn. philosopher/acclaimed novelist Iris Murdoch & her husband John Bayley, from their early student days through her battle with Alzheimer's disease. The film covers their 1st few days together, & their last. Sound depressing? Well, it is. It is almost unbearably sad. But so, too, is it poignant. 'Iris' may be a dour, if decently constructed drama … but it is the acting which elevates the overall quality of the film from good-ish to very good.
Early 1990's: known as the 'foremost novelist of her generation', an older Iris (superb Judi Dench) begins to experience the first rumblings of her disease. Once a strong, intelligent woman, she (like anyone else with Alzheimer's) succumbs to eventual childlike tendencies. She forgets little things, can't recall certain memories, etc. But these little botherances soon give way to her not being able to form cohesive thoughts (or get them down on paper). Though she's scared, it's her husband (excellent Jim Broadbent) who becomes even more frightened. Not only is he abhorred by the love-of-his-life's decline, but always playing 2nd fiddle (their entire marriage), he's now forced to take the reins from her in all facets of life.
Interspersed with the 1990 sequences are scenes from the 50's at Oxford University: this is where John (Hugh Bonneville, wonderful), a teacher, 1st meets & falls for Iris (Kate Winslet, exceptional). Young, vivacious, & sensual, the adventurous Iris (loving skinny dipping, biking & scandalous sex) teaches John the art of lovemaking; among other things. But she learns a thing or two from him, as well (i.e., tenderness, affection, respect). He is awkward, she is independent ... opposites attract. They have their share of troubles ... BIG ones. But these early scenes go a long way in showing, not only how in love with words and life Iris was, but how powerful & enduring her connection with John was, as well. The juxtaposition of the hopelessness of her 1990's condition with her breezy 1950's lifestyle is very, very stark.
Alzheimer's is a terrible affliction. And this film does very well to highlight the visceral impact it has; mainly on the people who are close to the victim (John, here). 'Iris' is a sort of tragedy. It is difficult to watch; not only because Iris becomes a ghost of her former self, but because the older John is quite incapable of caring for her, himself (their once quaint, well-ordered home has become a virtual slop house). But 'Iris' is also about love & sacrifice.
The strength of the film is in its 4 core performances. As Iris (from different eras), Kate Winslet & Judi Dench capture each other's physical, emotional, & intellectual essence -- they are brilliant. Jim Broadbent displays great heartache as the elder John. And Hugh Bonneville not only has an UNCANNY resemblance to Broadbent, but he, too, captures the character's essence to a tee. Visually, the cinematography is lovely. James Horner's musical score aids the proceedings. Much of the film is a downer (with only a few bursts of lightness). Some of the hopping around of the timelines may get to people. And not everyone wants to watch a redundant tale of suffering. But watch it for the performances. They are truly special.
Early 1990's: known as the 'foremost novelist of her generation', an older Iris (superb Judi Dench) begins to experience the first rumblings of her disease. Once a strong, intelligent woman, she (like anyone else with Alzheimer's) succumbs to eventual childlike tendencies. She forgets little things, can't recall certain memories, etc. But these little botherances soon give way to her not being able to form cohesive thoughts (or get them down on paper). Though she's scared, it's her husband (excellent Jim Broadbent) who becomes even more frightened. Not only is he abhorred by the love-of-his-life's decline, but always playing 2nd fiddle (their entire marriage), he's now forced to take the reins from her in all facets of life.
Interspersed with the 1990 sequences are scenes from the 50's at Oxford University: this is where John (Hugh Bonneville, wonderful), a teacher, 1st meets & falls for Iris (Kate Winslet, exceptional). Young, vivacious, & sensual, the adventurous Iris (loving skinny dipping, biking & scandalous sex) teaches John the art of lovemaking; among other things. But she learns a thing or two from him, as well (i.e., tenderness, affection, respect). He is awkward, she is independent ... opposites attract. They have their share of troubles ... BIG ones. But these early scenes go a long way in showing, not only how in love with words and life Iris was, but how powerful & enduring her connection with John was, as well. The juxtaposition of the hopelessness of her 1990's condition with her breezy 1950's lifestyle is very, very stark.
Alzheimer's is a terrible affliction. And this film does very well to highlight the visceral impact it has; mainly on the people who are close to the victim (John, here). 'Iris' is a sort of tragedy. It is difficult to watch; not only because Iris becomes a ghost of her former self, but because the older John is quite incapable of caring for her, himself (their once quaint, well-ordered home has become a virtual slop house). But 'Iris' is also about love & sacrifice.
The strength of the film is in its 4 core performances. As Iris (from different eras), Kate Winslet & Judi Dench capture each other's physical, emotional, & intellectual essence -- they are brilliant. Jim Broadbent displays great heartache as the elder John. And Hugh Bonneville not only has an UNCANNY resemblance to Broadbent, but he, too, captures the character's essence to a tee. Visually, the cinematography is lovely. James Horner's musical score aids the proceedings. Much of the film is a downer (with only a few bursts of lightness). Some of the hopping around of the timelines may get to people. And not everyone wants to watch a redundant tale of suffering. But watch it for the performances. They are truly special.