Women in Love (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Women in Love' (directed by Ken Russell) is set in 1920s England, where free-spirited intellectual/artist Gudrun Brangwen (Glenda Jackson) & her schoolteacher sister Ursula (Jennie Linden) make the acquaintance of lifelong pals Gerald (Oliver Reed), a mine owner, and Rupert (Alan Bates), a school teacher. This foursome attends a picnic in honor of a pair of newlyweds, who put a damper on the day by drowning in a nearby lake!
Seemingly unscathed by this tragic incident, Gerald & Rupert participate in a naked wrestling match later that night (showing fleeting glimpses of the men's private parts). Gerald marries Gudrun, Rupert marries Ursula, & the foursome head-out on a joint Swiss honeymoon. The holiday is marred by marital betrayal & sudden death, leaving Rupert to audibly wonder just what it is that makes men & women 'tick'.
This film tells a romantic saga, wonderfully-acted tale by Glenda Jackson, Alan Bates, Jennie Linden, & Oliver Reed. And I'd say that the film mostly concerns the evolution & dismantling of the inter-relationships of these 4 individuals. Glenda Jackson is brilliant as the intensely intelligent artist.
The film is handsomely mounted with beautiful cinematography, Luciana Arrighi's detailed production design & Shirley Russell's gorgeous costumes. As mentioned earlier, this movie will probably be most remembered for its audacious nude wrestling scene btwn. Bates & Reed. But on the whole, I was quite surprised to be as engaged with 'Women in Love' as I am. It's enjoyable; and offers a smart, seemingly loyal (I haven't read the source material) adaptation, as well.
Seemingly unscathed by this tragic incident, Gerald & Rupert participate in a naked wrestling match later that night (showing fleeting glimpses of the men's private parts). Gerald marries Gudrun, Rupert marries Ursula, & the foursome head-out on a joint Swiss honeymoon. The holiday is marred by marital betrayal & sudden death, leaving Rupert to audibly wonder just what it is that makes men & women 'tick'.
This film tells a romantic saga, wonderfully-acted tale by Glenda Jackson, Alan Bates, Jennie Linden, & Oliver Reed. And I'd say that the film mostly concerns the evolution & dismantling of the inter-relationships of these 4 individuals. Glenda Jackson is brilliant as the intensely intelligent artist.
The film is handsomely mounted with beautiful cinematography, Luciana Arrighi's detailed production design & Shirley Russell's gorgeous costumes. As mentioned earlier, this movie will probably be most remembered for its audacious nude wrestling scene btwn. Bates & Reed. But on the whole, I was quite surprised to be as engaged with 'Women in Love' as I am. It's enjoyable; and offers a smart, seemingly loyal (I haven't read the source material) adaptation, as well.