Wetherby (1985) Movie Review

Starring; Vanessa Redgrave, Joley Richardson, Tim McInnerny, Ian Holm, Judi Dench

Written and Directed by: David Hare

Wetherby tells the story of a suicide which shapes a woman’s intellectual manner. Jean Travers (played by Vanessa Redgrave; younger version played by Joley Richardson) is a sensible woman who is desirable in her need to help others. Her interest in others gives the courage to open her heart to the people she loves. When she meets John Morgan (played by Tim McInnerny), his destructive behavior catches her attention, as she attempts to help him resulting in devastating consequences. These consequences are a reflection of John’s quiet nature and shapes Jean’s perception of her life in a whole new way.

Writer and director David Hare creates inquisitive characters who are suspicious of the actions of others. This suspicion allows them to be intimate with their feelings. Hare creates a vulnerable environment where the characters are captivated by the intentions of others. Through this captivation the characters are able to get what they want through provocative  behavior.

When Eight Bells Toll (1971) Movie Review

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Corin Redgrave, Jack Hawkins, Robert Morley

Written by: Alistair MacLeon

Directed by: Etienne Perier

When Eight Bells Toll tells the story of a man who goes undercover to solve a mystery with threatens his personal and professional life. Philip Calvert (played by Anthony Hopkins) is an interested man whose sharp intuition allows him to carry out his duties distinctively. This distinction allows him to be very specific with his tasks and gives him the ability to accomplish them. His friend Roy Hunslett (played by Corin Redgrave) is an intelligent man who uses his smarts to support Philip in his assignments. His cooperation allows Philip to keep himself in check as they work together to fufill their accomplishments. As these risks threaten their lives, they stay determined to proceed, as they come to terms with their actions.

Writer Alistair MacLeon creates detailed characters who are precise in following direction. This precision helps them prioritize their responsibilities. Director Etienne Perier creates a suspicious environment where the characters have to question each other’s abilities. This questionable behavior allows them to take in their vast surroundings.

The Charge Of The Light Brigade (1968) Movie Review

Starring: David Hemmings, Vanessa Redgrave, Trevor Howard, John Gielgod, Harry Andrews

Written by: Charles Wood

Directed by: Tony Richardson

The Charge Of The Light Brigade tells the story of how two people are able to risk their happiness during the war. Captain Lewis Nolan (played by David Hemmings) is a strict man whose behavior allows him to feel confident with his actions. His rough exterior gives him a clear understanding of other’s intentions. When he begins a relationship with Clarissa Morris (played by Vanessa Redgrave), her desperate behavior creates a longing of love between them, as they fight to keep their fire burning. As her sensitivity gets in the way of their compassionate love, the war starts to interfere, as Lewis makes the conflicting decision to fight for his home.

Writer Charles Wood creates intense characters who have the freedom to risk everything they have in order to fight for what they believe in. Their vulnerability within these tasks allows them to be firm with their intentions. Director Tony Richardson creates a chaotic environment atmosphere to reflect the violence of the scenes. This violence creates a fair amount of distress between the characters.

Isadora (1968) Movie Review

Starring: Vanessa Redgrave, James Fox, Jason Robards, John Fraser

Written by: Melvyn Bragg, Clive Exton

Directed by: Karel Reisz

Isadora tells the true story of a dancer attempting to cope with unthinkable grief. Isadora Duncan (played by Vanessa Redgrave) is an elegant woman whose confidence allows her to be up front and center. Her fame gives way for her adventurous side to take the stage as she hides away from the guilt and grief that consumes her. As her friend Roger (played by John Fraser) is comforting towards her unpredictable outbursts, his strict tone brings her back to the present, as she tries to put her grief into words.

When she develops a relationship with Gordon Craig (played by James Fox), his possessive behavior intrigues her, as he persuades her to love him making her give in to his artistry. Isadora’s artistic streak helps her continue to dance despite the demons she faces and the possession she can’t control.

Writers Melvyn Bragg and Clive Exton create graceful characters who are passionate about their work. This passion drives them to become more lively within their personal life. Director Karel Reisz creates an engaging environment to represent the studious interest of the characters. This interest allows them to create a sense of distance between themselves and their professions.

Georgy Girl (1966) Movie Review

Starring: Lynn Redgrave, Charlotte Rampling, Alan Bates

Written by: Margaret Forster, Peter Nichols

Directed by: Silvio Narizzono

Georgy Girl tells the story of a young woman discovering her way through a sharp society. Georgy (played by Lynn Redgrave) is an innocent woman whose passion drives her to help people. Her approachable behavior allows her to become very whimsical with her actions. Her friend Meredith (played by Charlotte Rampling) is a selfish and controlling woman who takes advantage of Georgy. Her rude behavior causes her desperate husband Jos (played by Alan Bates) to become very indecisive towards her needs as he develops a liking to Georgy.

When Meredith becomes pregnant, her oblivion causes Georgy to become protective of the unborn child, as Jos convinces Georgy to be with him and raise the child together. As Georgy agrees, her love for the child increases, as she decides to do what is best for the baby.

Writers Margaret Forster and Peter Nichols create compassionate characters who are self absorbed in their pursuit to accomplish their goals. This compassion allows them to become rowdy with each other when they don’t get what they want. Director Silvio Narizzono creates a whimsical environment where the characters become skeptical of each other’s decisions. This skepticism causes them to notice their insecurities as they make an effort to focus on what is important to them.