Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on December 08, 2008 at 20:03:36

Schlesinger's superb social commentary from the mid-60s with two memorable performances from Julie Christie and Dirk Bogarde. Lawrence Harvey, as the corrupting bon vivant, also is terrific.
This film hasn't aged 5 minutes; it's now as entertaining and piercing a commentary on the upper-classes, and those who strive to join them at any cost, as it was then.
Schlesinger is a great director whose films get far more respect than he does.
This film is the equal of "La Dolce Vita" or other Antonioni films which swim in the same waters, though with different strokes.
It is a wonderful bonus that it is filmed on location also in Paris, Capri, and the sunny Italian countryside.
Christie's genius is that in portraying a conniving, selfish climber, she still manages to make the viewer fall in love with her. A truly unforgettable performance.