Review of Disgrace (2008) by Michael T — 02 Dec 2012
A deeply disturbing film that explores the abuse of women. John Malkovich plays Professor David Lurie who is dismissed from his university post after taking advantage of a female student. There is always the underlying feeling that although she participates, she is unwilling.
After his dismissal, Lurie visits his daughter Lucy, played by Jessica Haines, who is subject to a vicious rape and inseminartion by three black boys. Lurie is furious at the abuse suffered by his daughter, but fails to link it to the abuse to which he subject his pupil Melanie (played by Antoinette Engel).
As a backdrop, the film explores the state of South Africa, suggesting that since the abolition of apartheid, the country has gone to rack and ruin. So many white South Africans today feel dispossessed.
The part that was shot in South Africa is beautifully photographed, and the desolation of the country certainly comes through. In summary, a very fine film.
This review of Disgrace (2008) was written by Michael T on 02 Dec 2012.
Disgrace has generally received positive reviews.
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