Review of Maurice (1987) by Stephen M — 30 Apr 2008

Truly one of the great movies, Maurice is a faithful and comprehensive adaptation of a beautiful novel. I, so, admire the work of the producer and director, of the actors, the composer, the art director and all the others who brought this film to the screen. I could not recommend it more, though I admit that it will not be for everyone - it can be slow and cerebral and not all of us are.

This movie, though, is the first time I saw Hugh Grant, Rupert Graves and Judy Parfitt, all of whom turn in beautiful performances. James Wilby, as Maurice, is just a bit of perfection. Helena Bonham Carter turns up for just a moment in a role that ranks as a cameo (she had already gained fame in Lady Jane and A Room With A View).

I would be hard pressed to find a movie that I find to be more tactile. As I watch this film, I can feel the lush English countryside and the mist on the ground. I can smell the water in the air. I am sure a lot of it has to do with Richard Robbins' gorgeous score.

And it has one of the most romantic, one of the most sexy, one of the most heart racing love scenes in a movie; and I don't want to spoil it for anyone so if you want to look for it when you watch it, let me just say it involves a ladder and a window.

Yes, Maurice will always be one of my favourites and I imagine I am not alone.