Review of The Edge of Love (2008) by Yuping L — 10 Feb 2009

John Maybury's "The Edge of Love" follows legendary poet Dylan Thomas through four years of his life during war time London, where he lived with his wife Caitlyn (Sienna Miller) and an old love interest Vera Phillips (Keira Knightley) who met again after 10 years apart.

At times it feels like director John Maybury relies on Knightley and Miller's looks to charm audience rather than developing character, as it is obvious that the pair both look fantastic on screen and are hugely talented. These character introductions look incredible; with a close up of Keira introduced in underground london as a desperately glamourous singer and Caitlyn introduced with an extreme close up of her bright blue eyes, revealing a cigarette, walking down a street all in red standing out amongst the crowd. It's clear that these two actresses pull the audience in with their looks.

The story takes quite a unique approach on romance, in which we see an awkward love triangle develop between Vera, Caitlyn and Dylan. I found it interesting with the way that the narrative kept switching through different perspectives to keep us questioning eachothers actions ie - how much flirting is acceptable with your best friends partner if any at all? It's also quite a realistic reflection of societies attitudes to romance at the time. Here we see interior shots of a pub which is suddenly struck by a bomb, the atmosphere developed is that each character including the background ones are grabbing ahold of life as they know they could die at any moment, so it's no wonder the proposal from William to Vera seems a little rushed.

The cinematography of the film is fantastic and seems to be split into two sections. The first half reflects what seems a bit of a fantasy world, with useage of soft lighting and shadows, slight use of out of focus and fantastic silhouettes. The music also contributes to the character's "living on the edge" optimistic outlook.

The second half however appears as a harsh reality, with the use of harsh pebble beaches and open spaces, rain, overgrown grass and a sense of isolation on the lonely welsh village.

It's been commented by critics that the film loses its heart as the story moves out of London, I felt however that it only becomes more realistic, looking at a sobering wake up call to the story line, ie - Williams "my wife and your husband!". It also cuts to Williams story as he is away at war, genuinely getting across how terrified and vulnerable he is with gunshots just missing him.

As the film draws to a close, it breaks conventions as we expect it to fall into a stereotypical love story ending, however, this film is much more about Vera and Caitlyn's relationship than anyone elses. It's a very honest and realistic film.

I wouldnt advise it for everyone though, it's definately a "mood film".

Xo.