Review of The Rainbow (1989) by Jenna I — 05 Jan 2018

I wasn't expecting this to be such an excellent movie! Perhaps it's bogged down by Ken Russell being the director but only in the sense that people's expectations seem to be kinda all over the map. It's definitely more Merchant/Ivory than Lisztomania, but honestly so is Women In Love so I'm a little confused as to why people would be let down by him doing another DH Lawrence relatively straight? It's shot rather beautifully, with plenty of Russell moments both in the camera work and the set design. Makes me wonder if what people are really grumbling about is the focus of the plot, in which case I say: fie!

This is such a glorious feminist film. A woman who, gasp, dares to think there's more in life for her than just settling for a man who loves her but expects her to still conform to the barefoot wife at home once she's married. Ursula is a complex and layered character, with an innocence and idealism that all at once drives her to accept new experiences and never settle for the bad ones.

Ignoring the semi-abrupt actual last minute of the film, I really appreciated the end of the film which, while sad in some ways, shows that her spirit truly is more important than anything else - it's the type of ending women simply are never granted!! Men do it all the damn time - self sacrificing for the greater good while the director nods in approval - so while not the most original or satisfying ending, it was just so refreshing to see it happen here with Ursula.

Ken Russell does it again, king of filmmaking. Also bonus lol seeing Dr Who naked, Downton Abbey's Mr Carson beating children and David Hemmings looking like a much-older-than-he-was-but-still-dignified senior citizen. Also just Glenda Jackson always forever.