Review of Women in Love (1969) by Robert C — 03 Apr 2011
A truly great cast at the top of their form, some superb locations and cinematography already make this a fine film, but it is also that rare flower, a Ken Russell film where he didn't let over-exuberance get the better of him.
The title is a bit of a misnomer, because it is as much about exploring when deep male friendships can turn into love and what happens when love dies as it is about women in love, but that's DH Lawrence's doing, not Ken Russell's.
Glenda Jackson deserved her Best Actress Oscar for Gudrun Brangwen, Alan Bates his Nomination for Rupert Birkin and Ken his Nomination for the Direction. Oliver Reed smoulders throughout what is probably his finest professional performance on film as Gerald Crich (although it probably ties with the later unprofessional TV appearance on After Dark for memorability).
Quite why Jennie Linden faded from view is a mystery, because she is very impressive as Ursula. The recent BBC TV adaptation was very good, but this is better.
This review of Women in Love (1969) was written by Robert C on 03 Apr 2011.
Women in Love has generally received positive reviews.
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