Review of Women in Love (1969) by Aldo M — 31 Jul 2015

I had no idea that Larry Kramer wrote the screenplay for this movie adaptation. Having recently seen an HBO special about his life and activism I decided to check this movie out. Although it is a little precious and ponderous at times I basically enjoyed the movie.

The acting is superb; the cinema photography is at times breathtaking; and a rich decadence drips from the screen. It's both sexy and sexual, a sort of erotic tour de force. The camera seems to adore the faces of the two couples who engage in that tango called "Love".

There are scenes of great sensuality and eroticism, including the famous (infamous?) nude wrestling scene between the two males. It could've come across as a silly attempt to shock, but doesn't.

It is just as memorable and well choreographed as I heard it was. The men are both attractive, especially if you like facial hair as I do. Glenda Jackson won Best Actress for this but for me it was Oliver Reed who stole the show.

This movie contains one of the saddest scenes ever, poetic and beautiful. I'm glad I checked this one out. It's a classic.