invinoveritas1

The soon-to-be King George VI, nicknamed Bertie, is emasculated by his family and a nanny when he is quite young, especially, his father deprecating him at every turn (Freudians, take heed!). Bertie has a severe stammer (stutter), though he can curse and speak when angry without difficulty, but not otherwise. It is discovered that he was originally left handed and was converted to being right handed. This is the highly emotional & largely true true story of the soon to be monarch, who facing a war (WW II)is fearful of performing his duties because of his disabling stammer. But what to do - speech therapists have a go without benefit until one highly unusual individual, Geoffry Rush as Lionel gets hold of him, literally, and attempts to work his magic. The film is a textbook case of Freudian analysis, though not identified as such in the film, in attempting to get at the cause of a debility in order to release the extreme tension it has on Bertie.

So far as details, cinematography is excellent, as are casting, direction, acting, script, and editing in maintaining tension throughout the film.

This film which I just saw in early February, 2009, 31 years following its original release has, obviously help up over time. It is an extremely powerful and emotional film ostensibly about the filming of the ancient Greek play of the same name by Euripides. However, there develop subplots which are alluded to earlier, then appear, adding considerable complexity to the story line. The powerful and emotional acting by Mercouri, Burstyn, and the smaller role by Katrakis, all contribute to the whole of this under appreciated film - it should be seen by everyone interested in serious film making. I look forward to seeing it again in the hope of finding even greater nuance in the unraveling of this compelling tale.

Brilliant adaptation of the largely interior monologues of Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom by Joseph Strick in recreating the endearing portrait of Dublin on June 16, 1904 - Bloomsday - a day to be celebrated - double entendre intended! Bravo director Strick, screenwriter Haines, as well as casting director and cinematographer in creating this masterpiece. Gunter Grass' novel, The Tin Drum filmed by Volker Schlöndorff (1979)is another fine film adaptation of interior monologue which I favorably compare with Strick's film.

While there are clearly recognized Dublin landmarks in the original novel and in the film, there are also recognizable characters, although with different names in the novel. For example, Buck Mulligan with whom Dedalus lives turns out to be a then prominent Dublin surgeon.

This film for all of its excellence is made even richer by additional viewings.

Brian invinoveritas1@AOL.com 15 June 2008