La volpe

"The Fox" is a rare cinematic gem that deserves to be appreciated by a wider audience today. At the very least, it needs to be released on DVD. I saw it in a theater when it first came out, and several times again when it was shown on the Bravo cable channel. I have read the book and feel this adaptation into a contemporary setting is without blemish. Production standards and acting quality are very high. The photography and musical score are excellent. Never did the Canadian winter wilderness seem so romantic.

Some have complained that this film is supposedly dated because of some alleged Hollywood idea in the 1960's that lesbianism should be frowned upon or seen as something that happens only when male partners are not available. That is simply not the case. The film follows the book. This is an intelligent, subtle, and very adult study of human sexuality. There is nothing cheap or tawdry about this picture. D. H. Lawrence had incredible intuitive observations into the motivations and desires of his characters' sexual lives. It is high class all the way.

The three talented lead actors (Sandy Dennis, Anne Heywood, Keir Dullea) can be very proud of their work in this "high-brow" art film. Highly recommended for everyone, not just gay audiences.

A seaman named Paul, on-leave for two weeks, returns to his grandfather's chicken ranch only to discover two women, Jill and Ellen, residing there instead; they welcome him in, but soon he begins lusting for Ellen, who is seen as sexually unfulfilled and is therefore drawn to this handsome stranger. This drives a wedge between the two ladies, whose close relationship is ultimately steeped in the hypothetical (they sleep in the same bed, but back to back). Mark Rydell directed this adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's novella, and he's infinitely helped along by beautifully desolate, wintry Toronto locales and by William Fraker's incredible cinematography. The three-person sturm and drang which develops is blanketed by ambiguities and eye-rolling symbolism, however the cast is first-rate. Keir Dullea's performance is flattened out a bit in the last third by Rydell, who has a penchant for cheap melodrama, and also by composer Lalo Schifrin, whose 'suspenseful' music cues become repetitive (you almost expect Norman Bates to come running in). Sandy Dennis and Anne Heywood do extremely well with difficult characterizations, but the notion that Heywood has to pleasure herself in private weakens the bond we sense between the women--this is truly the love which dare not speak its name!--and the final events feel tacked on, with the psychological contest between Jill and Paul leading to an unsatisfying climax. **1/2 from ****

Another Sandy Dennis movie that ought to be on video. Love to see a revival of this one. Keir Dullea--2001 star--plays a very different cutting edge role! Captures the essence of Lawrence's take on men, women and nature.

Robert Morgan's comments about no nudity are true only because he saw the censored version which did get a PG rating. The original version has a fair amount of nudity at the proper time. I'm certain he saw this on some cable channel which prohibits nudity. I am opposed to such censorship. If TV channels are going to show a film at all, they need to show the entire film!

Excellent film, and a bit shocking for its time.

The two lead actresses (Anne Heywood and Sandy Dennis) were very believable, and Kier Dullea gives his usual fine performance. It's been many years since I saw this, so it's hard to be more specific.

I am also interested in seeing this film released on video/DVD.

It was a good movie, it had great production design and direction. You never know what's going to happen. I suggest this film to anyone who wants to see some good acting. It was undated and brave.