Negatives

Strange doesn't begin to describe this film, which features three of the coldest, most unpleasant movie characters I've seen in some time - which wouldn't necessarily be bad in itself, if only the characters were more interesting. None commands our sympathy; not the passive/aggressive Theo, nor the contemptuous Vivien, nor the enigmatic Reingard. Basically, "Negatives" is the story of a selfish, ineffectual man who exchanges one pathetic fantasy role for another. "Peanuts" fans will recall how Snoopy, imagining himself to be a World War I flying ace, sat atop his doghouse, pretending it was a Sopwith Camel; Theo's embrace of Baron von Richthofen reaches an even more ludicrous height (both figuratively and literally). Director Peter Medak's deliberate pacing makes you feel as though there is some Great Meaning invested in this movie. My question is: What on earth is it?

I have little to add to Eugene Kim's comments which accurately express my opinion, too. In the 1970's, this odd film ran on late night television and stood apart from most everything else. Peter Medak's director credit for The Ruling Class preceded him so I was very patient with this film. The momentary use of piano music was an immeasurably extreme highlight. I felt very friendly toward the unique Glenda Jackson who was intensely committed to her acting, her director and her cast-members. For all its, what, its stupidity? ... For all that, the film achieves a believable sense of intimacy sealed from the world, hence the sense of suffocation. This film is capable of leaving a lasting impression because of the committed cast and those few moments of piano music.