1919

It is criminal that this profoundly scripted and beautiful piece should have no commentary on IMDb and that has inspired me to write my first IMDb review. I was fortunate enough to see this work a special screening in London. Although the film is based on the imagined lives of Freud's patients, one needs no prior knowledge, and can just enjoy the massive talents of Scofield and Schell devouring the meaty script. This script weaves their stories with footage of Revolutionary Russia and Nazified Austria to investigate whether we are determined by nature or nurture, but it does so in an accessible, compelling way. The prodigious talents of the young Diana Quick, Claire Higgins and Colin Firth are just added attractions to this worthy watch.

Quiet, nuanced, and compelling. I remember it from 1985 at an art cinema, and searched long and hard to find it again. It is irresistible -- makes me think how far movies have sunk, from its developmental years through its monumental ones -- where great writing, truly towering performances and substantial stories -- whether true or fictional -- were available across a range of genres -- to the action, comic-book and fantasy or horror that seem all people can take in today.

If you can get near this, and another underrated Scofield wonder, Utz, don't miss the chance. Whither now A Man for All Seasons? Scofield won a Best Actor Oscar for that. This year it will probably be Will Smith for playing a tennis player's father.