The Life and Loves of a She-Devil

This was novel writing at its best and became TV at its best. I knew Phillip Saville, the director, and this was his best but the hard centre of sheer quality came from Fay Weldon, a friend then and still a friend. She is a really nice woman but deploys a brilliant venom in the interests of her art. She is currently (July 2001) writing her autobiography and it will be interesting to see how closely she admits to connections to her then husband Ron's behaviour.

This is one of the best transpositions of a novel to film I have ever seen. Unfortunately few people in the US know about this production; they know only about the atrocious version with Roseanne & M. Streep. The casting & acting in this one are flawless. One of my favorite books & one of my favorite films.

I can't say enough positive things about this film. It's possible the best translation of a novel into film I've ever seen. Most of the book's sharp astounding satirical/absurd plot turns have been retained & are rendered with penetrating, even devastating effect. The performances, especially those of Patricia Hodge & Julie T. Wallace, are just perfect. One of my favorite films based on one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors!

This movie has been on my mind for years. It was one of a very few perfect productions. The actors were on the mark, the story suspenseful, with unexpected frankness (for that time) in it's treatment of infidelity and the clergy. At the same time, it was funny as hell. Why it has not been replayed is a mystery. Let's all say a prayer for it's return.

I would argue that this work ranks as one of the best made-for-television mini-series ever; its just a stunner, and great great fun. And definitely made for adults! The fatal flaw in the story is that it ultimately makes absolutely no sense for the strong-willed and capable lead character to be in such relentless pursuit to repossess an ex-spouse who clearly isn't worth anything, but its a wild ride while it lasts. I am so happy that I taped it :)