Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on January 09, 2009 at 19:49:32

Dirk Bogarde, who must be on anyone's short list as the best of the 60s-onwards British actors, gives a cracker of a performance as the seemingly perfect butler. His master, played by the very young and already very talented James Fox, becomes involved in an intrigue within his own house though, until quite late in the game, he doesn't tumble to it.
Sarah Miles, also very young and delectable, gives a performance so wide-eyed that the viewer finds her actions all but impossible.
This film is as severe and insightful an evisceration of British society as ever has been filmed. Along with "Darling," it must rate near the top of brilliant British film drama.
Like most great films, this film's level of excellence extends to cinematography, score, editing.
After seeing this film, you'll be grateful you cannot afford a personal "man," as in, "Millie, this is my man, Hugo."
Losey and Harold Pinter collaborated on more than a few projects, none better than this. Pinter's screenplay is taut, frightening, humorous, and very, very dark.