 |
"Look Back in Anger" is what is known as a British "kitchen sink" drama. The film depicts a turbulent time in the lives of a young British married couple, Jimmy & Allison Porter (Richard Burton & Mary Ure). The problem is that they hail from disparate social status & class backgrounds. Richard Burton gives an intense bravura performance as the lower status & class husband. Jimmy's love for Allison occasionally shows; however, he usually takes out his anger on her in rapidly fired verbal assaults that have become a trademark representing the intensity of Burton's acting skill. Allison is a passive, unresponsive wife played by Mary Ure. The key to their marital dischord is a fundamental inability to overcome how very different they are. Nevertheless, they are touchingly devoted to each other. Cliff (Gary Raymond) is the Jimmy Porter's kindly & steadfast friend. Mrs. Tanner (Dame Edith Evans), seems to be the only person Jimmy knows how to respect & unconditionally love. Helena Charles (Claire Bloom) is Allison's best friend. This supporting cast couldn't be better. However, when this film is viewed in its entirety, it's Richard Burton's show. The story's focus is about his character & Burton's performance goes beyond simply doing justice to that character. Burton becomes the proverbial 'every angry man'. As such, Jimmy Porter is unforgettable. Some reviewers would call "Look Back in Anger" a period piece about the plight of many post-WWII marriages in Britain. But, I feel that's over-simplifying what the film's focus is. If it were just about the period of post-WWII & what went on in British marriages, then BBC wouldn't hesitate to air this film. Especially with such a stellar British cast! The key to understanding this film is paying close attention to Richard Burton's Jimmy Porter. This is his story~Read full review
Excellent film! Highly recommend for fans of Richard Burton! He was one that did anger really well! Combined with that Shakespearian voice was enough to make you shake in your boots!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
1958 Richard Burton and Claire Bloom. No one does vulnerable anger like Burton, and he is in full rage mode through most of the movie. It doesn't really explain why he tries so hard to hurt the people he loves or why they put up with it. He loves two women, who seem interchangeable and neither can contain him. His manipulative techniques are typical of the emotional abuser and the women are trying hard to be "good" women '50s style, which doesn't work. I found the subject too dark to be enjoyable.
Excellent image/sound copy of a particularly entertaining drama with comedy relief throughout the story.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
One of Richard Burtons best movies
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
