Title:
Iris
Released: 2001
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 91 min
Country: UK /
USA
Language: English
Tagline:
Her greatest talent was for life
Plot
Summary: Iris, based on the life of revered
British writer and philosopher Iris Murdoch, is a
story of unlikely yet enduring love. As a young academic,
teaching philosophy at Oxford, Murdoch (Kate Winslet/Judi
Dench) meets and eventually falls in love with fellow
professor John Bayley (Hugh Bonneville/Jim Broadbent),
a man whose awkwardness seems in stark opposition
to the spirited self-confidence of his future wife.
The story unfolds as snippets of time, seen through
Bayley's eyes. He recalls their first encounter over
40 years ago, activities they enjoyed doing together,
and Iris' charismatic and individualistic personality.
These images portray Murdoch as a vibrant young woman
with great intellect and are contrasted with the novelist's
later life, after the effects of Alzheimer's disease
have ravaged her. Murdoch's great mind deteriorates
until she is reduced to a mere vestige of her former
self, unable to perform simple tasks and completely
reliant on her at times frustrated yet devoted husband.
Comments:
Shattering.
This episodic story of Iris Murdoch, best selling
novelist, and her husband John Bayley, is not for
the faint-hearted. There are no illusions here, and
those that seem to exist are shattered by grim reality.
The film pulls no punches, showing Iris as a self-absorbed,
stream-of-consciousness woman who becomes ill with
Alzheimer's disease. Her husband, in sickness and
in health, seems to always be a step behind her. However,
he is enthralled with her - totally devoted and ultimately
alone.
Yet, this portrait is beautiful and episodic, filled
with symbolism, wonderful flashbacks, and the threads
of a relationship built and undone. The four leads
are just wonderful, with Jim Broadbent deservedly
receiving an Oscar for his performance. Superb cinematography,
editing, and direction support the actors and the
great script. Highly recommended. I give it 9 out
of 10.
Cast
overview:
Judi Dench .... Iris Murdoch
Jim Broadbent .... John Bayley
Kate Winslet .... Young Iris Murdoch
Hugh Bonneville .... Young John Bayley
Penelope Wilton .... Janet Stone
Eleanor Bron .... Principal
Angela Morant .... Hostess
Siobhan Hayes .... Check-Out Girl
Juliet Aubrey .... Young Janet Stone
Joan Bakewell .... BBC Presenter
Nancy Carroll .... BBC PA
Kris Marshall .... Dr. Gudgeon
Tom Mannion .... Neurologist
Derek Hutchinson .... Postman
Samuel West .... Young Maurice
Movie
scenes preview:
Scene #1
Scene
Description:
Kate Winslet seen nude underwater as she skinny dips
with her lover in this title sequence.
featured
actress:
Scene #2
Scene
Description:
Kate Winslet seen nude underwater.
featured
actress:
Scene #3
Scene
Description:
Kate
Winslet popping up out of the water nude, giving us
a nice view of her breasts, then seen naked from behind
as she emerges from the water, and finally seen completely
nude from the side as she drips dry.
featured
actress:
Scene #4
Scene
Description:
Kate Winslet seen nude running and jumping into the
water - and then seen naked swimming around underwater
with her lover.
featured
actress:
Scene #5
Scene
Description:
Kate Winslet topless on top of a guy, riding him.
featured
actress:
