I saw this movie late at night by myself and I was absolutely terrified. I was house sitting for a friend who's house was in the boonies in Anchorage and it was a dark & snowy night. I watched this movie totally engrossed & unable to turn away - kinda like a train wreck! I slept with the light on that night.
I went out & got the out of print book at the library. The book by Huxley is totally different, although the movie was faithful to most of the historical aspects of the story. The book is a beautiful testament of faith. You really should try to get a copy if the film piqued your interest in this slice of history. There is also an opera that is based on this story (as well as a John Whiting play) and all of this is based on historical facts. Obviously, I have done some research since seeing the movie. That's how much it affected me.
The story is one of politics versus spiritual redemption; desire versus despair. The acting is wonderful - especially Oliver Reed. To me, this is his best performance ever. In addition, it's a Ken Russell film so the presentation is wild to say the least. But for this story, it works. Derek Jarman's sets also lend a modern-retro kind of feel to the movie. Watch this one late at night when you are all alone. It's a one of a kind that I have never seen duplicated since. Not even the Exorcist has the same kind of horrific darkness as this movie (if you watch the credits of the Exorcist, they use some music from the Penderecki opera, The Devils of Loudun).
SPOILER BEYOND HERE **************
This movie is not for everyone. If you get the imported copy from England, there is the restored "Rape of Christ" scene that some will find not only horrific, but absolutely revolting. This movie is not for everyone - but the same can be said of any movie really. I'd prefer to watch this rather than "Dumb and Dumbmer." I recommend this movie to those with an open mind & a taste for the unusual. It is a movie FAR ahead of its time - in fact, Warner Brothers STILL will not release the restored copy - that's how controversial it is. A controversial movies doesn't always equate with a great movie - but this movie is singular in its achievement.
I went out & got the out of print book at the library. The book by Huxley is totally different, although the movie was faithful to most of the historical aspects of the story. The book is a beautiful testament of faith. You really should try to get a copy if the film piqued your interest in this slice of history. There is also an opera that is based on this story (as well as a John Whiting play) and all of this is based on historical facts. Obviously, I have done some research since seeing the movie. That's how much it affected me.
The story is one of politics versus spiritual redemption; desire versus despair. The acting is wonderful - especially Oliver Reed. To me, this is his best performance ever. In addition, it's a Ken Russell film so the presentation is wild to say the least. But for this story, it works. Derek Jarman's sets also lend a modern-retro kind of feel to the movie. Watch this one late at night when you are all alone. It's a one of a kind that I have never seen duplicated since. Not even the Exorcist has the same kind of horrific darkness as this movie (if you watch the credits of the Exorcist, they use some music from the Penderecki opera, The Devils of Loudun).
SPOILER BEYOND HERE **************
This movie is not for everyone. If you get the imported copy from England, there is the restored "Rape of Christ" scene that some will find not only horrific, but absolutely revolting. This movie is not for everyone - but the same can be said of any movie really. I'd prefer to watch this rather than "Dumb and Dumbmer." I recommend this movie to those with an open mind & a taste for the unusual. It is a movie FAR ahead of its time - in fact, Warner Brothers STILL will not release the restored copy - that's how controversial it is. A controversial movies doesn't always equate with a great movie - but this movie is singular in its achievement.