Darling
Julie Christie turns in an astonishing, Oscar-winning performance in this "sensitive and stunning tale" (Cue) about wanting it all - and getting exactly what you wish for. Directed by John Schlesinger from an Oscar-winning screenplay by Frederic Raphael, Darling is "a slashing social satire...loaded with startling expositions and lacerating wit" (The New York Times).
Ambitious model Diana Scott (Christie) uses her relationships to turn a low-rent career into a high-gear smorgasbord of jet-setting, love-making and the pursuit of hedonistic happiness. But as she moves from one fiery tryst with a TV writer (Dirk Bogarde) to another with a suave playboy (Laurence Harvey) and yet another with a crown prince, she finds that happiness is the one thing that may elude her forever.
Member Reviews
Christie Christie Christie - Stitch
because that’s about the sum total of this ode to pulchritude and licentiousness. When released in 1966, it created a stir with English audiences similar to La Dolce Vita of 1960. As if we Brits decided we can do sexual license just as well as those Italians and with a more gorgeous wanton to boot. And without subtitles. But it’s a lesser vehicle.
Julie Christie won an Oscar for her efforts. In today’s context, it’s difficult to understand why but that’s not to say she wasn’t effective; she portrays well the defining attribute of being adrift and ammoral and incapable of maintaining committed relationships. Unfortunately this means we eventually come to look on her character as shallow and unsympathetic--and finally quit giving a damn. So it's very difficult to build a compelling resolution with this handicap, as you will see.
Dirk Bogardge on the other hand is convincing as the genuinely caring lover. Him we can root for, to dump her.
But this lady has innate warmth that surfaces occasionally in spite of the story line. Which is another reason she just doesn’t play well as an abandoned orgy participant. Completely out of character in this scene though not helped by it being about as sexy as steamed broccoli. But kudos to Lawrence Harvey; he made a career out of cads and does well as an eerily lizard lover. Talk about a greasy lothario!
The cinematography is brazen for the era with a harsh and contrasty treatment to reinforce the superficiality of the life style. It succeeds but begs at least a few lighter episodes for occasional relief. Frankly it’s all pretty depressing -- which we can tolerate if the story is reasonably entertaining. Which it isn’t.
For film buffs, worth a rental to see what’s evolved over forty years in taking sex to the screen . And yes, I admit I could watch Julie Christie read recipes.Skip this one Darling... - kevinm
This film bored me quite a bit... The story of a woman looking for love, or somethig like it, in the swinging 60's. The film did not age well, the story is very 'deja vu', and the caracters are not very likeable. If you must see a film in this genre, pick 'La dolce vita' a much better film in the same genre.Striving for Everything, Ending with Up Nothing - McStinky
The film opens with a shot of a billboard for "World Hunger Relief" being papered over by an ad for "Ideal Woman" magazine. On the cover of magazine is the lead character. This scene more or less tells you everything you need to know about Darling, as played by Julie Christie. What we learn is that Darling looks for happiness from fame and fortune, but leads a life that is shallow and empty. Although she ends up marrying royalty and enjoys all of the riches that go with it, she really has nothing in the end. She is simply unable to love or be loved. Julie Christie received the Academy award for best actress in a leading roll (1965) for her work in this film and I believe it was well deserved.
Member Reviews
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Christie Christie Christie - Stitch
because that’s about the sum total of this ode to pulchritude and licentiousness. When released in 1966, it created a stir with English audiences similar to La Dolce Vita of 1960. As if we Brits decided we can do sexual license just as well as those Italians ...Skip this one Darling... - kevinm
This film bored me quite a bit... The story of a woman looking for love, or somethig like it, in the swinging 60's. The film did not age well, the story is very 'deja vu', and the caracters are not very likeable. If you must see a film in this genre, pick ...Striving for Everything, Ending with Up Nothing - McStinky
The film opens with a shot of a billboard for "World Hunger Relief" being papered over by an ad for "Ideal Woman" magazine. On the cover of magazine is the lead character. This scene more or less tells you everything you need to know about Darling, as played ...