Look Back in Anger (1989)
Since it first premiered on London’s West End in 1956, John Osborne’s LOOK BACK IN ANGER has shocked audiences with its blunt portrayal of domestic realism.
Now available for the first time on DVD, Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh and Academy Award winner Emma Thompson star in this powerful Thames Television adaptation of Osborne’s enduring classic.
LOOK BACK IN ANGER tells the simple but gripping story of Jimmy Porter (Kenneth Branagh), an angry young man with a college education and a dead-end job.
Feeling trapped by his circumstances, his squalid post-war flat, and spurred on by self-pity, Porter lashes out against his wife, Allison (Emma Thompson), his lover, Helena (Siobhan Redmond), and his business partner, Cliff (Gerard Horan).
Fierce, compassionate, funny, and ultimately cathartic, John Osborne's classic ''kitchen sink'' drama, as directed by Academy Award winner Judi Dench, is a masterpiece of ensemble acting.
Member Reviews
good dialogue - tbird
the film is more like a play. it gets a bit claustrophobic. the ranting of the male character is like nothing i have heard before at least in films. it was a bit tiring to listen to. a bit draining but the writing was good. one has to be in the mood for an intensity. it is like listening to someone on cocaine who is manic depressive. i pity the lady character. no wonder she was confused.Branagh/Thompson: Classic Performances - Stitch
This work was not filmed during a stage performance but it's presented in that mold. So the appeal of this allegedly dated play will appeal to all live theatre patrons in the mood for a sombre evening of anger, bitterness and cynicism—and a truly riveting performance by Kenneth Branagh. In a lesser role as his victim, Emma Thompson aids and abets superbly, with strong support from the balance of the cast. And to my knowledge, this was Judi Dench’s one and only attempt at directing. It’s adequate. And I'll admit the scope for innovation is limited.
I used the term ‘allegedly dated’ because the play was written in the late 50’s when it was very relevant to societal malaise in the aftermath of the war. But England went through a rebirth in the 70’s and 80’s and class angst was out of fashion. Most young people were too busy making money. But I’m in agreement with another viewer who feels this work is once again in tune with the current UK climate of disillusionment. And I submit you’ll seldom find intelligent dialogue so superbly delivered in our current live theatre.
In the following year, Branagh gave us his epic Henry V for which he won an Oscar nomination. But it was an unfortunate year to be in that category: fellow Irishman Daniel Day-Lewis won (deservedly) for his signature performance in My Left Foot. But Branagh continues to impress us with every outing, my favorites being a sinister portrayal of General Reinhard Heydrich in Conspiracy (2001) and the heroic Sir Ernest Shackleton in Shackleton (2002).
Reminder: this two hour film is confined to one room with three principal actors. It is dialogue first and foremost with only minor action episodes to segue between moods. The writing is intelligent almost to a fault considering the social setting but it's not a Marlon Brando-type moody fulmination.
It is a masterful compilation of words and emotion to beguile us. And it is not light entertainment. Highly recommended.
Member Reviews
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good dialogue - tbird
the film is more like a play. it gets a bit claustrophobic. the ranting of the male character is like nothing i have heard before at least in films. it was a bit tiring to listen to. a bit draining but the writing was good. one has to be in the mood for an ...Branagh/Thompson: Classic Performances - Stitch
This work was not filmed during a stage performance but it's presented in that mold. So the appeal of this allegedly dated play will appeal to all live theatre patrons in the mood for a sombre evening of anger, bitterness and cynicism—and a truly riveting ...