Portrait of a Marriage
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Movie Reviews of Portrait of a Marriage
Movie Review: the agony of longing
Summary: 5 Stars
I first watched this series when it came out in much anticipated weekly installments on Masterpiece Theater in 1992. My rapture lasted from Sunday to Sunday and having now the full serving at one sitting allows me to recapture small nuances that had fallen into the abyss of forgetfulness (it was fourteen years ago!) The story of the Nicolsons and of Vita and Violet is the story of a longing that exhilarates and crushes, as Janet McTeer's face and actions vividly capture. Her longing for Violet, as compared to her true longing for her husband, makes one believe that loving only one person is perhaps unnatural and unhealthy. Harold comes across as truly "male" in that he expects Vita to return to him even though he continues to pursue his same-sex relationships. One sometimes wonders if his love for her is truly deep or whether his awareness of social convention is stronger than Vita's, as she continuously lives on the edges of her passions. Vita is striking as portrayed by Ms McTeer, both as a woman and disguised as a man. Violet is a striking beauty but comes off as more needy and less insightful. Mr. Trefusis is portrayed as a prig, lost in a vortex of passion that he cannot feel, much less comprehend. This is a most thoughtful and detailed "portrait" of relationships--male/female and female/female--without condescension or judgment. Watch it carefully and come to your own conclusion to be sure: I suspect your thoughts about sexual relations will be profoundly shaken.Movie Review: Platonic Passion
Summary: 5 Stars
"Portrait of a Marriage" is the superb, controversial Masterpiece Theater miniseries from 1990. Nearly two decades old, it was shocking at the time, before the show became the redundant "Masterpiece Classic" and more historically than emotionally authentic. "Portrait" has endured. In the '90s, the Bloomsbury group inspired numerous movies, from this series to Sally Potter's "Orlando" and Emma Thompson in "Carrington."
"Portrait of a Marriage" is a biopic of feminist author Vita Sackville-West and her diplomat husband, Harold Nicolson. They married, and had a deep emotional bond, despite the fact Harold had flings with handsome young men, and Vita carried on with women--such as Virginia Woolf. The series is quite affecting in showing their affectionate, passionate devotion. Janet McTeer and David Haig are an excellent, credible couple. Their marriage is endangered by Vita's longtime friend, Violet Keppel (Cathryn Harrison). Vita is torn between her husband's devotion and Violet's flighty passion. Harold provides constancy,despite the fact he has a handsome unseen lover named Edward in Paris. Vita and Violet are impassioned&obsessed. One can argue that it was the infidelity and the obsession that was the problem, not the homosexuality.
"Portrait of a Marriage" is a superb period piece. It depicts a time when homosexuality was more stigmatized, and gender roles were more rigid. It's a powerful, passionate portrait.
Movie Review: Powerful Passions
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember seeing this series when it first came out in England many years ago. I recently bought the DVD's issued here in the US. Seeing it again, so many years later, did not diminish the effect it had on me. I was quite surprised by this and I think that fact alone says something about the quality of this production. It is really an examination of the conflict between stable family life and the wild passions of youth. Many people might contemplate the kind of marriage/relationship that Vita had, but very few would actually go through with it. There are some very violent scenes so this is not for the faint of heart, and some heartbreaking ones when you see the effect the turmoil is having on her children. It superbly acted by all parties especially the husbands- they are very hard parts to play. Janet McTeer is absolutely perfect as Vita. Many people know of Vita Sackville-West because of her later relationship with Virginia Woolf. But it is vital to understand her first major extramarital affair with Violet to understand the context of her later relationships with other women.
For gardeners out there thinking that this might show Sissinghurst, a word of caution, most of the action takes place while Vita and Harold were creating their Long Barn garden, not Sissinghurst. But there are some divine shots of Sissinghurst (especially the White garden) at the very end.
Movie Review: Tugs at your heart strings
Summary: 5 Stars
I've only seen the edited version on the US LOGO network and I'm in the process of reading the book right now, but let me tell you, this story is gripping and really pulls you in emotionally. The adaptation from book, which is part autobiographical by Vita Sackville-West (written only days after the climax of her relationship with Violet Trefusis) and part biographical by Vita and Harold's son Nigel, is simply wonderful. Janet McTeer who captivated me in films like "Songcatcher" and "Tumbleweeds" is stunning as Vita. Her ability to shift from Vita's fierce desire for Violet to Harold's gentle wife is amazing. I know I'm ignoring the other actors in the film, not to say that they weren't wonderful as well(particulary David Haig as Harold) but the reason watch this film really is Janet McTeer.
Very seldom do I see films that grip me emotionally as much as this one has. The fact that this film as well as the book were ever made fulfills a prophecy of Vita's which she expresses so heartfeltly in the book. Which (to summerize)is that society will one day progress enough that stories like her's, Harold's and Violet's can be told and not looked upon with disgust and shame but rather by that of an open mind and perhaps educate others.
Movie Review: Excellent....
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw Part I of this series when it originally aired on PBS many years ago. I bought this to see the remaining episodes. It was a worthwhile purchase! I honestly think my area PBS stations only aired this one time, which wouldn't surprise me, given that it really is about--as its description says clearly--the lesbian relationship between these two women and its impact on ALL of those, but especially their husbands, around them. Everyone in this production is a fine actor. The story is inherently interesting, in part because it involved at least one famous person, Vita Sackville-West. And these women, even without one another's dynamic relationship, were interesting people by themselves. I must admit, to me, this production is driven by character and conflict. If you want typical action-packed, fast-paced American viewing, this is NOT for you. If you abhor lesbianism (for whatever reasons), this is not for you. I did find myself splitting up these episodes, watching each on a different night, over three nights. Much of this story is, at least I think, depressing. I simply couldn't watch more than one episode a night without having it make ME feel down, but I'm very glad I have this production. It was worth investing in.