Harold Pinter's 1978 play is a fascinating one, namely for the story structure. Written by a master playwright/writer, in my opinion one of the best of the twentieth century, on top form. The cast were another reason for seeing 'Betrayal', do (as some may have gathered reading some of my other reviews) have a thing about great/talented casts and they have nearly always been an interest into seeing anything.
Felt exactly the same about this film adaptation of 'Betrayal' as with the play. It is not just a great adaptation that does justice to the play, it stands on its own more than excellently as well. The latter of which actually is much more important for me watching adaptations and consider, and always have considered, it a fairer way to judge something (as there are films, shows, dramas etc, that disappoint as an adaptation but are good on their own merits).
'Betrayal' is attractively produced, with a nostalgic British television (at the time that is) look to the photography, that didn't feel too much like a filmed play or too stage bound. It was interesting seeing the different fashions, hairstyles back then and being reminded of how things have changed so drastically over-time.
The script is vintage Pinter, very intelligent, sharp as a razor and did make me contemplate over what happened after watching the film. The film, as is the case with film adaptations of plays, is very talk-heavy, but to me it didn't come over as overly so and made interesting by the character interactions and performances. The reverse/backwards structure, so starting from the end is adeptly handled, and contrary to a few others it was not hard to follow from personal opinion. Have actually been far more confused by films etc with more "conventional" story structures, or ones more familiar to many.
When it comes to standout scenes, Ben Kingsley's restaurant scene is unforgettable. Also loved the sexual tension in each of the relationships, developed beautifully. It's all astutely directed while letting the drama unfold at a non-rapid fire pace. All three of the lead performances see three fine actors on equally fine form. There are times where Kingsley is quite frightening and not in a way that's overt, namely the restaurant scene. Jeremy Irons is one of my favourites and the understated yet authoritative quality of his acting makes one remember how brilliant a lot of his early roles are and sad that with exceptions he's been deserving of far better projects for a long time now. Patricia Hodge is not very well known now today, and she deserves to be better known judging by the allure and class she brings to Emma so one can see what Jerry and Robert see in her.
My one complaint is the music, actually think 'Betrayal' would have worked better without music and never felt the music here gelled properly.
Other than that, excellent. 9/10
Felt exactly the same about this film adaptation of 'Betrayal' as with the play. It is not just a great adaptation that does justice to the play, it stands on its own more than excellently as well. The latter of which actually is much more important for me watching adaptations and consider, and always have considered, it a fairer way to judge something (as there are films, shows, dramas etc, that disappoint as an adaptation but are good on their own merits).
'Betrayal' is attractively produced, with a nostalgic British television (at the time that is) look to the photography, that didn't feel too much like a filmed play or too stage bound. It was interesting seeing the different fashions, hairstyles back then and being reminded of how things have changed so drastically over-time.
The script is vintage Pinter, very intelligent, sharp as a razor and did make me contemplate over what happened after watching the film. The film, as is the case with film adaptations of plays, is very talk-heavy, but to me it didn't come over as overly so and made interesting by the character interactions and performances. The reverse/backwards structure, so starting from the end is adeptly handled, and contrary to a few others it was not hard to follow from personal opinion. Have actually been far more confused by films etc with more "conventional" story structures, or ones more familiar to many.
When it comes to standout scenes, Ben Kingsley's restaurant scene is unforgettable. Also loved the sexual tension in each of the relationships, developed beautifully. It's all astutely directed while letting the drama unfold at a non-rapid fire pace. All three of the lead performances see three fine actors on equally fine form. There are times where Kingsley is quite frightening and not in a way that's overt, namely the restaurant scene. Jeremy Irons is one of my favourites and the understated yet authoritative quality of his acting makes one remember how brilliant a lot of his early roles are and sad that with exceptions he's been deserving of far better projects for a long time now. Patricia Hodge is not very well known now today, and she deserves to be better known judging by the allure and class she brings to Emma so one can see what Jerry and Robert see in her.
My one complaint is the music, actually think 'Betrayal' would have worked better without music and never felt the music here gelled properly.
Other than that, excellent. 9/10