Women in Love (1969)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Ken Russell

Writers:

Larry Kramer (writer)
D.H. Lawrence (novel)

Release Date:

25 March 1970 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

The relationship between four sensual people is limited: They must find a new way.

Plot:

The battle of the sexes and relationships among the elite of Britian's industrial Midlands in the 1920s...

Plot Keywords:

Sculptress | Naked Gladiator | Homoeroticism | Outdoor Love Scene | Male Full Frontal Nudity

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 4 wins & 17 nominations

Cast

Alan Bates	...	Rupert Birkin
Oliver Reed	...	Gerald Crich
Glenda Jackson	...	Gudrun Brangwen
Jennie Linden	...	Ursula Brangwen
Eleanor Bron	...	Hermione Roddice
Alan Webb	...	Thomas Crich
Vladek Sheybal	...	Loerke
Catherine Willmer	...	Mrs. Crich
Phoebe Nicholls	...	Winifred Crich (as Sarah Nicholls)
Sharon Gurney	...	Laura Crich
Christopher Gable	...	Tibby Lupton
Michael Gough	...	Tom Brangwen
Norma Shebbeare	...	Mrs. Brangwen
Nike Arrighi	...	Contessa
James Laurenson	...	Minister

Runtime:

131 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Canada:R (Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | Norway:15 (TV rating) | Norway:16 (original rating) | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Canada:18+ (Quebec) | Finland:K-16 | Germany:12 (2004) | Portugal:M/18 | UK:15 (video re-rating) (2004) | UK:X (original rating) | USA:R | West Germany:18 (original rating)

Filming Locations:

Bedlington Colliery, Northumberland, England, UK

Company:

Brandywine Productions

Trivia:

According to Larry Kramer in his book, "We Must Love One Another or Die: The Life and Legacies of Larry Kramer", both Faye Dunaway and Vanessa Redgrave were approached to play the role of Ursula.

Quotes:

Gudrun Brangwen: I am not married. Truth is best.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Reflections on Golden Pond (2003) (V)

Sometimes lush, sometimes stark, always visually striking.

Ken Russell's film (based on the novel of the same name by D.H. Lawrence) is an interesting piece in that he is able to use his camera to help the audience see one situation from two extremely diverse points-of-view, from that of the loving schoolmarm Ursula (Jennie Linden in a brilliant performance), to the manipulative Gudrun (Glenda Jackson.)

Russell has quite a knack of using his camera to create the emotions he wishes to extract from his audience. Russell's technique of turning his camera sideways as Ursula and Rupert (Alan Bates) run nude through the fields has been dismissed by some, but it is quite effective in creating the unreal state in which their romance seems to find them, one quite different from the hardness and madness that surrounds them. This too is achieved to stunning effect as the two lovers are seen twisted together in the mud in the same position that two deceased lovers had been found only hours before. The colors surrounding these two are always bright and warm, in stark contrast to the way the other pair of lovers, Gudrun and Gerald (Oliver Reed) are photographed.

Gudrun and Gerald's initial sexual encounter is harshly lit and edited, emphasizing the brutality of their situation. Their love is shown to be more of an addiction, rather than true love.

It would take more than 1,000 words to paint an accurate work picture of the films' creative genius and incredible cinematography. One scene in particular, a nude wrestling match between Rupert and Gerald quite defies description, and I urge you to see the film and experience it's mastery yourself.