The Bridge (1992)

When Isobel Hetherington and her three young daughters take up their seaside residence in the hot summer of 1887, life seems idyllic. But the arrival of Phillip Wilson Steer for his annual ... See full summary »

Director:

Syd Macartney

Writers:

Maggie Hemingway (novel), Adrian Hodges

Stars:

Saskia Reeves, David O'Hara, Joss Ackland

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Saskia Reeves	...	Isobel Heatherington
David O'Hara	...	Phillip Wilson Steer
Joss Ackland	...	Smithson
Rosemary Harris	...	Aunt Jude
Anthony Higgins	...	Reginald Hetherington
Geraldine James	...	Mrs. Todd
Tabitha Allen	...	Emma Hetherington
Dominique Rossi	...	Mary
Karina Rossi	...	Sophie
Anya Phillips	...	Bella
Jo Powell	...	Mrs. Pierce
Michelle Wade	...	Mrs. Rount
Peter Blythe	...	Rev. Rount
Tim Barker	...	John
William Job	...	Colonel

Storyline

When Isobel Hetherington and her three young daughters take up their seaside residence in the hot summer of 1887, life seems idyllic. But the arrival of Phillip Wilson Steer for his annual painting visit launches a chain of events that will change their lives forever. Overcome by his first sight of Isobel, Steer immediately decides to capture her on canvas - and as the painting grows, so does their love for each other. But jealousy and tragedy eventually force them to confront reality.

---

Plot Keywords:

based on novel | independent film

---

Taglines:

Love was never meant to be part of the picture.

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 January 1992 (UK)

Also Known As:

A Prisioneira do Amor

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Screen Productions, Channel Four Films, Moonlight Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

A subtle examination of an artist's conflict between his life and his art

This is a wonderful film, made the more interesting by the fact that Steer, the main character, is based upon a real artist. what seems to have initiated the impulse to write the story is the interest the author had in the difference between Steer's early and late work. Steer was a practitioner of French painting techniques in the late nineteenth century, his earlier works vibrate with colour and light. WIth his later pieces he concentrated on conventional portraits and landscapes. Art historian think of this as a disappointment and the author wonders what was it that caused this marked change in direction. The author's theory is a fascinating one. Steer had fallen in love. The woman that he loves though is forbidden him. She is married to a man who is a shining example of mercantile respectability. The two men are seen in distinct contrast with each other, they are both attractive but there is no competition, Isobel, is in love with Steer. Steer's dilemma is whether he is able to live his life as his art would tell him. The art is revolutionary, a reaction to the vulgar materialism of the age, but his own life is staid. Will he be able to run off with Isobel and accept society's disapprobation? Or will he just leave her to fester in a loveless marriage, whilst he himself remains alone and dissatisfied. In the end this film is about failure, and what makes us fail, in life and art.