Angels and Insects (1995)

In the 1800s a naturalist marries into a family of British aristocrats.

Director:

Philip Haas

Writers:

A.S. Byatt (novel), Belinda Haas (screenplay),

Stars:

Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas, Patsy Kensit

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mark Rylance	...	William Adamson
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Matty Crompton
Patsy Kensit	...	Eugenia Alabaster Adamson
Jeremy Kemp	...	Sir Harald Alabaster
Douglas Henshall	...	Edgar Alabaster
Annette Badland	...	Lady Alabaster
Chris Larkin	...	Robin
Anna Massey	...	Miss Mead
Saskia Wickham	...	Rowena Alabaster
Lindsay Thomas	...	Lady Alabaster's Maid
Michelle Sylvester	...	Margaret Alabaster
Clare Lovell	...	Elaine Alabaster
Jenny Lovell	...	Edith Alabaster
Oona Haas	...	Alice Alabaster
Angus Hodder	...	Guy Alabaster

Storyline

The movie is a study of an aristocratic family in the Victorian England. William Adamson, a young scientist, is introduced into the aristocratic family Alabaster by reverend Alabaster who is also fascinated by insects. William marries the older daughter of the family and studies the amounts of insects in the garden of the villa. His - for the aristocrats - strange behaviours reveal at the same time their own failures and passions.

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Plot Keywords:

insect | aristocrat | naturalist | england | passion | 

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Taglines:

An Elegant Seduction. An Erotic Deception. A Stunning Revelation.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality and graphic nudity

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 January 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Des anges et des insectes

Filming Locations:

Arbury Hall, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, UK

Box Office

Gross:

$5,304,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Playhouse International Pictures, Samuel Goldwyn Company, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

William and Matty both cast at least three shadows on the door, despite being only lit by a single candle.

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Quotes

Edgar Alabaster: I don't like your attitude, sir. I've never liked it. I believe that you sneer in your heart.

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Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Screamers/Richard III/Bed of Roses/Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored/Angels and Insects (1996)

User Reviews

Almost Like a Painting Come to Life

As one fellow IMDb user stated, there are very few reviews in the grey area for "Angels and Insects". However, I can honestly say that when I first saw the film in 1995 (I was about 12 at the time) I wasn't very impressed. From a very young age I have been interested in period films and thought provoking themes, however, upon first viewing I was incredibly bored by the whole project.

Flash forward to 2003 and I found that I had a whole new appreciation for the film. As a matter of fact, it has become one of my favorites. I don't find the plot particularly shocking, however, the execution of the script is excellently paced. I like the fact that William Adamson realizes that beauty isn't necessarily exhibited on the outside. (However, I find Matty to be far more striking in appearance than Eugenia). He realizes that like his insects (ants in particular), the Alabaster family has a unique and questionable structure/nature.

The soundtrack, costumes, and use of light and location are superb. It isn't by accident that the costumes mimic some of the insects mentioned in the film. (For example, Eugenia's bee dress and her Morpho Eugenia sapphire gown). The Alabaster estate is quiet a piece of eye candy, as are the shots of insects set to the beautiful string based soundtrack. Though this use of symbolism may not be very original, it is beautiful just the same.

I do have to come to the defense of some of the actors, however. Some comments mention that the acting is somewhat wooden. I tend to disagree. (Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course). Okay, so Patsy Kensit may not be the next Vanessa Redgrave, however, I think she offers what the part calls for. Her "wooden" nature fits the character. I see Eugenia as having a definite mental imbalance, thus her often subdued acting seems appropriate. Kristin Scott Thomas is excellent as the clever and mysterious Matty. As for the rest of the cast, I believe that they all did a fine job portraying these somewhat difficult characters.

I have yet to read the A.S. Byatt novella "Morpho Eugenia", however, that is going to be my next project. Naturally, I would be curious to see how the film and the novella compare. Either way, I still feel that "Angels and Insects" deserves my highest regards.