Angels and Insects (1995)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Philip Haas

Writers:

A.S. Byatt (novel)
Belinda Haas (writer)

Release Date:

26 January 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

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

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Aristocrat | Insect | Scientist | Naturalist | Passion

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

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

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexuality and graphic nudity.

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Ontario) | Singapore:R21 | South Korea:18 | New Zealand:R16 | Argentina:16 | Australia:R | Chile:18 | Germany:12 | Spain:13 | UK:18 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Arbury Hall, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, UK

Company:

Playhouse International Pictures

Goofs:

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

Quotes:

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

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 69th Annual Academy Awards (1997) (TV)

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.