The Edge of Love (2008)

Director:

John Maybury

Writer:

Sharman Macdonald (written by)

Release Date:

20 June 2008 (UK)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Romance | War

Tagline:

The only thing more dangerous than war... is love.

Plot:

Two feisty, free-spirited women are connected by the brilliant, charismatic poet who loves them both.

Plot Keywords:

Poet | Wales | Infidelity | Jealousy | Blitz

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Simon Armstrong	...	Wilfred Hosgood
Ben Batt	...	Sergeant
Geoffrey Beevers	...	Registrar
Rachel Bell	...	Midwife
Paul Brooke	...	Mr. Justice Singleton
Huw Ceredig	...	John Patrick
Richard Clifford	...	Alistair Graham
Richard Dillane	...	Lt Col David Talbot Rice
Joel Dommett	...	Train Soldier
Rachel Essex	...	Mel
Craig Gallivan	...	Sailor Beating Dylan
Callum Godfrey	...	Boy on Train
Simon Kassianides	...	Partisan
Keira Knightley	...	Vera Phillips
Anne Lambton	...	Anita Shenkin

Also Known As:

The Best Time of Our Lives (UK) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for some sexuality, language and disturbing war images.

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:15 | Ireland:15A | Australia:M | Hong Kong:IIB | USA:Unrated | Portugal:M/16 | USA:R (certificate #45422) | Singapore:M18 | Netherlands:12

Filming Locations:

Aldwych Underground Station, Aldwych, Holborn, London, England, UK

Company:

BBC Films

Trivia:

Sharman Macdonald wrote the role of Caitlin with Keira Knightley in mind, but Keira chose to play Vera instead.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: When William Killick boards his transportation plane to Greece the C-47 Dakota shows "D-Day stripes" (aka "Invasion stripes") on fuselage and left wing. Historically and consistent with the period setting of the story - the "Blitz" - this must have been in spring 1941. However, these markings were not in use before June 1944.

Quotes:

William Killick: You have a raindrop running down your cheek, just like a tear.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Uned 5: (2008-06-20)" (2008)

Soundtrack:

Hang Out the Stars in Indiana

Moments of Cinematic Beauty

Naturally, before watching this film, ones expectations are high. The tale of Dylan Thomas and his lovers promises to be exhilarating. The stars used in the production hold high promise. However the result is different. There is just something not quite right about this film.

Whilst it manages to capture the viewer with moments of cinematic beauty, The Edge of Love fails to entice. In some scenes the cinematography is perfect. The set design and costume cannot be faulted. The glamour and horror of the era are portrayed perfectly. But the story itself does not piece together. The sudden friendship of the two women seems too soon and lacking in explanation. The characters have little depth and I felt no real sympathy for any of them. It almost seems as if several crucial scenes were omitted.

The film itself is fairly disappointing, but perhaps worth watching for the moments when everything comes together because when this happens the film is stunning.