Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Alan Rickman | ... | Sinclair / Natalie's husband | |
Clive Owen | ... | Richard / Brother | |
Saskia Reeves | ... | Natalie / Sister | |
Karl Johnson | ... | Colin | |
Lesley Sharp | ... | Jessica | |
Kate Gartside | ... | Paula | |
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Karen Knight | ... | Philippa |
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Niall Buggy | ... | Geof |
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Campbell Morrison | ... | Scotsman |
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Annie Hayes | ... | Receptionist |
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Maxwell Hutcheon | ... | Interviewee |
Geraldine Somerville | ... | Natalie's Boss | |
Helen FitzGerald | ... | Scottish Girl | |
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Christopher Barr | ... | Noley |
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Gordon Salkilld | ... | Hotel Porter |
After some years of tension, Richard begins a sexual relationship with his sister Natalie, who is now married. The relationship between Richard and Natalie proves dangerously obsessional. Their private intensity (& working class origins) contrast with the middle-class, inhibited, stuffy public scenes we see in the Richmond world into which Natalie has moved with her marriage. As the guilt and intensity of the siblings increases we seem to be heading for disaster, especially when Natalie's husband Sinclair finds out. Written by Moray McConnachie <cerberus@ermine.ox.ac.uk>
How can you feel sympathetic to a brother and sister who fall in love with one another? Ensure that the viewer knows that they grew up separated from one another, and that at least one of them is emotionally frustrated after a series of failed relationships. Throw in an older, maybe boring husband (an Alan Rickman I can't even imagine!!), mix in some gorgeous surroundings and it's not quite so astonishing. The comedic touches are great....the brother's fright at being invited on a picnic by Rickman ..."You think he's going to kill me?" says volumns about his guilt. Betty Davis criticized one movie as merely a 'travelogue', which I don't mind at all: the beautiful upper reaches of the Thames, the country estate, the old church where the lovers try to break apart.....wonderful!! I watch it over and over just for the scenery. The brother's bare buns aren't half as attractive as Alan Rickman's, but the sex scene in an empty office with some nameless young woman is quite hilarious.
The acting is excellent, as is the dialogue. The "I will, I won't" of the female gets a little wearing. but I suppose it's necessary to show how repulsive incest was initially to her. For those of you who like quirky movies and English environments, this is a must!!