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Prick Up Your Ears: A Movie Review
As a fan of biographical movies, “Prick Up Your Ears” caught my attention. The movie is based on the life of British playwright Joe Orton and his lover Kenneth Halliwell. It was released in 1987, directed by Stephen Frears and written by Alan Bennett.
Storyline
The movie follows the story of Joe Orton (played by Gary Oldman) and Kenneth Halliwell (played by Alfred Molina). Both struggled to make ends meet while writing plays in London in the early 1960s. However, their relationship turned sour when Orton began to achieve success while Halliwell was left behind. Jealousy and resentment led Halliwell to commit a tragic act that ended their lives.
Casts
The film’s standout performance comes from Gary Oldman as Joe Orton. He perfectly captures the charisma and wit that made Orton a celebrated playwright in his time. Alfred Molina also delivers a convincing portrayal of Kenneth Halliwell, the insecure and troubled lover. Vanessa Redgrave appears in a supporting role as Peggy Ramsey, the agent who discovers Orton’s talent.
Plot
The movie is an engaging examination of the relationship between Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell, one that is fraught with love, insecurity, and jealousy. The film chronicles their journey from struggling playwrights to success and ultimately to tragedy. The plot is filled with witty dialogue that reflects the characters’ personalities and struggles.
History
Joe Orton was a British playwright who wrote plays that were known for their irreverent humor and satirical take on society. He had a brief but successful career before his untimely death at 34 years old. Kenneth Halliwell was his lover for almost 16 years until he killed Joe and then himself on August 9th, 1967.
Acting and Characters
Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Joe Orton is exceptional. He manages to capture the essence of Orton’s personality, making him feel alive on the screen. Alfred Molina’s portrayal of Kenneth Halliwell is subtle yet powerful. The chemistry between the two is palpable, making their relationship all the more believable.
Score and Popularity
The film’s score was composed by Stanley Myers and features a mix of jazz and classical music. It complements the movie’s mood excellently. Despite being a critically acclaimed movie, it did not perform well at the box office due to its controversial subject matter.
Evaluation
“Prick Up Your Ears” is an excellent biographical movie that explores the life and love of Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell. It offers a balanced portrayal of both characters, showing their strengths and flaws with sensitivity. The movie’s witty dialogue, outstanding performances, and impressive cinematography make it a must-watch for anyone interested in British theater history.
Cinematography
The film’s cinematography is beautiful, capturing the gritty reality of London in the 1960s. The use of color, lighting, and camera angles adds depth to the movie’s emotional impact.
Opinion
As someone who loves biographical movies, “Prick Up Your Ears” did not disappoint me. It was engaging and thought-provoking and gave me insight into two fascinating personalities that I wasn’t familiar with previously. The witty dialogue and exceptional performances made it a memorable movie for me.
Scenes
The film has many memorable scenes, such as Joe and Kenneth discovering that their play has been rejected by a publisher or Joe’s appearance on a TV show where he clashes with the host. However, the most powerful scene is when Kenneth finally snaps and commits suicide followed by Joe’s murder.
Gossip
The movie was controversial for its portrayal of homosexuality and showed explicit scenes that caused controversy in some countries. There were also rumors that Gary Oldman became so obsessed with his character that he began exhibiting Orton-like traits off-camera.
Soundtracks
The movie’s soundtrack is memorable, featuring a mix of jazz and classical music that complements the movie’s mood. One of the standout songs is “Joe’s Light,” composed by Stanley Myers.
Analysis
The movie offers a critical analysis of the relationship between Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell with insight into their strengths and vulnerabilities. It highlights how jealousy and resentment can lead to tragic outcomes.
Special Effects
The film doesn’t rely on special effects, but it uses costuming, makeup, and set design effectively to create an authentic portrayal of London in the 1960s.
Dialogue
The dialogue in the movie is witty and engaging, reflecting the personalities of Joe and Kenneth. It showcases their individual struggles with success, love, and jealousy.
Crews
The director, Stephen Frears, is known for his work on several critically acclaimed movies, including “The Queen” and “High Fidelity.” The movie’s screenwriter, Alan Bennett, is an award-winning playwright who has written several plays that have been turned into movies.
Criticism
Some critics felt that the movie was too graphic in its portrayal of sex and violence. However, many critics praised the movie for its brilliant performances and engaging storytelling.
Production
The film was shot on location in London in 1986. It had a production budget of $5 million but only grossed $2.5 million worldwide at the box office.
Editing
The movie’s editing is seamless, with well-paced cuts that keep the story moving forward. The use of flashbacks and voiceovers also adds depth to the characters.
Conclusion
“Prick Up Your Ears” is a must-watch for anyone interested in British theater history or biographical movies. It offers an engaging exploration of Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell’s relationship, showcasing their strengths and flaws with sensitivity. The exceptional performances by Gary Oldman and Alfred Molina make this movie a memorable one for me.