Some films are remarkable for the impact they have on society when they are released. Often these titles do not age well as society moves one. Women In Love manages to be a great film now while being controversial for its time.
It tells the story of four people in the 1920s who meet and become lifelong friends, their free spirited attitude being what binds their friendship. Despite Gudrun (Glenda Jackson) marrying Gerald (Oliver Reed) and Rupert (Alan Bates) wedding Ursula (Jennie Linden), Gerald and Rupert engage in homoerotic naked wrestling. They develop a strong physical, mental and spiritual attraction which throws questions at their life choices. They all embark on a honeymoon in Switzerland which results in infidelity and a lasting tension on the friendships and marriage.
As I have said before, I am no literature expert and having never read a DH Lawrence novel in my life, I cannot say whether this film does the book justice. However, I can say that it really pushed the boundaries of British cinema during a time of sexual revolution and the liberation of attitudes. The famous scene of the naked Japanese wrestling clearing demonstrates this. Not only is the wrestling suggestively 'gay', it is also the first film approved by the BBFC to show full male nudity - the director did have to edit some of the penis shots. Surprisingly the censors were more concerned with nudity than the homosexuality despite this film being released two years after decriminalisation. I would have expected attitudes to be less accepting but I suppose they wanted to keep the artistic integrity of the original book.
I understand from other reviews that the film stays loyal to the book and does it justice. If this is the case, it is amazing how radical DH Lawrence was. The script, although can be slightly heavy and difficult to follow at times, is a constant philosophical conversation about the relationship between the sexes as well as whether marriage is a workable institution. I imagine this attitude was radical for the 1920s but certainly fits the liberation movement of the late 60s.
What really made this a classic piece of cinema is the performances. The four main characters were fantastic. Although at times they were melodramatic, it fitted with the script and the film. Jackson of course was the highlight and deservedly won the Oscar for Best Actress. I also enjoyed some of the lesser roles, in particular Eleanor Bron was entertaining as Hermione Roddice.
While often films can try to push the boundaries for the sake of it and therefore not age well as society moves on, Women In Love managed to challenge society's views and attitudes while still being an excellent film.
4/5 - Ground breaking cinema
