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Iris

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Iris" is not an easy to movie to watch. It is very painful and it can be unberable to some people. But in the end you see how much it means to have someone to support and love you -- mainly when you need.

The film tells the story of the British novelist and phlisopher Iris Murdoch. Alternating scenes from the young Iris (Kate Winslet) and the old (Judi Dench) the film shows the most important periods of her relationship with the love of her life John Bayley ( Hugh Bonneville and Jim Broadbent). So we see when they first met and how they develop such a relarionship founded on love, friendship and mutual admiration. And we also see their last days, when the desease dominates Iris' mind.

The cast is simply a wonderful. No actor is in the wrong place and the four central actors who plays the couple in different times of their lives are stunning. Kate Winslet once more is brilliant as the young Iris who is beautiful inteligente and fierce. Judi Dench as the older Iris is centred and calm, but still brilliant and the moments when the diseades dominates her mind she is perfect. Jim Broadbent really deserved his Oscar as Iris soul mate. He is the one who helps her to fight the disease, despite the fact it is a lost battle -- as all doctors say.

The direction is simple and quite effective. The screenplay may sound confusing at first, but it is not. The writer meant to show how close facts that happen to the young Iris to the old one are.

Love can not cure anything, but with this movie we see how it helps when hard times come. Iris and John had only each other to support, and they did so until the last minute. Another thing, after seeing the movie, I'm feeling very temptead to read some of Iris' novels.

This is such a beautiful film, and although it's sad I didn't find it depressing. The setting is drab - in fact, most of it is filmed in a dilapidated old house - but the effective use of flash-backs and the four superb, Oscar-worthy performances of Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, Kate Winslet and Hugh Bonville shine and make this movie something truly exceptional. See it.

Because I have personally witnessed the devastation of Alzheimers Disease, I was hesitant to view Iris, which is an unflinching account of famed British writer Iris Murdochs battle with this monstrous illness. Now, Im glad I saw it. Its a beautiful film.

Murdoch [1919-1999] wrote nearly thirty novels, most of which deal with the complexities and mysteries of human behavior. She also taught philosophy. She deeply loved her husband of forty years, John Bayley, a renowned literary critic. Her other great love was words. To watch her slowly losing contact with all she loved [and, thus, with all she was] is a deeply touching experience, though the movie can only begin to describe the real-life events.

Iris is portrayed as a young woman by Kate Winslet. Judi Dench plays the older Iris. Young John is Hugh Bonneville, old John is Jim Broadbent, who won and Oscar for his performance. The casting is perfect, not only because the actors are great ones, but also because they blend perfectly as the movie switches back and forth between the present and the past.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive biography. It touches on only a few highlights, which are meant to contrast the vibrantly alive and productive young Iris with the fragile and lost Iris at the end of her life. It is done with great compassion, and the result is perhaps the best illustration of the horror of Alzheimers ever put on film.

I've never read any book by the British author, Iris Murdoch, and I doubt that I'll get around to it. However, my decision to ignore literature of probably better quality than I usually choose does not detract from my admiration for the film IRIS, with the title role played by Dame Judi Dench.

Murdoch died in 1999 of Alzheimer's Disease, and IRIS is a poignant and sad chronicle of her descent into mental darkness. (Also currently in theaters is the magnificent film A BEAUTIFUL MIND, starring Russell Crowe, which showcases schizophrenia. It's been a good year for mental maladies.) The tragedy of the IRIS story is emphasized by the heavy use of flashbacks, in which a young and free-spirited Murdoch, played effectively by Kate Winslet, is compared to the aging and deteriorating version portrayed by Dame Judi. Indeed, one of the most notable aspects of the production is the casting, which impressively manages to present to the audience both "young" and "old" versions of both Murdoch and her husband, John Bayley, that actually resemble each other. (I admit, a lot of the credit must likely go to the studio's Makeup Department, but still ...) The "young" Bayley is depicted by Hugh Bonneville, and the "old" version by Jim Broadbent. Bonneville is absolutely superb - a Best Supporting Actor Oscar is due - as the stammering, awkward, virginal and painfully shy 29-year old geek that wins the heart of young Iris. (This provides evidence, I guess, that even the Nerdy Guy sometimes get the Most Popular Girl.)

In an earlier review of 2001's THE SHIPPING NEWS, I remarked that Dench's competent performance in that film wasn't anything exceptional considering her great talent. On the other hand, her portrayal of the elderly and mentally decomposing Murdoch in IRIS is perhaps the greatest role I've ever seen her perform. It's undoubtedly Best Actress caliber.

IRIS takes an unsparing look at Alzheimer's Disease and the toll it takes both on the afflicted and the caregiver. It's not one to see if you're looking for a mood boost, but see it anyway.

Usually, that poem is quoted only because of its now-famous second line, "Gone with the wind, flung roses". "Iris" takes us on a journey through a wonderful marriage of two clever minds, a journey which takes one member unfortunately to the thieves' den of Alzheimer's Disease. In a way, I got pretty much the movie I expected at "Iris"--I knew that Judi Dench and Kate Winslet were both first-rate performers. I didn't know how the movie would be presented, however, with the juxtposition of then with now: We see Iris as a young woman played by Kate, and then Iris as an old woman played by Judi. I think that was a very good idea, because both women got equal time on the screen at pretty much the same time. It also allowed the writer and director to treat things thematically with comparison and contrast right off the bat, rather than the audience's having to recall something from two hours' earlier, if we had instead been given a strictly chronological treatment. I just marvelled at how well the movie was cast, appearance-wise. Young resembled old remarkably, unlike the implausible idea that roundish passionate Kate Winslet in time would ever turn into lean tepid Gloria Stuart back in "Titanic" days.

There's one especially telling scene, when Jim Broadbent, the husband of Alzheimer-afflicted Judi, finally breaks down and starts screaming and yelling at her in bed, his outburst drawn from the terrible abandonment he feels at the loss of his heretofore brilliant wife. We see the rage that the disease causes in survivors and caregivers, who seem to get nothing back no matter how tender the care they lavish on their loved ones.

Unlike "A Beautiful Mind", there can be no happy ending at the conclusion of "Iris"; Alzheimer's is a progressive disease the end stage of which is death. "Beautiful Mind" showed triumph through adversity, but that is not possible with every illness. Thus, "Iris", though undeniably a well-crafted piece, is tremendously sad. See it on a sunny afternoon, when you can still go out and enjoy what is left of your day; it is not a film to see and then face the dark uncertainty of night.

Iris is one of the most intelligent films I've seen in a very
long time. This is not a big over-hyped hollywood blockbuster,
but a small british film with superb performances from all four
actors.Dame Judy Dench was Brilliant as the elder Iris, and her
tragic decline from Alzheimer's was heartbreaking to watch. As
the young Iris, Kate Winslet was superb in capturing the youth,
energy, and brillance of a young woman in the prime of her life. Hugh Bonneville and Jim Broadbent were both wonderful as the younger and elder John Bailey, Iris's devoted husband and caretaker of forty years. This moving film beautifully portrayed
the pain, anger, and helplessness a loved-one feels to watch a
beloved spouse slowly fade away into an infantile stranger. As
someone who watched their grandmother suffer from this horrible
disease, this film really struck an emotional cord with me. I highly recomend this lovely, little gem of a film. P.S. Bring plenty of kleenex!

Kate Winslet and Judi Dench both do wondrously in this film about the British novelist Iris Murdoch, the noted writer who late in life faced the ravages of Alzheimers disease, and with it the slow and sorrowful withering of her once brilliant intellect.

Winslet as the younger Iris absolutely shines.. her freedom of self, her strong and vibrant personality, her utter love affair with life all come through to the viewer, clear and bright. In turn, Dench's acting truly inhabits the character of Murdoch, as she slowly loses touch with the world around her, with the thoughts that had once come so quickly and effortlessly and creatively.

Broadbent shines here too, as Murdoch's husband, the writer John Bayley (who himself had only good things to say about the film, upon its release). Broadbent won the Best Supporting actor Oscar for his performance here as the patient yet all too human husband, content with a life somewhat in the sidelines, of watching the brilliant light of his wife shine on him, standing by her during her youthful indiscretions and all along their lives together until her Alzheimers began to invade their lives like an unwanted guest overstaying its welcome. As their house grows more and more messy, disheveled, confused, and their lives more and more removed from those they had once known, of intellectual examination and full-hearted vigor, Bayley remains noble in his love for Iris, loving her faithfully until the end, despite the occasional outpouring of sadness and even anger that his beloved has to endure such undue suffering. In fact, what is most touching here is the fact that though the two once shared all, experiences, thoughts, themselves together and alone, as only those who co-habitate for decades can do, this passage was one which they would both experience so differently, both utterly alone in their experience for the first time since they met, even though physically near each other. (Murdoch, in one of her moments of clarity, seemed to show she understood what was happening to her, but these moments didn't last long, and the darkness soon enveloped her more fully). I think this was the most tragic part of the film, seeing Broadbent/Bayley try to come to terms with not being able to cope with her illness together in any sort of real sense as she slipped away from him. He had to be her anchor and rock, and had no one doing the same for him, as he guided her through her last days.

The scenes of the young duo here, on bicycles, and swimming in the British summer sun, are truly beautiful, and will stay with the viewer long after the credits start to roll.. this is one of those rare love stories, imperfect, true, painful at times also, but rarer still is that it was real, and that it lasted through a lifetime of ups and downs, triumphs and sorrows, even throughout illness, and never faded away. Indeed one could say it grew stronger through the rainy days, and changed, as real and true love so often can... As Bayley became more of a parent and less of a lover/husband, his love shone on in a different way, and the comfort he gave to his wife, who needed it so very much, was immeasurable.

I recommend this film to fans of Murdoch, Winslet and Dench, and to those in the mood to see a lovingly crafted portrait of lovingly crafted lives. 5 stars.

Iris, of course, chronicles the life of noted British writer, Iris Murdoch. It focuses on her battle with dementia late in her life, interspersed with scenes form her early relationship with her husband, when Iris was free-spirited. This contrast leads to many genuinely touching moments (note: although most of the audience where I saw the movie were elderly, I am in my 30's and found the movie touching).

The main reason to see Iris, however, is the acting. Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, and Jim Broadbent are all nominated for Oscars this year, and rightly so. They are extraordinary, as is Hugh Bonneville, who plays Iris's husband, John Bayley, in the early years. The acting is superb throughout, and as a result, there is rarely a false moment.

Despite these strengths, the movie was still somewhat lacking. Part of the problem is that we gain little understanding about what made Iris tick as a writer. The movie also lingers a bit too much on scenes of her deterioration. Most people who watch this movie are probably familiar with the effects of dementia, and the movie depicts these effects well and rather tastefully. However, at times, it became manipulative and ultimely repetitive. Overall, recommended, but not as good as it could have been.

When author/philosopher Iris Murdoch utters these words, she has no way of knowing that Alzheimer's disease will soon rob her of that freedom, leaving her the frustrated shell of who and what she was. Author of twenty-six books and winner of both the Whitbread and the Booker Prizes, Iris, at the end of her life, was, according to her husband, like "A very nice three-year-old child." The love story of Iris Murdoch, a free-spirited, passionate lover of arts and ideas, and John Bayley, the shy, introverted man who was her anchor in life, dominates this film, celebrating her life, even as Alzheimer's disease robs it of its meaning.

Directed by Richard Eyre, who converted John Bayley's book, A Memoir and Elegy for Iris, into the screenplay, the film honors Iris, John Bayley, and the love that survived even Alzheimer's disease. Judi Dench not only looks like Iris Murdoch, but also endows her with fierce independence, a curiosity about the meaning of life, and a strong will, characteristics which served Iris well, even in her decline. Jim Broadbent, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, shows his love for her at the same time that he becomes enormously frustrated at his helplessness in dealing with her decline.

Alternating between present and past, director Eyre develops innumerable visual parallels, showing Murdoch as a wild young girl (passionately played by Kate Winslett), uninhibitedly exploring every aspect of life, with Dench repeating similar scenes (such as the swimming scenes) late in life. The young John Bayley (Hugh Bonneville) plays his role so close in style to Broadbent that except for the obvious age differences, they could well be the same person, both blushing on cue. These four brilliant actors are completely successful in merging time frames to create two complete characters--Iris Murdoch and John Bayley.

The obvious symbolism and deliberate parallels between the early and late lives of Iris and John Bayley will not escape any viewer, making the sad changes in Iris's mind even more agonizing to watch, particularly for anyone who has faced Alzheimer's with a loved one. As Iris herself observes, "I feel as if I'm sailing into darkness." Beautifully filmed by Roger Pratt, the exteriors, including the water scenes, show the vastness of the world that Iris loved to explore, while the interiors show her claustrophobic confinement and the robbing of her soul. Not an easy film to watch, it is nevertheless a brilliant achievement celebrating the endurance of love, even in the face of Alzheimer's disease. Mary Whipple

On Feburary 28, 1999, one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century died. It is Iris Murdoch, the Iris of this tender, but at times very bitter film. But don't be put off by her name or profile; you don't even have to tell Oxford from Cambridge because "Iris" is a story of love. And the acting is really great.

Iris Murdoch met her future husband John Bayley at Oxford. Vivacious, free-spirited Iris was teaching philosophy while Bayley was a teacher of English literature. Iris is gradually attracted to shy and sincere Bayley, and one day confesses that she is writing a novel, showing him a manuscript. They get married in 1956, to live together happily for long years to come.

But around the year 1997, they find something is not quite right. Iris starts to forget the spelling of words, or the name of the prime minister. And they find that she suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Bayley continues to support her, but it is obvious that the time is near when they cannot live together as they did any more.

The two parts of the real-life events are depicted one after the other; the young John Bayley is played by Hugh Bonneville while the older Bayley by Jim Broadbent. The young Iris Murdoch is by Kate Winslet, and the older, by Judi Dench. Kudos to those actors; all of them are so convincing as the characters that you get uncanny feeling that Hugh Boneville has really grown up to be Jim Broadbent, who had to play the person in fact about 20 years older than himself. And about these female players, we don't need any superflous praise; Judi Dench is great, so is Kate Winslet. That's it.

However, there is one minor setback. The double-plot development the film employs is surely heavy-handed and damages the whole work, undermining the potential of the story based on the truth. Too frequent flash-backing/flash-forwarding is just annoying, and makes the film like a long train of vignettes. The vignettes themselves are well-crafted, but joined together, they somehow alienate us, the viewers, who want to get inside of these characters. And by the use of the double plot, the minor characters lost their functions in the film; you see one character "Maurice" played by off-screen father and son Timothy West and Samuel West, but that does not work at all, or we simply forget about this person who is buried among the maze of the script.

The camera is beautiful, the music is good, but the director Richard Eyre betrays that though he is good at inducing the actors to play their best, he is a director for stage, not for film. (And he is famous as stage director.) Like "American Beauty" (of which director, as you know, comes from stage origin), the film is a blessed moment for actors, but not necessarily for moviegoers especialy when they, like me, prefer the dynamic power of story or well-chosen dialogues. I do not say "Iris" is bad; just not for all taste.

All in all, "Iris" is a fantastic experience to get to know one of the most charming couple among the literary world. After all, the film may change the stereotyped profiles of Iris Murdoch such as I quoted before: like, "most acclaimed novelist and philosopher' etc. And I believe the real Iris is as much an enchanting person as this film shows, or even more.