Customer Reviews

Priest Of Love [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - United Kingdom ]

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 1981 production features Ian McKellen in his first leading role in a film. Fans will not want to miss his bold but detailed characterization of D. H. Lawrence, played here as volatile, quirky, charismatic, and very difficult to live with. As his wife Freida, Janet Suzman bristles with wit and spit and vinegar, but also the fierce love that makes her performance the heart of the film. In a low-key supporting role, Penelope Keith turns in perhaps the loveliest performance of the film, as Dorothy Brett, friend of the fiery pair.

There are many other nice turns by actors in smaller roles, but none of them manages to save the film from being less than it might have been, considering the subject matter. The film never quite comes together to tell its tale well. However, it's worth watching for any fans of McKellen, Suzman and Keith.

The only real drawback is the tape itself. I am not familiar with HBO Cannon Videos, but if this is an example of their work, their products should be avoided. The picture quality is extremely poor: blotchy and muddy and murky, as is the sound. It is like a tape made from a TV broadcast, or a tape duped from another tape, rather than like a transfer made from the film itself.

Top cast, acting and locales for this story about controversial author and artist D.H. Lawrence. Original screen version has been edited from 125 minutes to 94 minutes which appears to affect the films continuity somewhat at times - otherwise, this is an absorbing story with a good DVD transfer and 5.1 Dolby sound.