Movie spotlight
Old Times
The scene is a fashionably remodeled farmhouse in the countryside somewhere beyond London, where a prosperous and urbane couple are entertaining the wife's former roommate and friend whom they have not seen for twenty years. At first the husband and wife banter, then the friend joins them and a flood of intertwining memories ensues. The action shifts back and forth in time, as recollection of what did-or, perhaps, did not-happen are pondered and, as the tension builds, we are aware that the husband and the friend have become locked in a duel for the wife's very soul. Reveries and ambiguities abound, hinting at much more than is said, and forming together into a surprising entity which challenges the heart and mind and will linger on enticingly in the memory. Doollee.com
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Plot Summary
A married couple, Deeley and Kate, are visited by Anna, Kate's old friend, whom they haven't seen in twenty years. The reunion brings to the surface long-buried memories and unresolved tensions between the three, as Anna's presence provokes discussions about their past relationships and identities. The play masterfully blurs the lines between reality and memory, leaving the audience to question the truth of their recollections and the nature of their bonds.
Critical Reception
While 'Old Times' is a celebrated play by Harold Pinter, this specific 1991 film adaptation received a more muted critical response. It was generally seen as a faithful but somewhat static translation of Pinter's famously elliptical and psychologically charged dialogue to the screen. The performances were often praised for their subtlety, but the overall production was considered by some critics to lack the visceral impact of a stage production or a more dynamic cinematic approach.
What Reviewers Say
Faithful adaptation of Pinter's dialogue, capturing its characteristic ambiguity.
Performances were noted for their restrained intensity.
Some critics found the film adaptation lacked the dramatic urgency of the stage play.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film adaptation is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Harold Pinter's 'Old Times' is widely considered one of his most significant plays, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the unreliability of personal histories, all hallmarks of his distinctive writing style.
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