Movie spotlight
Tell Me Lies
Adapted and directed by Peter Brook from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘production-in-progress US’, this long-unseen agitprop drama-doc – shot in London in 1967 and released only briefly in the UK and New York at the height of the Vietnam War – remains both thought-provoking and disturbing. A theatrical and cinematic social comment on US intervention in Vietnam, Brook’s film also reveals a 1960s London where art, theatre and political protest actively collude and where a young Glenda Jackson and RSC icons such as Peggy Ashcroft and Paul Scofield feature prominently on the front line. Multi-layered scenarios staged by Brook combine with newsreel footage, demonstrations, satirical songs and skits to illustrate the intensity of anti-war opinion within London’s artistic and intellectual community.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, a virgin, is lured into a sophisticated and morally ambiguous world by her older, married lover. As she becomes increasingly entangled in his life and the lives of his associates, she discovers a dark undercurrent of deception and manipulation. The film explores themes of innocence lost and the corrupting influence of wealth and power on relationships.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Tell Me Lies' received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While some acknowledged the performances and attempted exploration of complex themes, many found the narrative convoluted and the characters unsympathetic. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with its challenging subject matter and dramatic tone not resonating widely.
What Reviewers Say
The film struggled with a disjointed plot and underdeveloped characters.
Performances were noted, but could not salvage the overall narrative weaknesses.
Its exploration of morality and relationships was considered heavy-handed by many critics.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Tell Me Lies' (1968) is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was based on the novel 'The Unfaithful' by Jo Coudert.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources