Movie spotlight
The Wild Duck
Consul Werle holds a reception in honour of the homecoming of his son Gregers. At the reception, Gregers meets his childhood friend, Hjalmar Ekdal, who is married to Gina, a former maid of the Werle family. Hjalmar is unaware that Werle had an affair with Gina and that their 14-year-old daughter Hedwig is not his child. Gregers moves in with the Ekdals with the intention of allowing unsuspecting Hjalmar and his family to share in the "happiness of truth". Hedwig is entirely devoted to a wild duck, which lives on a pond outside their house. When Hjalmar learns the truth about his daughter, he wants to leave his family. Gregers advises Hedwig to kill the wild duck so that her father, impressed by this sacrifice, will return home. On the following day, Hedwig's birthday, she doesn't shoot the duck, but shoots herself instead.
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Plot Summary
A young man, Gregers Werle, returns to his childhood home and becomes disturbed by the illusions and deceptions within his own family. He attempts to expose these falsehoods, particularly concerning his father's business partner, Ekdal, and his family, including the supposed 'wild duck' living in their attic.
Critical Reception
While specific critical reviews for the 1976 adaptation of 'The Wild Duck' are scarce, Henrik Ibsen's play itself is a foundational work of realism, often lauded for its complex characters and unflinching portrayal of societal hypocrisy and personal disillusionment. Adaptations generally aim to capture this dramatic tension and psychological depth.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its faithful adaptation of Ibsen's complex and thought-provoking drama.
Appreciated for its exploration of themes like truth, illusion, and the destructive nature of idealism.
Often cited as a compelling character study, highlighting the psychological toll of deception.
Google audience: Audience reception for this specific 1976 film is not widely documented. However, Ibsen's 'The Wild Duck' as a story generally resonates with audiences for its profound exploration of human nature and its often tragic consequences.
Fun Fact
The 1976 film is one of many adaptations of Henrik Ibsen's classic 1884 play, 'Vildanden' (The Wild Duck), which is considered one of his most significant works.
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