Keep the Aspidistra Flying
Keep the Aspidistra Flying

Keep the Aspidistra Flying

1997Movie101 minEnglish

Gordon Comstock is a copywriter at an ad agency, and his girlfriend Rosemary is a designer. Gordon believes he is a genius, a marvelous poet and quits the ad agency, trying to live on his poems, but poverty soon comes to him.

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IMDb6.2/10
Director: Nick BroomfieldGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

Gordon Comstock, a disillusioned London bookseller, rebels against the stifling values of his middle-class family and society by vowing to live on a meager wage of 15 pounds a week. He struggles to maintain his artistic integrity and his relationship with his girlfriend Rosemary while navigating the financial hardships and social judgments that come with his chosen poverty. The film explores themes of artistic ambition versus financial security, and the clash between societal expectations and personal freedom.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying' received mixed to positive reviews. Critics often praised Richard E. Grant's performance and the film's faithful adaptation of George Orwell's novel. However, some found the pacing and thematic exploration to be somewhat uneven, leading to a generally decent but not outstanding reception.

What Reviewers Say

  • Richard E. Grant delivers a compelling performance as the struggling poet.
  • The film offers a poignant, albeit sometimes slow, look at societal pressures and artistic integrity.
  • A faithful adaptation that captures the spirit of Orwell's novel, though its cinematic impact is debated.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this film on Google is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film is an adaptation of George Orwell's 1936 novel of the same name, which was inspired by Orwell's own experiences with poverty and his critical view of consumerism and middle-class values.

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