Movie spotlight
Hedda Gabler
Jan Decorte's second feature film is an adaptation of the play Hedda Gabler by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Decorte moved the locus of action of Ibsen's realistic play from 1890 to 1950, twenty-eight years earlier than when the film was shot. The story begins when Hedda returns home from an overly long honeymoon with her newly wed but colourless husband Tesman. She is pregnant and will be courted by the writer Eljert Lövbor, an old lover who is about to break through with an exceptional novel of autobiographical quality [Avila].
Insights
Plot Summary
Hedda Gabler, the daughter of a general, marries the academic George Tesman, who is devoted to her but uninspiring. Bored and restless in her marriage, Hedda manipulates those around her, including her former lover Ejlert Lövborg, to satisfy her own perverse desires. Her actions lead to tragic consequences for herself and those closest to her.
Critical Reception
This television adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic play was praised for its faithful rendition of the source material and strong performances, particularly from Diana Rigg in the titular role. It successfully brought the psychological drama to the screen, though some found its pacing deliberate.
What Reviewers Say
Diana Rigg delivers a powerful and complex portrayal of Hedda Gabler.
The production is lauded for its fidelity to Ibsen's original text and themes.
The performances of the supporting cast are generally well-regarded, adding depth to the drama.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1978 television adaptation is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This adaptation was filmed for BBC Television as part of a series of Ibsen plays, with Diana Rigg reprising her stage role.
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