Christopher and His Kind
In 1931, budding author Christopher Isherwood goes to Berlin at the invitation of his friend W. H. Auden for the gay sex that abounds in the city. He falls for street sweeper Heinz, paying medical bills for the boy's sickly mother, to the disapproval of her other son, Nazi Gerhardt.
Insights
Plot Summary
This biographical drama chronicles the early life and struggles of novelist Christopher Isherwood. It focuses on his experiences in 1930s Berlin, where he finds himself drawn into the city's vibrant and decadent subcultures. The film explores his complex relationships and his eventual coming to terms with his own sexuality amidst the rise of Nazism.
Critical Reception
Christopher and His Kind received generally positive reviews, with critics often praising Matt Smith's central performance and the film's atmospheric portrayal of 1930s Berlin. Some noted its sensitive handling of Isherwood's personal life and the historical context.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Matt Smith's nuanced performance as Christopher Isherwood.
- Commended for its atmospheric and evocative depiction of Weimar-era Berlin.
- Appreciated for its sensitive exploration of sexuality and identity in a tumultuous historical period.
Google audience: Viewers often highlighted Matt Smith's compelling portrayal and the film's effective recreation of the historical setting. Many found the story of Isherwood's self-discovery engaging, though some felt the pacing could be slow at times.
Fun Fact
The film is based on Christopher Isherwood's own memoir of the same name, published posthumously in 1976.
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