Agony
Agony is a British sitcom that aired on ITV from 1979 to 1981. It starred Maureen Lipman as a successful agony aunt but whose own personal life and marriage is a disaster. It was written by Len Richmond, Anna Raeburn, Stan Hey and Andrew Nickolds. It was made for the ITV network by LWT. Although a comedy, Agony sometimes dealt with issues that were seen as taboo at the time such as drug use, racism, abortion, interracial relationships, and swinging, and was the first British sitcom to portray a gay couple as non-camp, witty, intelligent and happy people. It also openly mocked the government, the ruling classes, and religion, and occasionally contained dark and dramatic storylines.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during World War II, 'Agony' is a dramatic portrayal of the final days of Grigori Rasputin. The film delves into his complex relationship with the Russian imperial family, exploring his mystical influence and the growing paranoia surrounding him. As political tensions and public dissent rise, Rasputin finds himself increasingly isolated and targeted by those who fear his power. The narrative builds towards his inevitable, violent demise.
Critical Reception
While 'Agony' received a limited release internationally and is less widely discussed than some other Soviet films of the era, it is generally regarded as a thoughtful, albeit somber, examination of a controversial historical figure. Critics often point to its atmospheric portrayal of the era and the intense performances, though some found its pacing deliberate. Audience reception was varied, with many appreciating its historical depth and others finding the subject matter bleak.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its atmospheric depiction of pre-revolutionary Russia.
- Noted for strong performances, particularly in capturing Rasputin's enigmatic nature.
- Some found the film's deliberate pacing and bleak subject matter challenging.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'Agony (1981)' is not readily available in public databases.
Fun Fact
Director Mikhail Kalik faced significant censorship issues with 'Agony' in the Soviet Union, and it was not widely released there until much later.
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