Iris Reviews

What a moving film. I don't really cry at films but this had the tears coming for almost the entire last half. Captivating and amazing acting from all concerned plus some inspired casting for the young and old versions of the cast. An important film and a moving experience.

A Beautiful piece of filmmaking

Firstly, I might say that what I got from this film may not have been how it was intended, but tough. Also, my apologies if this review goes on a bit, but I can't help myself when I get into it.

Right. First of all I must say that if you're expecting a lifelong biography of Iris Murdoch, you will be dissappointed. This film, unlike many mediocre films that have come before it about a multitude of personalities, has focus. It revolves almost completely around Iris's later years and her descent into oblivion because of Alzheimers. That is a good thing believe it or not. The way the film switches between past and present becomes so fast and fractured towards the end, that it makes it even more heartbreaking, showing confusion, memories (fragmented or repressed) and basically making you feel as if you were living through the story along with Iris and her husband. Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent put in wonderful performances, and though Winslet's performance leaves a little to be desired, it has to be said the casting was almost perfect. Likenesses between the present and the past are almost instantly recognisable (Hugh Bonneville for example does a wonderful performance and is a wonerful likeness as the young John Bayley) - no easy feat! To sum up, If you like a bit of true story, and you like a bit of drama, a bit of comedy, some weepiness with a chunk of sentimentality thrown in, you'll love this.

Well acted, emotionally charged and disturbing. Definitely not a "Feel good" film

Very moving

Great film dealing with one of life's tragic illnesses. Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent were fantastic. Well worth seeing.

A Very English Affair

Painfully honest portrayal of Iris Murdoch's decline into the confusion of Alzheimers and her husband's loving and stoical support. Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent are completely believable as the older lovers.

The story of Iris and John as youngsters is not so successful and I would have been more interested in the relationships around the aging couple. But maybe this wasn't so 'box office' as having Kate Winslet take her kit off. Again!

Whats the story?

There are some splendid performeances here, but there is no real story. Iris Murdosh wrote philosophical novels and lived in Oxford with her bumbling husband. She had lovers of both sexes. It was touching if somewhat depressing to see someone slip into 'the dark' through alzheimers, but there is not enough beef here anyway to make a story. Should have been an hour long TV drama

Never having much liked Iris Murdoch's writing, I really wasn't sure about this one. However, it was well acted and a very moving account of someone dementing and the effects on them and those around them. Would recommend it.

BEATIFULLY ACTED AND FILMED. A REALLY COMPELLING STORY.

WORTH TAKING TIME OUT TO WATCH

That's not entertainment

She's old. She's ill. Well, you know before you start watching whether you find this kind of thing moving or not. Obviously this is a very sad condition for the sufferer and their family and friends, but such personal suffering does not translate well to mass entertainment. Partly this is because the young Iris played by Kate Winslet does not come across as particularly likeable. Also, there is a huge gap left between her first meetings with her husband and her final days, which would probably have been the more interesting part of her life to see. As a film it is quite light and plotless, relying on the misery of the main characters to engage the viewer. Judi Dench is convincing in the title role, but Hugh Bonneville deserves a special mention for managing to look uncannily like Jim Broadbent, who plays Bayley in later life.

Iris ,Great acting

A little slow ,but still worth watching