Mrs Dalloway

Marleen Gorris, 1997 (97 mins, Cert. PG)

Vanessa Redgrave, Natascha McElhone and Rupert Graves star in a beguilling adaptation of Virginia Woolf's celebrated novel. Clarissa Dalloway excitedly attends to the final preparations for the party she is giving that evening at her elegant London home. But thoughts of the First World War stream into her head, and memories of the once-dashing suitor she rejected some 30 years ago. Beautifully photographed, with sublime performances from an exquisite cast.
(Barbican publicity)

A beautiful, lyrical film that works wonderfully on the screen while being surprisingly true to both the spirit and the letter of the remarkable original. Vanessa Redgrave is utterly convincing as Mrs Dalloway and a host of familiar faces fill out the supporting roles in excellent ensemble performances. The multi-layered story gently builds to its climax with every scene perfectly placed and weighted. A true gem of a film.
(Steve Fagg)

Seen: Monday, 23rd March, 1998 (Barbican 2)