Washington Square

Agnieszka Holland, 1997 (115 mins, Cert. PG)

Albert Finney, Maggie Smith, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Ben Chaplin star in an exquisite adaptation of Henry James' novel about an awkward young woman with substantial wealth, who finds herself caught in an emotional struggle between her strict and domineering father and a handsome but improbable suitor. Stunning set designs capture the atmosphere of New York City in the late 19th Century, and impeccable performances reveal the rich ambiguities of James' original work.
(Barbican publicity)

Finney, Smith, and Jason Leigh bring impressively well thought-out characterisations to this detailed, straightforward adaptation. The kaleidoscopic, interlocking motivations and expectations of James's central figures are faultlessly brought out in an involving and thoroughly believable way. The actors' performances are underlined discreetly by the camera and the momentum of the story is mesmerisingly maintained right to the end. A poignant, moving, and thought-provoking film.
(Steve Fagg)

Seen: Monday, 8th June, 1998 (Barbican 2)