Iris (2001)

Iris teems with fussy charm and the intimate joy found only in a lover's foibles. Adapted from the memoirs of literary critic John Bayley, the film recounts his courtship of and long marriage to British novelist Iris Murdoch. The scenario tacks back and forth from the young Iris (Kate Winslet)--ready to seduce one and all with her coy command of words and sex appeal--to the elder Iris (Judi Dench)--slowly giving way to the cruel erasure of Alzheimer's--and it is impossible not to be moved by the film's denouement of loss. Ms. Dench is, as usual, resplendent, tossing off literary quips, knowing glares, and razor-sharp metaphors with graceful ease. The pleasure Murdoch took in what must have been an extraordinary life is palpable every second Dench is onscreen. Jim Broadbent is also especially fine as the elder Bayley, steadfast in devotion and humor. The script, however, is painfully predictable and heavy-handed in its frequent use of symbolism (e.g., sheets of paper flying into the ocean, rocks slipping to the river's bottom). Nevertheless, Iris evokes a passion for learning and intimacy worthy of its subject. --Fionn Meade Amazon.com

I like it, but...

There's no doubt that the acting is tremendous in this movie, from both Dame Judy and James Broadbent. The movie is a special achievement in this regard, and Judy Dench deserved an Oscar for her performance. However, the movie is a very incomplete picture of the life of Iris Murdoch, which in fact would be difficult to capture in a 2 hour film. It is a very small, very limited view of the woman who has contributed so much to literature, philosophy and the arts. It is unfortunate that many will only know Iris Murdoch through this movie, and may never experience the insight, wisdom and wit of this truly remarkable artist. September 22, 2008

Iris

A beautifully written and acted movie about the devastation of Alzheimers. Judi Dench as the older Iris is fantastic and Kate Winslet as the young Iris is very good. This was my first introduction the the actor Jim Broadbent and I found him to be marvelous...so glad to know that he won an Academy Award for this role. Not a movie to pick up your spirits but a treasure just the same. August 12, 2008

Deeply moving

Having just finished watching "Iris" on DVD, I'm still of two minds about having watched it. The performance by Dame Judi Dench is breathtakingly brilliant as the famous novelist and philosopher, Dame Iris Murdoch. The story encompasses her youth as a student at Oxford, her many love affairs and her terrible descent into dementia. As I saw Judi Dench gradually change from a brilliant woman into a screaming, flailing madwoman, her portrayal was enough to reduce me to tears as it was so accurately done and even the flatness of her eyes and lack of expression were perfect. Anyone who has been part of the life of a sufferer from Alzheimer's should be aware that this DVD will stir up bad memories at the physical and mental depiction of the sufferer and will recall all of the horrors. That I could be reduced to tears is due to the utter brilliance of Judi Dench as an actress, but I'm still not sure that I should have watched it! August 9, 2008

IRIS

GREAT MOVIE! very sad and moving for anyone who has experience the tragedy of Alzheimer disease in your family.
I had this movie on VHS and it made it;s rounds between friends and places that dealt with Alzheimer's - and the tape was destroyed - having the disk is a must - and of course i am a Judi Dench fan - anything she does is excellent and a must have in your collection.
Beautifully done - Kate Winslet was excellent in portraying the young Iris Murdoch - of which the story is about - a British Philosopher and writer. Some of the narratives are amazingly beautiful. May 9, 2008

Strong and well done

There are very few times I have read a book and seen an actress so clearly in the leading role. When I first read portions of John Bayley's book, I couldn't think of anyone else but Dame Judith playing the leading role. Kate Winslet came as a surprise as the young Iris--but she managed to pull the role off superbly.

The story's of Iris Murdoch, brilliant British philosopher, teacher, and novelist. It begins with a young Iris meeting John Bayley (Hugh Bonneville as the young John and Jim Broadbent as the elder) at Oxford. She's quite a libertine and he's not even had a woman yet.

They move in together. While John is an intelligent and strong man in his own rights, he becomes Iris' shadow and later her caretaker as Alzheimer's ravages one of the finest minds.

The film's heartrending tale is beautifully acted on the parts of both the young and old versions of Iris and John. John has some harsh realities to face with both the infidelities of the younger woman and the fragilities of the older.

The story's told honestly, but with compassion. Not necessarily a film to be seen on a grey, rainy day, but worth the watch if you are a fan of Dench and Winslet. They blend together almost seamlessly in the role of Iris.


April 5, 2008

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