In a Nutshell. Mini reviews of movies old and new. No fuss. No spoilers. And often no sleep.

Saturday 27 February 2016

Savage Messiah (1972)

Ken Russell loved a biopic. SM is about the life of French sculptor Henri Gaudier-Brzeska (played by Scott Antony) and his relationship with Polish writer Sophie Brzeska. Both are characterised as people of strong disposition, struggling on starvation wages but living in the moment, being sustained by their passions for art and each other.
Even though it's named for Henri it's Sophie that shines the brightest. It's as if the madness infused in the production by Russell's hurried approach finds its muse in Dorothy Tutin's amazingly daring performance as the woman for whom Henri's steely heart and brass balls yearn.

4 chiselled advances out of 5

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