Well, they go for it - director Ken Russell, of course, but also Glenda Jackson and Richard Chamberlain - they all fully commit. They go there.
This is the sort of movie that at one stage I would have called a wank but I appreciate more now because it's so bold and interesting. It dares to be individual.
I wouldn't have minded a bit more story - it's a film of scenes and moments rather than a cohesive narrative but they are great scenes and moments, like the opening montage of Chamberlain playing piano (very well) intercutting with moments of his life, the initial meeting of Jackson, the famous scene of Jackson writing naked on a train carriage floor while Chamberlain can't get it up for her, Jackson having wild sex with a youth, Jackson at the insane asylum.
Jackson is electric - charismatic and acts over the shop. There's this long line of activist not conventionally pretty left wing brilliant actors in England - Emma Thomson was another one.
Chamberlain is very good too - he has a softer nature but he's convincing playing the piano, going mad, being tormented. Good on a secretly gay actor playing a gay on screen too. Mind you it's one of his best roles.
It's a feast for the senses - there was a decent budget. It does get a little wearying.
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