Ken Russell returns to DH Lawrence in the last of his four films for Vestron - the last time he got consistent finance for features though he always kept busy. It's the sort of tale that sounds as if it should work - a young woman rebelling against society. But it doesn't work.
Part of it for me was Sammi Davis' lead performance. She seems like a happy chirpy girl not that affected by the world around her so there's no sense of struggle. She seems to pop along - one minute being with soldier Paul McCann, having lesbian sex with Amanda Donohoe (would this not be a bit more of a thing?), then becoming a teacher then hooking up with McGann again.
There's no sense of internal struggle - which, sure, if that's how you want to go you can but it removes the drama. She is a bit sulky when Donohoe flirts with David Hemmings but when those two get married Donohoe seems more upset with Davis. She never seems that into McGann other than as a f*ck buddy. She's not that enthusiastic about teaching so when she cracks it and whips a kid and then quits it doesn't mean anything.
Sometimes it is effective like when she's sexually harassed at school or her mother (Glenda Jackson) glowers at her for having ambition. This is what the movie should be - showing opposition to Davis. It feels easier for her. I completely acknowledge female viewers may feel differently and get more conflict out of it.
But I still feel the role needed a young Glenda Jackson - someone with more fire. Judy Davis. Emma Thompson at the time - she would've been fantastic. Or Kristin Scott Thomas.
Amanda Donohoe is very good as the sensuous teacher. McGann is alright though someone with more charisma/sensuousness might have been more effective. It's not as good as Women in Love - I think it was marred by the casting.
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