Between Two Women (DVD)

...but quite honestly the omission of the more lengthy scenes made the storylines stronger. What wasn't said was more important than what was said in some instances. Reading between the lines sometimes enhances the experience rather than something being "in your face".



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Not only was this film set in the 1950's , when it must have been almost impossible to be openly gay but it was set in the North of England as well- a double whammy. Where men were men and women were grateful. Everyone seemed to smoke as well. Hmm! (very authentic, I am told)

The lead character for the film, Ellen, is unhappily married to a mill worker (Geoff) who seems at first glance to be a tough, no-nonsense chauvinist. He always seems to be going to the outside toilet as well..just something I noticed! He does seem to want to make something of their little terraced house, though.

Their son Victor is a talented artist and his female school teacher Kathy (the other main character) tries to help him and encourages his work, letting him stay after school and getting to know his mother. They chat and as time goes by become friends. Ellen's involvement with Kathy does not go unniticed by Geoff and he becomes resentful. Not only is his wife hobnobbing with a teacher (who is above her) but she is neglecting to make sure his dinner is on the table when he comes back from t'mill. So their relationship begins to break up. He also does not like his son Victor doing his "scribbling" and tries to put his foot down. It's not manly or a working class thing to do...and another thing is that when he sold a painting it earned more than he could. He felt humiliated.

I won't go on any more about the plot because I think it's a film you should see for yourself.

It is a sensitive portrayal of two women who find having a relationship very difficult , and Geoff had my sympathy at the end because he did something very special. The actor playing him was very convincing- I have only seen him in "Dinnerladies" but he was much better in this film. Get your tissues ready- and be prepared to have a lump in your throat.

Makes me feel glad I wasn't around in the 50's...couldn't have worn a headscarf!!!

There are cameo roles for a few well known old faces, Frank Windsor, Paul Shane, Duggie Brown to mention a few.

It's a film I would recommend and will be watching again. I'm sure we missed things in the background becasue we were captivated by the performances at the front of the screen.

There are some extras on the DVD-some deleted scenes-worth looking at- I think they made the right decision by not including them! The director explained why he did not include them and you can appreciate why- not only would it have made the film longer but quite honestly the omission of the more lengthy scenes made the storylines stronger. What wasn't said was more important than what was said in some instances. Reading between the lines sometimes enhances the experience rather than something being "in your face".

 

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