Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4308 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-11-04
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 87 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
A literary academic whose novels met with widespread commercial acclaim, the work of Iris Murdoch has a depth and elusiveness difficult to capture on screen. So for Iris, his first film as a director, Richard Eyre avoids the problematic novels and instead alternates the two phases of Murdoch's life as related by her widower John Bayley in his books Iris: A Memoir and Elegy for Iris. We see the headstrong and captivating Oxford undergraduate with academia at her feet, drawn to the gauche Bayley on account of his sincerity and understanding of what she needs to achieve for herself. Kate Winslet has the right combination of vibrancy and thoughtfulness for the young Iris, with Hugh Bonneville sympathetic as Bayley.

The other phase reveals Murdoch near the end of her life, struggling to complete what would be her final novel and fulfil her public engagements as she succumbs to the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Judy Dench has given numerous fine screen performances, but none as gripping nor so heart-rending as the ageing writer who withdraws into her own world--to the consternation, anger, then acceptance of her husband, movingly played by Jim Broadbent. Cameos from such actors as Eleanor Bron and Timothy West add to the overall quality, as does Eyre's lucid script, atmospheric location filming in and around Oxford, and an attractively low-key score from James Horner. Murdoch's novels may in future receive the kind of filmic presentation that does them justice. For now, this poignant insight into episodes from the life of a great modern writer is a must-see.--Richard Whitehouse

Special Features
English
Region 2

Synopsis
Based on the book ELEGY FOR IRIS, by John Bayley, this biopic tells the inspiring and heartbreaking story of the writer's 40-year romance with English novelist Dame Iris Murdoch. The film cuts back and forth between the young Iris and John (played by Kate Winslet and Hugh Bonneville), at the height of their romantic adventures as students at Oxford in the 1950s, and the elderly couple (played by Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent), struggling with Iris' decline, as her brilliant mind is ravaged by the effects of Alzheimer's.
Judi Dench gives an outstanding performance--her transformation from a prolific genius of the written and spoken word (Murdoch wrote 26 novels), to the infantile state of losing her language facilities altogether, is truly wrenching. Jim Broadbent is equally touching as her partner for life, who has adored the passionate Iris since they met, but was never fully able to possess her until the tragic end, when he declares in grief, I've got you now, and I don't bloody want you! Directed by Richard Eyre, artistic director of Britain's Royal National Theater, the film is uniquely sensitive and finely acted.

Customer Reviews

"Wither shall I go from thy spirit?"
Prolific English novelist Iris Murdoch (The Sea, the Sea, Under the Net) was a lover of words and the power of language. She was quite the avant-garde free-thinker as a young professor and the shy, stuttering John Bayley seemed an unlikely match for her, but fall in love they did and they shared a long and loving marriage. The movie focuses on Iris' battle with Alzheimer's disease, which gradually robbed her of the ability to use her beloved words. John cared for her and loved her until the end.

This is simply the best movie I've seen in a long time; the acting is superb as is the script. Judi Dench gives a stunning performance as Iris. It is heartbreaking to watch her steady decline, knowing how it must end. She was nominated for, but did not receive an Oscar, however, Jim Broadbent rightly won one for his role as her steadfast husband. He, too, is perfect, tenderly caring for his beloved even when she doesn't know him. When the movie flashes from Iris' present decline to John's memories of their meeting and courtship, the younger Iris is well-played by Kate Winslet. She captures the love of life and philosophy that Iris had. The James Horner soundtrack is the perfect companion to the deeply personal and yet universally-understood story of unselfish love.

A roller coaster!
This film has frustration, selfishness, touching scenes and pivotal moments. Superb acting by Kate Winslet and Judie Dench etc. A fascinating piece of a decline in a writer's life. You either find Iris frustratingly selfish or admire the bold and experimental taste that feeds her imagination to the literary world. Some say what a cow others say WOw! Though it cannot be ignored that either way the film is an emotional one. It has captured authentically a part of someone's life. I'm glad I didn't watch this at the cinema where tissues were unavailable.

A beautiful film
Iris is a true story based on the lives of Iris Murdoch and John Bayley. The film rotates between present day (as it were) and their youth. Murdoch is played by Judi Dench in the present and Kate Winslet in the past. Whilst Bayley is played by Jim Broadbent in the present and Hugh Bonneville in the past and is seen primarily through the perspective of Bayley. I cannot praise these actors enough. Rarely do you see such performances. It is truly stunning. Its a film that shook me to my core. It was intensely emotional. Jim Broadbent was truly magnificent and portrayed the feeling of watching someone you love so very much begin their descent into losing their ability to utter the most simple words to perfection. Utterly gut wrenching.
Judi Dench is nothing short of a superstar in front of a camera and I felt that everybody pulled their weight in this. It is a film that I'd have to describe as simply beautiful.
I can only hope I never have to deal with this sort of thing myself. I find it difficult to convey my feelings further. It is one of those films that you must watch and I am sure you will know what I mean. Honestly, its something we all should see.