Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13976 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-10-21
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Black & White, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 100 minutes

Special Features
English
Region 2
Commentary By Alan Bates And Clive Donner And Producer Michael Birkett
Introduction By Theatre Critic Michael Billington
On Location With The Caretaker In 1962
From Play Into Film The Making Of The Caretaker
On Screen Pinter And Donner Biographies

Synopsis
Harold Pinter's renowned play is brought to the screen by Clive Donner in this acclaimed production starring Alan Bates, Donald Pleasence, and Robert Shaw.

Customer Reviews

Pinter's darkest most abstract piece
A good version of the Pinter thought piece. Directing this piece either for stage or film requires a touch that enables the viewer to catch up with its possible under themes, and to reflect on the carefully written dialogue. This is done well here, the camera lingering on certain scenes when all the 'action' (mainly talk) has finished. Nicely cast using men who know what Pinter's all about: this is different to playing Becket, it is one step closer to real life while still not quite in the same room.

Rooms are central to Pinter productions, and this one didn't really have to be more adorned than it was, even if you sometimes catch yourself thinking, 'God why don't they spruce it up a bit?-No wonder they're miserable!' The production didn't necessarily have to be as bare it was, but it works well with Pinter on stage, so why shouldn't it on screen. This play also suits the shadowy two tone black and white photography. The film won't suit everyone new to Pinter, but it serves as a solid record of what he was about.

rather trendy but very well acted.
harold pinter to me, is a somewhat trendy playwright and can be slightly too intellectual for his own good.
"the caretaker" is an example of this. nothing is made very clear as to what is meant to be happening. it is very much left to the viewer to fathom the characters, as practically nothing is given away. this can make for a rather trying experience.
it is the acting that makes the film worthwhile, and the three of them give outstanding performances. special note should go to donald pleasence and robert shaw. pleasence displays seemingly limitless energy in the character of the tramp, davies. shaw is entirely the opposite; he is quiet, reflective, distant but at the same time troubled in the role of aston. it makes a change to see shaw as a more thoughtful character and he displays a wonderful range to give a brilliant performance. alan bates does well too.
overall, this film is best appreciated in the theatre as is the case with most playwrights.

Stage on screen, or the other way round?
Pinter's first cinematic attempt and one of the best films that people should see. Pleasance's wonderful and Bates very young, but very stimulating in his part. Very useful for people who love theatre and films.