Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13220 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-04-20
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 64 minutes

Synopsis
Sir Laurence Olivier stars in this filmed version of the acclaimed stage play THE COLLECTION. Written by Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter, THE COLLECTION is a dark comedy about two radical-chic couples whose lives are unexpectedly perturbed by an anonymous phone call. Suddenly the doubt of betrayal creeps into the four protagonists’ seemingly perfect and classy existence, leading to mutual misunderstanding and suspicion. Directed by BAFTA winner Michael Apted, and starring Helen Mirren and Malcolm McDowell, this version of THE COLLECTION was originally aired as part of Granada Television's popular series LAURENCE OLIVIER PRESENTS.

Customer Reviews

A great performance, wtih one reservation
This is an early Pinter play, almost a youthful caprice: it's almost a comedy, but - as you'd expect - with disturbing echoes. The cast is excellent: it's hard to think of how three of the roles could be better played than they are here by Alan Bates, Helen Mirren and Malcolm McDowell. I have reservations about Olivier, though: he doesn't always have the restraint that Pinter requires and though he gives a very exciting rendering of Harry Kane, here, I can't help thinking it's not quite what Pinter was asking for. Sample his final 'big speech' to see what I mean.

Otherwise, though, this is strongly recommended.

Subtext and Pauses
This masterpeice is a good starting point for students new to Pinter.Good casting has enhanced the overall uneasyness of the play.