6.7
When the young, attractive Joe Orton meets the older, more introverted Kenneth Halliwell at drama school, he befriends the kindred spirit and they start an affair. As Orton becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and starts to find success with his writing, Halliwell becomes increasingly alienated and jealous, ultimately tapping into a dangerous rage.
Gary Oldman
Joe Orton
Alfred Molina
Kenneth Halliwell
Vanessa Redgrave
Peggy Ramsay
Wallace Shawn
John Lahr
Lindsay Duncan
Anthea Lahr
Julie Walters
Elsie Orton
James Grant
William Orton
Frances Barber
Leonie Orton
Janet Dale
Mrs Sugden
Dave Atkins
Mr Sugden
Margaret Tyzack
Madame Lambert
Eric Richard
Education Officer
William Job
RADA Chairman
Rosalind Knight
RADA Judge
Angus MacKay
RADA Judge
Linda Spurrier
RADA Instructor
Charlotte Wodehouse
Janet
Helena Michell
Orton's Friend
Sean Pertwee
Orton's Friend
Liam De Staic
Brickie
Charles McKeown
Mr Cunliffe
Selina Cadell
Miss Battersby
Bert Parnaby
Magistrate
Antony Carrick
Counsel
Neil Dudgeon
Policeman
Richard Wilson
Psychiatrist
Christopher Guinee
Publisher
Stevan Rimkus
Kenneth
Michael Müller
BBC Actor 1
Anthony Douse
BBC Actor 2
John Kane
Director
Steven Mackintosh
Simon Ward
Garry Cooper
Actor 1 – Mr Sloane
Roger Lloyd Pack
Actor 2
Joanne Connelly
Stage Manager
John Moffatt
Wigmaker
Philippa Davies
Peggy Ramsey's Secretary
David Cardy
Brian Epstein
Julie Legrand
Gallery Owner
Noel Davis
Philip
Jane Blackburn
Woman in Gallery 1
Stella Richman
Woman in Gallery 2
Neville Phillips
Man in Gallery
Jonny Phillips
Youth Outside Lavatory
Richard Ireson
Man Outside Lavatory
Ahmed Elgheur
Moroccan Boy 1
Moktar Dagmouni
Moroccan Boy 2
Sian Thomas
Marilyn Orton
Stephen Bill
George Barnett
Karl Johnson
Douglas Orton
David Bradley
Undertaker
Simon Adams
Undertaker's Boy
James Duggan
Labourer
Max Stafford-Clark
Awards Chairman
Mark Brignal
Beatles Chauffeur
Joan Sanderson
Anthea's Mother
Neville Smith
Police Inspector
Spencer Leigh
Constable
John Salthouse
Chauffeur
Robin Hooper
Mortuary Attendant
Derek Jarman
Patrick Proktor (uncredited)
Derek Lyons
Library Patron (uncredited)
Director
Stephen Frears
Book
John Lahr
Screenplay
Alan Bennett
January 29, 2025
7
Maybe now, a few decades after this was made and when the politically correct brigade advocate that only gay actors should play gay roles, they ought to watch this and see just how engagingly two straight blokes can do what it says on their CVs and act! This is quite a witty and telling retrospective on the turbulent lives of playwright John "Joe" Orton (Gary Oldman) and his general factotum, friend, confidante and part-time lover "Kenneth" (Alfred Molina) set at a time when homosexuality in the UK was starting to emerge from the shadows of illegaility and, even amongst the more theatrical fraternity, was still frowned upon. What now ensues sees their relationship vacillate wildly, temptation rear it's ugly head and an unattractive degree of thoughtless, even callous, behaviour creep into Orton's behaviour towards his obsessive friend. Jealousy and toxicity aren't far away either, especially when Orton starts to see the fruits of his labours and makes a few quid. It's quite possibly the most perverse of love stories and there's a palpable chemistry that straddles loving and loathing between these two men that's well delivered by Orton, yes, but more so by the emotionally cuckolded character played by Molina. It's entertainingly speculative in nature, but that's delivered plausibly and epitomises a great many relationships where success profoundly alters the dynamic with drastic effects. It's also an interesting glance at the hypocrisy of public attitudes in the UK in the late 1960s and though not quite so potently, still resonates today - long after the "Section 28" debate that was about to hit the UK shortly after this was made. Good soundtrack, too.
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00