Flash from the Past: Look Back in Anger

Look Back in Anger tells the story of young and disgruntled Jimmy Porter. He shares a crummy apartment with his down-trodden wife, Allison, and his best pal, Cliff. He struggles to earn a living at the local market. His one outlet in life is playing jazz trumpet in the local clubs.

Director: Tony Richardson, in his film debut. Released 1959.
Starring: Who else, but the enthralling Richard Burton as Jimmy.
Running Time: 100 minutes. Not rated. B&W

Review by Cinemagirl.

I love the late 50's/early 60's British film genre of frustrated and disgruntled young people existing in a classist society. Burton, who continually played angry, confused, emotional men, suits this ideal very well.

The character of Jimmy Porter comes from an impoverished background, but somehow he was able to get a college education. However, he has not been able to utilize it, so he works selling candy at a stall in the street market. Jimmy became angry early in life with the loss of his father. This rage, which he has obvsiouly never dealt with, carries him throughout the film, as he torments his poor, defeated wife.

I particularly love these meaty old dramas that examine the roots of human emotions and the complex webs of personal relationships. At times, you can tell that Look Back in Anger was originally a stage play, by John Osborne, with its limited locations and dialogue set up to come back around in the Third Act and whack you on the head with the point it intends to make. The real enjoyment of this film is watching Burton. Damn, can he act! If he wasn't cast in this film it would likely be a flop. If only we had more actors like him these days...

The cinematography in this old black and white flick is great. There are clever shots using mirrors and silhouettes that drive the emotion of the story without revealing too much or being cheesy.

I highly recommend this film if you like being sucked into dramas that don't necessarily turn out very pretty. For further reference, I also recommend renting "This Sporting Life" and "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" to round out the film trifecta of young British men struggling to find their way in a world that does not belong to them.

STORY: 9
LOOK: 9
ACTING: 10 for Burton