Starring:
Judi Dench as mature Iris Murdoch
Jim Broadbent as mature John Bayley
Kate Winslet as young Iris Murdoch
Hugh Bonneville as young John Bayley
Special Features:
– A Look at Iris
– Alzheimer’s Association Honors Iris and Jim Broadbent
Other info:
Widescreen (1.85:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
French language track
Running Time: 91 Minutes
Synopsis:
This is the story of the romance between vibrant author Iris Murdoch and the shy, bookish John Bayley. Their love, while unlikely by outward appearances, lasted from their college days to the end of her life. It shows the progression of their romance from the first blush to the inspiring devotion that John showed through her progression through Alzheimer’s. It showed his temporary frustration as well as care and at times despair. Through it all this was a story of unshakable love.
“Iris” is rated R for sexuality/nudity and some language.
The Movie:
This was an incredibly well acted movie. You don’t feel that these are actors. You actually feel that you are watching real lives on the screen. Part of this is explained when you find out that Jim Broadbent lost his mother to this awful disease.
This was a touching movie, but families that are struggling with this in their own lives may feel that it is too close to home. Her Alzheimer’s is treated realistically. It is not glossed over, yet it is not horrified either.
The Extras:
The featurette “A Look at Iris” consists of the cast and director commenting mainly on the motivation of the actors and script. Personally, I thought this redundant and unnecessary. The movie spoke beautifully for itself.
The award presentation was nice, but it really did not add anything to the understanding of the movie and to me came off as self-congratulatory.
The Bottom Line:
“Iris” is not a movie that I would normally select, but it was a great look at devotion and love. It is a good rainy day movie.
