Description: Here's the powerful true story based on John Bayley's novels that earned Jim Broadbent an Academy Award(R) for Best Supporting Actor and Academy Award(R) nominations for Best Actress Judi Dench and Best Supporting Actress Kate Winslet (IRIS, 2001). Judi Dench (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE) and Kate Winslet (TITANIC) bring to the screen one of the most extraordinary women of the 20th century, celebrated English author Iris Murdoch. As told by her unlikely soulmate, husband John Bayley, Iris first became known as a brilliant young scholar at Oxford whose boundless spirit dazzled those around her. Then, during her remarkable career as a novelist and philosopher, she continued to prove herself a woman ahead of her time. Even in later life, as age and illness robbed Iris of her remarkable gifts, nothing could diminish her immense influence or weaken the bond with her devoted husband.
Amazon.com: Iris teems with fussy charm and the intimate joy found only in a lover's foibles. Adapted from the memoirs of literary critic John Bayley, the film recounts his courtship of and long marriage to British novelist Iris Murdoch. The scenario tacks back and forth from the young Iris (Kate Winslet)--ready to seduce one and all with her coy command of words and sex appeal--to the elder Iris (Judi Dench)--slowly giving way to the cruel erasure of Alzheimer's--and it is impossible not to be moved by the film's denouement of loss. Ms. Dench is, as usual, resplendent, tossing off literary quips, knowing glares, and razor-sharp metaphors with graceful ease. The pleasure Murdoch took in what must have been an extraordinary life is palpable every second Dench is onscreen. Jim Broadbent is also especially fine as the elder Bayley, steadfast in devotion and humor. The script, however, is painfully predictable and heavy-handed in its frequent use of symbolism (e.g., sheets of paper flying into the ocean, rocks slipping to the river's bottom). Nevertheless, Iris evokes a passion for learning and intimacy worthy of its subject. --Fionn Meade
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - "Wither shall I go from thy spirit?"
Prolific English novelist Iris Murdoch (The Sea, The Sea, Under the Net) was a lover of words and the power of language. She was quite the avant-garde free-thinker as a young professor and the shy, stuttering John Bayley seemed an unlikely match for her, but fall in love they did and they shared a long and loving marriage. The movie focuses on Iris' battle with Alzheimer's disease, which gradually robbed her of the ability to use her beloved words. John cared for her and loved her until the end.
This is simply the best movie I've seen in a long time; the acting is superb as is the ... Read More
Rating: - I like it, but...
There's no doubt that the acting is tremendous in this movie, from both Dame Judy and James Broadbent. The movie is a special achievement in this regard, and Judy Dench deserved an Oscar for her performance. However, the movie is a very incomplete picture of the life of Iris Murdoch, which in fact would be difficult to capture in a 2 hour film. It is a very small, very limited view of the woman who has contributed so much to literature, philosophy and the arts. It is unfortunate that many will only know Iris Murdoch through this movie, and may never experience the insight, wisdom and wit of this truly ... Read More
Rating: - Iris
A beautifully written and acted movie about the devastation of Alzheimers. Judi Dench as the older Iris is fantastic and Kate Winslet as the young Iris is very good. This was my first introduction the the actor Jim Broadbent and I found him to be marvelous...so glad to know that he won an Academy Award for this role. Not a movie to pick up your spirits but a treasure just the same.
Rating: - Deeply moving
Having just finished watching "Iris" on DVD, I'm still of two minds about having watched it. The performance by Dame Judi Dench is breathtakingly brilliant as the famous novelist and philosopher, Dame Iris Murdoch. The story encompasses her youth as a student at Oxford, her many love affairs and her terrible descent into dementia. As I saw Judi Dench gradually change from a brilliant woman into a screaming, flailing madwoman, her portrayal was enough to reduce me to tears as it was so accurately done and even the flatness of her eyes and lack of expression were perfect. Anyone who has been part of the ... Read More
Rating: - IRIS
GREAT MOVIE! very sad and moving for anyone who has experience the tragedy of Alzheimer disease in your family.
I had this movie on VHS and it made it;s rounds between friends and places that dealt with Alzheimer's - and the tape was destroyed - having the disk is a must - and of course i am a Judi Dench fan - anything she does is excellent and a must have in your collection.
Beautifully done - Kate Winslet was excellent in portraying the young Iris Murdoch - of which the story is about - a British Philosopher and writer. Some of the narratives are amazingly beautiful.
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