A well directed, cleverly captivating film allegory about the psychological impact of inhibition, it is not at all very faithful to the book, but as a film independent of the novel it stands quite strong. The use of flashbacks works well, Stamp is a very good choice for the lead, easy doing a lot better with his role than Eggar (in spite of her receiving an Oscar nomination and not him). The material nevertheless is not handled as well by the screenwriters as by Fowles, with shallower characters and only a small psychological grip. The film has a lot in it to admire, but it is not all that potent, and it could have been quite improved, but it is good nonetheless.
Review of The Collector
