Kudos to director Richard Eyre of this 2001 bio-drama about Iris Murdoch, Irish-born novelist,philosopher and lover of the written word. This film is a passionate look at the melodramatic relationship between the free-spirited and sexual libertine Murdoch(Judi Dench)and the scholarly and timid, virtual virgin John Bayley(Jim Broadstreet). Both acclaimed and well respected for their own accomplishments. Iris known for her novels that were usually sexual and ethical. Bayley, the Oxford scholar, sexually frustrated worshiper of Iris. The story line begins with the couple's meeting and attraction; Kate Winslet playing the young Murdoch and Hugh Bonneville as Bayley. Early on, Iris is the dominate of the soul mates as Bayley lives in the shadow of his famous wife. Later in life it is Bayley that becomes the doting and devoted caretaker of the Alzheimer's ravaged Iris. Dementia robbing from her those words that made her world. Dench and Winslet are superb.
Review of Iris
