This is a wonderful evocation of the lost world of pre-War London Bohemian high society, based on the novel 'Vile Bodies' by Evelyn Waugh. It is of course intended to be a pastiche, and Stephen Fry's ability to stop it every time just as it is about to stray into 'high camp' is a model of directorial restraint, with actors who could easily all have become out of control if given free rein. One of the most spectacular performances in the film is that by Fenella Woolgar, whose portrayal of an elitist aristocratic Bohemian who eventually goes mad is done to utter perfection. Fry was able to do this film and get these amazing performances because he really does know this kind of people, and he and his actor friends (yes, they were all friends, including Sir John Mills who does not speak) were able to fine-tune the performances to absolute perfection. The old saying 'It takes one to know one' can in this case be altered to: 'It takes one to show one.' Fry does not hesitate to show the behavioural excesses, revolting hypocrisy, and sickening aloofness and indifference to reality of the 'bright young things' in this film. It is a morality tale, but thoroughly entertaining and brilliantly realised. A triumph, frankly.
Review of Bright Young Things
