Though most of this film focuses on the relationship between a young woman named Kate (Rita Tushingham) and an older man named Eugene (Peter Finch), this is decidedly the woman's story. He is only on camera when he interacts with her.
Unfortunately, Kate's story arc is unsatisfying, because whatever her points of view, she usually abandons them; also, the object of her affections---Eugene---is as noncommittal and lackadaisical about their relationship as she is. They have a fairly unromantic romance. This is the fault of the writing, not the acting by Finch and Tushingham, who do inhabit their characters well.
At her essence, Kate is a good girl, mindful of Roman Catholic dogma, dealing with major pangs of guilt when she transgresses. When she decides to ignore the teachings of her father or her priest, she knows she deserves punishment, though a small voice inside her tells her she is allowed to be her own person. That voice belongs to a bird that never takes flight during the film, though the ending suggests that she might later learn to soar above the odious and inane teachings of her parish.
My least favorite thing about this film is the incidental music, which I found to be distracting and annoying.
Unfortunately, Kate's story arc is unsatisfying, because whatever her points of view, she usually abandons them; also, the object of her affections---Eugene---is as noncommittal and lackadaisical about their relationship as she is. They have a fairly unromantic romance. This is the fault of the writing, not the acting by Finch and Tushingham, who do inhabit their characters well.
At her essence, Kate is a good girl, mindful of Roman Catholic dogma, dealing with major pangs of guilt when she transgresses. When she decides to ignore the teachings of her father or her priest, she knows she deserves punishment, though a small voice inside her tells her she is allowed to be her own person. That voice belongs to a bird that never takes flight during the film, though the ending suggests that she might later learn to soar above the odious and inane teachings of her parish.
My least favorite thing about this film is the incidental music, which I found to be distracting and annoying.