Starring: Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston
Directed by: Terrence Davies
Set "Around 1950" and based off the play by Terry Rattigan, Weisz is Hester Collyer; a housewife struggling to breathe in a marriage to an emotionally blinded Higher Court judge, William. She falls into a devastating leap of love with a handsome, young soldier Freddie Page (Hiddleston). They are lethal to each other. Physically transfixed, sometimes stepping on the right emotional chords, other moments definitely not. Freddie isn't exactly a hero; his words are as harsh when he's sober as when he's sloshed, doesn't earn enough for them to get by, and is vain over his old days as a soldier. Hester has an enduring unrelinquishing hope for their tryst, that one day he will love her the same way she loves him.
Sometimes a motion picture comes along that words just aren't enough. Your understanding for the movie or simple love can't be conveyed through picking out words to describe what you get from a performance or directing style. When you do your thoughts become too technical to explain how a movie strikes you differently than others. Sometimes you can only capture frames and note what touches you about them. Inspired by The Deep Blue Sea and other favorite films, I'm introducing a new series: 5 Frames.
There is an emotion with Hester that can only be explained as 'something's missing'. She doesn't find it in her foggy relationship with Freddie, or her husband who tries hard to get her back. But it's written all over Weiszs' face and her beautiful performance.
A light beaming from within. All this adoration for a young man who is entirely unmatched for her and yet someone who will come to know her too well.
"I love you so much."
One of my favorite embraces between Freddie and Hester. No matter how difficult they are towards each other, there's no going back for her. She's entirely occupying that space of love for him. As he turns to walk with her on his shoulder, Freddie gives a look that he knows he won't be able to commit the same way she already is.
And a gif.
Beware of passion, Hester. It always leads to something ugly.
Beware of passion, Hester. It always leads to something ugly.