Reviews

I remember back in 2007, when plans for this film were first announced, being very excited at the prospect and thinking that Meryl Streep would be an ideal choice to play Margaret Thatcher, arguably Britain's most controversial prime minister. Then, in early 2011, upon the announcement that she indeed had been cast as The Iron Lady, my excitement heightened. But to be honest, upon finally seeing it a few days ago, I was nowhere near as exhilarated as I had been with other films, which explore a similar theme, such as 'The Queen' and 'The King's Speech'.

Meryl Streep is – as always – flawless at playing the lady herself. Hidden behind prosthetics and mastering the voice to perfection, she shines equally as the ruthlessly ambitious woman that Thatcher started off as, the formidable and tyrannical prime minster that she rose to and the senile octogenarian that she has now become. Equally good are Jim Broadbent and Olivia Coleman as her loving husband and daughter. Richard E. Grant also puts in a nice cameo as one of her potential successors.

The soundtrack from Thomas Newman is also pleasant on the ear, as always.

My major issues with 'The Iron Lady' are related to the direction and to a great extent the, what I believe to be deliberately non-controversial and lazily-written script: too much – a good third of the entire film - focuses on Lady Thatcher's declining physical and mental health. Because of this, nowhere near enough attention is given to her years as Prime Minister and the limited amount of time that does, only and very briefly covers the basics (which most people should already be aware of) – the miners' strike and its subsequent riots, the Falklands war, the 1980s recession and the Brighton bombings, before jumping nearly ten years towards her resignation, barley acknowledging the close friendship she had with Reagan and ignoring the controversial section 28. Maybe the film is aimed at international audiences, with less knowledge on British politics, I don't know. One wonders if had a director and writer, both with more experience in such films - Stephen Frears, Tom Hooper, Peter Morgan – had taken on the task, things could have been very different.

Needless to say, the film is worth seeing – whether you like Thatcher or loath her – only just for Meryl's fantastic performance. And regardless of my comments, it would be very surprising should this film not win, or at least be nominated, for Best Actress, Best makeup and Best Original Score; although with several other good films out there also, it could be a tough one. But, I think I can safely say - Best Director? Best Screenplay? Definitely not.

Having stumbled upon 'The Sculptress' on IMDb some years ago, I was immediately interested: Pauline Quirke ('Birds of a Feather') playing Olive Martin, a young woman incarcerated for brutally murdering her mother and sister, with Caroline Goodall as a work-hungry novelist trying to understand get inside her murderous psyche. After a few years trying to see it, I finally managed to borrow it on an old VCR and settle down one evening to watch it.

The first hour and a half is highly captivating portraying Olive and Roz (Goodall) initial encounter with Roz embarking on her investigation. The acting between Quirke and Goodall is fantastic, the script is well written and the directing is highly admirable. It was a pleasant surprise to see the exteriors of Oxford Prison, primarily known for it's use on ITVs 'Bad Girls', being used for the forbidden jail where much of the action takes place.

My main issue with 'The Sculptress' would be that I did find that the scriptwriter (and possibly Minnette Walters in her original novel) went off on a complete, wild tangent. He appears to forget about Quirke - who for the bulk of the second hour and half isn't featured – and instead focuses way too much on Goodhall's character and the unnecessary subplots surrounding her character. Because of this, the dark psychological thriller-element seems to be abandoned and it quickly turns into any other trashy TV drama. The seemingly-hastily written ending is rather obscure and very confusing. It is jam-packed with twists, turns and one-too-many flashbacks, leaving me completely baffled as to what had actually happened. I am a great admirer of open-endings but this was far too unclear and a little too amateurish.

Nonetheless, Pauline Quirke was sensational as Olive Martin. Forget Sharon Theodopolopodous - here she is barely recognizable: hidden beneath a gigantic fat-suit, with long dark hair and a ghostly-pale complexion, borrowing an evil glare in the process. I was particularly unnerved by the eerie lullaby she sings over the credits at the end. I did feel for Caroline Goodall's character when she and Olive come face to face in that dark prison cell. Caroline Goodall was also very good as the eager journalist desperate to uncover the truth behind Olive's disturbed behaviour.

Still, I'm very glad I was finally able to see this and would recommend it to anyone interested in the psychological thriller/crime-detective genre. Not to mention, anyone who admires Pauline Quirke.

Shame really - very rarely do I watch a film and am left feeling disappointed at the end. I've seen quite a few of Ira Levin's adaptations - 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Stepford Wives' - and liked both them, but this just didn't appeal to me.

When I read the plot outline - an award winning playwright (Michael Caine) decides to murder one of his former pupils (Christopher Reeve) and steel his script for his own success - I was excited. I like thrillers, Michael Caine's a good actor, Sidney Lumet's a good director and Ira Levin's work is generally good.

I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but all I'd say is there are LOADS of twists and turns. So many its kind of hard to explain the film's plot line in detail, without giving it away. I enjoyed the first ... 45 minutes, before the twists and turns began to occur and at that point my interest and enjoyment began to fade out. Though I have to give Lumet credit for the very amusing ending which did make me laugh out loud.

The main cast - Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, Dyan Cannon and Irene Worth - were all brilliant in their roles. Though Worth's obvious fake Russian accent got on my nerves slightly (nothing personal Irene, I think any actor's fake accent would irritate me). Not sure if Cannon's character was meant to be annoyingly funny but Dyan managed to annoy and amuse - at the same time.

Anyone reading this - I don't want you to be put-off watching this because of my views - give it a chance, you may like it, you may not. It's all about opinion.

Jindabyne is a profound art house crime/thriller/drama set entirely in an the isolated Australian town of Jindabyne, starring Laura Linney (Love Actually, The Exorcism of Emily Rose) and Gabriel Byrne (Spider).

An Irishman (Bryne), living in Australia with his American wife (Linney), is on an annual fishing trip, with four friends, when they come across the murdered body of a young Aboriginal woman (Tatea Reilly). Having looked forward to their trip for so long, the friends decide to leave the woman alone and report her to the police once their trip is over. Much to the disgrace of their wives, the community and the Aboriginal tribe.

I'm going to try and review this without giving it all away, but this is another very interesting and unusual thriller in so many ways. For a start, the majority of the film focuses on Linney and Byrne's marriage and the young girl's murder acts as a sort of subplot. Secondly, the director, Ray Lawrence (who has only directed two other films in the last 22 years), filmed all of it in natural light IE no fake lighting was used throughout.

The script by Beatrix Christian, adapted from the short novel 'So Much Water So Close to Home', on which the film is based, is also written in an unusual way. For instance,, the film is chronologically told, yet none of the scenes are linked – nearly all of the scenes (at least in the first half) are random anecdotes of Linney and Bryne's family life. One criticisms I'd give the script would be that although it is obvious Bryne is Irish and Linney is American, it is not explained as to why they are in Australia. Another criticism, in general, is that although we are supposed to believe that the men are so desperate to fish – they are even willing to ignore a dead woman's body – this is not emphasized enough in the acting, script of direction. Because of this, I didn't sympathize with Bryne's character as much as I could have done.

Laura Linney and Ed Byrne are pretty much the only two actors who are recognizable to international audiences, out of the very large cast. Both are brilliant in their roles, particularly Linney proving once again she is one of Hollywood's more overlooked actresses.

The film is worth seeing for so many reasons: brilliant acting from the entire ensemble cast, it's intriguing direction, unusual storyline and its accurate insight into the Aboriginal religious practices.

'Notes on a Scandal' is what I'd describe as 'Misery' with a pinch of subtlety. It's a well acted thriller, supported by an experienced cast and crew. Sadly, I wasn't able to see it when it was released earlier this year – but managed to buy it off amazon.com and – I must state – the three month wait – was definitely worth it! Judi Dench stars a Barbara Covett, a lonely, elderly history teacher working at a London comprehensive school. One evening, she discovers that the school's new art teacher – Sheba Hart, (Cate Blanchett) - has entered an illicit affair with one of the pupils (Andrew Simpson). Before reporting her to the Headmaster, Barbara suddenly realizes that she can 'gain everything, by doing nothing' and in a desperate attempt to gain a friend - blackmails Sheba.

Judi Dench reveals a far darker side to her acting ability, bringing Barbara Covett to life, skilfully and inspiringly. It's a shame 'Notes on a Scandal' was released the same year as 'The Queen', as Dench didn't win the Best Actress Award that she was nominated for and most rightfully deserved. This was of course won by Helen Mirren, who was only a tad bit better in 'The Queen'! Cate Blanchett is also fantastic - shedding her Australian roots and bringing to life the pitiful Sheba Hart, managing a very good English accent along the way. Finally, Bill Nighy - who plays Blanchett's older, deceived husband, also gives a very well-acted performance.

Patrick Marber (the screenwriter) cleverly brings the story to life – adapting it from Zoë Heller's novel – adding a pinch of black humour as well. He gives Dench the majority of good lines – including the famous 'She's the one I've waited for' and (when listening to Blanchett and Nighy arguing, from upstairs) 'by the time I'd taken my seat in the Gods; the Opera was well into its final act!'.

Please don't expect your typical type of thriller – car chases, guns and races against time, because 'Notes on a Scandal' doesn't have any of them. Instead, it contains two gifted, well-matched actresses and a believable, yet disturbing, storyline.

'Notes on a Scandal' was released on DVD on the 4th June in the UK and is rated 15.

I, myself, had not heard of this underrated gem until I was surfing IMDb.com one evening and immediately thought this would be worth buying – I was right.

When her daughter (Olivia Burnette) is brutally raped and murdered, and the murderer (Kiefer Sutherland) is released on a technicality, Karen McCann (Sally Field) decides to take the law into her own hands … Directed skilfully by the late John Schlesinger, this darkly riveting thriller will push every parent's maternal/paternal instincts button.

After touching performances in 'Sybil' and 'Steel Magnolias' and hilarious performances in 'Mrs. Doubtfire', Sally Field once again delivers a terrific and emotional performance throughout as the grieving mother, determined to seek revenge. Kiefer Sutherland brings to life every horrible category a true, loathsome villain requires and makes viewers cringe every time he appears on camera. As a matter-of-fact, I'm actually reluctant to comment on his acting due to how real his character seemed.

The supporting cast – including Ed Harris, Philip Baker Hall and Charlayne Woodard also bring their supporting characters to life, cleverly.

One thing I would point out would be the graphic and extremely disturbing scene at the beginning. Although this is extremely important in the film's storyline, it is a little too explicit and will most definitely disturb some/if not all views - I myself would recommend fast-forwarding it. Once this scene is over, the rest of the film is nerve-racking, tense but very poignant up until its frightening but satisfying climatic scene.

Despite being over a decade years old – 'Eye for an Eye' still has not been recognized properly for its unique characteristics that not many thrillers have. Definitely worth seeing!

Set in the months around the death of Princess Diana, the film focuses on the deep emotions that occurred within the royal family, and relationship between her royal majesty the Queen (Dame Helen Mirren) and the British Prime Minster, Tony Blair (Michael Sheen).

Helen Mirren is forever a treasured gem in acting show-business and here, she is no acceptation. Sadly, her blonde and elegant looks are carefully hidden behind the mask she wears to portray The Queen, but her acting is clearly visible. She is now Elizabeth II, but she does however slide very carefully and modestly in the role, and portrays her brilliantly throughout. Michael Sheen (an enigma – to me) is also excellent at portraying the Prime Minister, and he also should deserve an award for his fine performance. James Cromwell – originally I thought it was a bit risky, getting an American to play the husband of the British Queen, but he also slides into the role of Prince Philip, with an excellent British accent. Helen McCrory also does a well-analyzed performance as Cherrie Blair. Finally, Sylvia Syms makes an interesting but well-acted performance as The Queen Mother, providing us with one or two, undisruptive, comical one-liners.

I just got back from seeing The Queen, with my mother, and I was not at the least disappointed. The entire cast was well chosen and all perform modestly and admirably. The directing is also rather exceptional: Stephen Frears was an excellent choice, but sadly underrated. I had never hard of him prior to watching this film, and would like to congratulate him on making such a superb film.

I was also impressed with the use of the genuine archive footage from when Diana died, used at certain parts of the film. As well as the speech taken from her Majesty The Queen that Helen Mirren delivers in her own, non-plagiarized way. My only criticism would be that because the majority of the film is reliant on dialogue, it is unsure how much of it is true and how much is made up. None the less it was a riveting film that gave me goose bumps several times! An excellent way to spend a Saturday morning.

I very recently played the part of Donald for an assessed GSCE performance of Blue Remembered Hills, and buying the DVD version was a great help – not to mention getting an opportunity to see Helen Mirren (which is always a great pleasure).

Blue Remembered Hills – the title taken from A.E Houseman's epic poem 'The Shropshire Lad' is set on a summer afternoon, in the Forest of Dean during the second world war – 1943. For the first 60 minutes we passively observe the true nature of what children are like alone – and away from adult supervision. With evidence from each child's background, that interweaves in how they behave and treat one another, before leading to a horrible and terrifying conclusion …

Helen Mirren is, as always, beautiful and despite being 34 – at the time of its film, could pass about 19. Her acting is of course 100% on top form. As is the versatile Janine Duvitski – who also stars as Mirren's on-screen best friend, Audrey. Colin Jeavons is also brilliant as the disturbed Donald and gave me a lot of inspiration towards playing the part. These three, are amongst the seven cast members who all cleverly bring children to life.

Dennis Potter was probably the 20th century version of Shakespeare. I give him a lot of credit and I'm satisfied that such a talented and profound playwright can be from Britain. RIP. I haven't seen 'The Singing Detective', which I've heard is another of Dennis Potter's acclaimed pieces, so those who have seen that – I strongly suggest you watch this. There's no singing or dancing, but a well analysed script, fantastic acting and a profound moral. I know its frequently aired on BBC Three – so keep checking but I recommend you purchase it off amazon.co.UK for a reasonable price.

An excellent TV Play.

The sweet Betty White, the glamorous Rue McClanahan, the sharp Bea Arthur and the hilarious Estelle Getty join forces to star in this unforgettable, nostalgic, utterly hilarious, warm, family comedy that entwines every feeling and emotion that us humans experience and covers it with verbal and visual comedy.

After her husbands death, Blanche Deveraux (Rue McClanahan), a sexy, Texas southerner, advertises for two roommates to live in her smart, Floridian bungalow. After several candidates, she receives grief-councilor Rose Nyland (Betty White), an adorable, naïve widow from St. Olaf, Minnesota and Dorothy Zbornak (Beatrice Arthur), a recently divorced substitute high-school, literature teacher, from New York City. The three live together until in the pilot episode where Dorothy's witty, Sicilian mother, Sofia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) appears, after her nursing home 'burnt down'. Together, the four women live together, accompanied by sex, cheesecake, gossip, arguments and every other element that makes true friendship.

If I was ever asked what five things I'd take with me onto a tropical island – it'd be the three Golden Girls series I have on DVD, my TV and my DVD Player. The Golden Girls remains my forever favorite sitcom, simply because its true – its not fake. Its totally and utterly believable.

Herb Edelman also made frequent appearances as Dorothy's sleazy ex-husband, who left her for an air hostess. As did Harold Gould as Rose's major love interest. Equipped with its famous guest appearances, including Tony Jay, Anne Haney, Polly Holiday, George Clooney, Paula Kelly, Nancy Walker, Lloyd Bochner, Murray Hamilton, Deborah May, Jeanette Nolan and Leslie Neilson. Not to mention the Special Guest Appearances – people as themselves – including Burt Reynolds, Alex Trebek and Merv Griffin this is also another key factor.

I actually wrote to my two favourite Golden Girls' Betty/Rose and Rue/Blanche back in 2004 who BOTH sent back beautiful signed photos personally addressed to me. I was so happy. Since I purchased the first three series of amazon.com (I live in the UK, but own a DVD player – which, thank God, plays American DVDs), I've also grown to like Dorothy. If Bea Arthur is reading this, I am planning to write to her as well, but due to the constant worry of my upcoming GSCE's – I just haven't had time. Please, bare with me! I'd also right to Estelle but sadly due to her suffering with the dreadful Alzheimer's Disease, I can't.

My own personal top five favorites would have to be: (NOT in order)

1. The Operation 2. The Actor (Dorothy – life on stage: You're a dirt bag!) 3. Pilot 4. The Heart Attack 5. The Housekeeper

The cheerful opening theme tune 'Thank You For Being a Friend' sung by a lady who's name I don't know, helps create the sense of security and joy when watching. I can't recall a storyline that wasn't profound and funny at the same time. What more can I say? I love this programe, much better than 'The Nanny' (Another favourite American sitcom of mine) and 'Will and Grace' an overrated American comedy. I'm so pleased all three won award for their treasured portrayals. I now look forward to buying series four – due to release in February 2006, so a little while to wait.

A pure diamond of a show!

Set during the cold winter in Colorado; bestselling author, Paul Sheldon (James Caan) has just finished writing his final Misery novel. A series of novels about a woman n the 19th – Misery Chastain. On his way back to New York, he is caught up in a blizzard and crashes. Luckily he is saved by Annie Wilkes (The versatile Kathy Bates), who takes him back to her isolated cottage in the icy mountains, where she nurses him back to health. Unfortunately, Annie just happens to be Paul's 'number one fan' and upon discovering this is Misery's final novel, she reveals her instability – before imprisoning him and terrorizing him …

Kathy Bates is as many people have already said – the star. Ignorantly, I'd only seen her in the famous 'Titanic' where she played a rich and upper-class American widow; here is a much better role. Where plays an obsessed psycho; but carefully conceals her psychotic side under a cloak of innocence and nice. She very rightfully deserved the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role she claimed later in 1991. James Caan, who I'd actually never heard of, is also excellent as the imprisoned writer. Richard Farnsworth and Frances Sternhagen add a small, undisruptive comical side to the story as the bickering husband and wife/Sheriff and Deputy who are meanwhile trying to find Paul – who is missing form their perspective. Lauren Bacall gives a nicely acted cameo as Marcia Sindell – Paul's editor who appears at the very beginning and in the final scene.

Those who are expecting a climatic horror – I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. But don't be put off. What makes Misery so scary and unsettling is that the viewers have absolutely no idea what the deranged Annie Wilkes is going to do next. And I can promise you will be trembling in your seats whenever she is on screen.

What I also liked about Misery is that there aren't many characters; which is helpful as you are completely focused on the plot without being distracted by the large amount of people. The majority of the film is just Paul and Annie alone in the cottage; with the occasional glimpse at the Sheriff and his wife – who are looking for him.

The script was well written – all down to William Goldman. One of my favorite script writers – I also recommend 'The Stepford Wives' (1975) to anyone who hasn't already seen it – another Goldman success.

I first saw Misery on channel four, back in November; which I recorded over and bought the DVD. I strongly advise you to do the same, for there are a number of special features on which is always good, as Misery is nearly 16 years old. These features include interviews from Kathy Bates, James Caan, William Goldman and Rob Reiner and information on the musical that Misery inspired.

So, in summary Kathy Bates is superb; as are the entire cast – from James Caan to Lauren Bacall. But, the backstage cast are equally good especially the director and screen writer. Which as I've learnt recently; is just as important. Another successful adaptation from Stephen King. I'd also recommend 'Carrie' and 'Secret Window' – two other excellent screen versions.

A first-rate thriller entwined with an excellent horror.

Murder in Mind is a crime/thriller one hour BBC TV series that is like no other program. Instead of it being like a Murder in Suburbia for BBC 1, it is very different. In each episode, we are given a different story, with completely different characters all linked to a murder. But the uniqueness is that the perspective is followed from the murderer's perspective. As well as terrific story lines, it also features a host of completely different actors, some well known and others still in the making who all shine in their roles. Some of these actors include: Pauline Quirk, Timothy West, Ian Kelsey, Camilla Power, Diana Rigg, David Suchet, Reese Dinsdale and many, many others.

Some murders will be planned, others will be accidents, some will be brutal, others will be clean.

For my birthday at the end of August, I received the box set of all three series and was glued to several of all the episodes. But overall series one would be my favourite. All the episodes are cleverly written, partly due to the clever text from writers such as Gregory Evans and Guy Burt (Who also wrote 'After the Hole' in 1993, which was later translated into the British Thriller 'The Hole'). Going back to series 1, the ideas were all original but also strongly related to the title, where as series 2, very good by not as good, drifted away and series 3 just sailed into the unknown. Apart from the one or two episodes – Diana Rigg's in particular. I feel this is the reason for its cancellation back in 2003. It would have been nice for the show to continue, but extremely hard to find good ideas for plots. Perhaps if the BBC paid bestselling writers such as Ruth Rendell, Lynda La Plante and Sean French to help with the scripts the story lines maybe better for a fourth series.

To be honest, I'm not sure what else to say other than if you manage to catch a rerun of the episodes on UK Gold or another Sky Channel do watch it! They are really worth seeing a perhaps my favourite TV series of all time. Those readers who'd like some episodes references please read on, those who don't – keep yours eyes open for replays.

My top 6 favourite episodes would have to be, in order:

1. Mercy. Dr. William Collins, is arrested for euthanasia – he helped his wife, Margaret , who had been recently diagnosed with Encephalitis Lethargica. Pending his trial, he recalls the painful story which lead to his wife's decision to end her life, before turning a corner into a more dark, sinister and clandestine story … Starring Timothy West, Judy Parfitt, John Gordon-Sinclair and Veronica Lang.

2. Motive. One Saturday night, Michael Davis randomly comes up with the idea of murdering the babysitter; forcing his wife, Barbara, into the situation – the two commit the perfect murder. But why on earth would they do such a thing?? Starring Susannah Harker, Reese Dinsdale and David Ross.

3. Passion. Jane Saunders is a lonely spinster in charge of a telephone operating department, but secretly obsessed with her married boss. Believing his is having an affair with one of her employees, she sets out to finish the affair – once and for all. Starring Pauline Quirk, Lucy Davis, Mark Womack and Angela Ridgeon.

4. Suicide. Jill Craig, a 60 something year old woman, is found dead in her house one morning believed to have committing suicide. However, evidence found in the house suspects the police to believe she was actually murdered and subsequently arrest her handyman, Scott Brody. But then in flashbacks, we learn the truth … Starring Diana Rigg, John Bowe, Nick Reding, Liz May Brice and Steve Toussaint.

5. Victim. A serial killer is preying on young woman walking alone at night in London. Lucy is very superstitious over the whole situation and keeps a diary of all the victim's, her flat mate, Emily, thinks she's crazy but has second doubts when they soon realise they're eccentric landlord, who 'hates meeting people' is out whenever the killer strikes ... are they living with a psychotic, knife wielding murderer ?? Starring Camilla Power, Neil Stuke, Frances Grey and Lachele Carl.

6. Sleeper. A young student, suffering with chronic sleepwalking, awakens one morning to find a blood covered weapon beside her bed. Did she murder her cheating boyfriend?? Starring Keeley Hawes and Nitin Chandra Ganatra.

I'll admit I saw the 2004 remake which starred Nicole Kidman and Bette Midler, when it was first released in cinemas simply because I was intrigued by the good cast. I'd never been that keen on comedy thriller but fell in love with and bought it when it came out in December.

Having heard it was a remake from a 1975 sinister thriller; which starred Katherine Ross and Paula Prentiss, and from a novel by Ira Levin – the same man who wrote the menacing Rosemary's Baby, I decided to give it a chance and rent in May this year.

The plot synopsis is pretty simple about a couple (Ross and Masterson) who move to the town of Stepford where a dangerous secret lies, revolving around why all the wives seem to be devoted to their husbands and are un-human-like.

From the minute we begin watching this film,. We instantly know it is a dark and sinister thriller which will haunt you throughout the movie, but is carefully hidden in the beautiful countryside of Stepford. The silent opening credits is also rather eerie.

Katherine Ross and Paula Prentiss are both excellent in their roles not to mention beautiful! Both were prefect choices for their roles, although It'd be interesting to see Susan Sarandon playing the role of Joanna, as she was originally scheduled to play the role. The supporting cast are equally excellent, particularly from Peter Masterson, Nanette Newman, Patrick O'Neal and Tina Louise.

The only key problem with this movie would be, from my memory, we don't actually learn much about how the robots work and how they're programmed – trivial but disappointing.

My own personal displeasure would be the ending. I won't spoil it but it isn't as satisfying as the remake, which I still like immensely, but I suppose that's my fault for seeing it before the original. Ira Levin is defiantly one of the best authors who can leave us with a chilling feeling that lurks for sometime after the credits have finished. Bryan Forbes was also an excellent choice to direct.

None the less it was a creepy but fun way to spend a Saturday night and I strongly recommend this as a pure date-flick or a sleepover film. Extremely underrated and I strongly suggest you watch this!!

What a moving, outstandingly brilliant film starring Joanne Woodward, Brad Davies and Sally Field who won an Emmy for her unforgettably, rare and treasuring performance as the susceptible and disturbed Sybil!

Psychological drama, based on a true story; Sally Field stars as Sybil Dorset, a 20-something supply-teacher who suffered unspeakably horrifying treatment from her volatile mother (Martine Bartlett) and subsequently developed sixteen different personalities. With the help of her caring psychiatrist (Joanne Woodward), she slowly but surely learns how to identify herself.

Sally Field could have been the Meryl Streep-like actress of this generation. Before watching Sybil, I was unaware of her erratic next role and as such was intrigued upon discovering she played a woman with multiple personalities. Watching her portray each character thoroughly is overwhelming and cherished. It's a shame both she Sybil are so underrated and ignored.

Joanne Woodward is equally cherished in her role as the sympathetic and patient psychiatrist who nurses Sybil back to a normal woman. She too seems rather underrated as I'd never heard of her until I watched Sybil. I may need to consider delving into her CV for some good movies to get a hold on.

The only problem with the video I managed to snatch off eBay was that fact it was a pirate copy AND didn't even get to the end of the sodding film! Despite getting towards the end of the film is still sadly disrupted my enjoyment of Sybil and now I don't know how it ends. I've posted a message on the message board and hope to have an answer from someone soon. However, all of what I watched was incredibly excellent and as I said earlier - overwhelming.

My only question would be why the hell hasn't this been released on DVD? Or even screened on British TV?! I will not rest until amazon.com sees sense and releases the full four hour, uncut version. With a range of special features, including commentary from both Sally Field and Joanne Woodward, a documentary on Shirley Ardell Mason - the real Sybil who passed away back in 1998 and a selection of different languages - including Spanish and French - for non-English speaking viewers.

UPDATE: To my delight, I have recently realized that whoever they are have finally seen sense and agreed for a two disk, full, uncut version of the original Sybil - accompanied with several special features - is to be released on May 23rd 2006. To celebrate its 30th anniversary. I've already marked it in my calendar. Tick-tock ... tick-tock ... tick-tock ...