University of Virginia Library

Deep Feelings

Expressing philosophies in a film
could result in long theatrical
speeches and become visually boring.
Larry Kramer's screenplay
utilizes Lawrence's novel to it's best
advantage by searching for visual
elements which are not only
cinematic, but represent deep feelings
of the characters. The wrestling
between Rupert and Gerald
emphasizes their need for each
other, as well as providing a release
for Gerald's emotions.

Symbolism abounds in "Women
In Love," but most everything

Lawrence wrote does. Figs are elegant
representations of women's
sexuality, as are other plants.
Names, such as "Gundrin," are foreshadowing
elements. The physical
presence of water, fire, and snow
and the physical acts of riding a
horse and dancing are outward
expressions of inner emotions.

The lovers are excellently
portrayed by Glenda Jackson, Alan
Bates. Jennie Linden, and Oliver
Reed. Miss Linden has the least to
do dramatically as Ursulla, but she
acts very well with Bates as
Rupert. Gerald, the most complex
character in the film, is portrayed
with gusto by Reed. Glenda Jackson,
however, deserves an ovation
for her performance as Gundrin.
Like her portrayal of Charlotte Corday
in "Marat/Sade," the character
of Gundrin is so real, we forget the
actress. The grace of her body
dancing, her terse manner of
scorning Gerald, and her sexually
active eyes are all just remarkable.