The Merchant-Ivory team here tackles Rhys's novel (loosely based on her experiences and relationship with Ford Madox Ford in Paris during the 1920s), with Adjani as a homeless young woman who gets involved in a menage with rich couple Bates and Smith. She becomes Bates's mistress although
she still loves her husband (Higgins), who is in prison. Ivory's dispassionate direction precludes real involvement with the characters, resulting in a peculiarly austere depiction of a colorful era.
Released:
1981
Rated:
R
Length:
101 mins