Iris [DVD + Digital]

The life of 20th-century English novelist and teacher of philosophy at Oxford University, Iris Murdoch, insightfully portrayed by an amazing Judi Dench, is full of memorable moments and lively exchanges of ideas and conversations. This film weaves a tapestry of change and lays out a shift in thinking within a free-spirited woman far ahead of her time and developed through a brilliant cast. Director Richard Eyre also wrote the screenplay along with Charles Wood adapted from John Bayley's books about his charismatic wife and steers the movie through Iris Murdoch's adult years while pulling back to her younger University days. Kate Winslet as the young Iris is as relevant to this movie as Dench's portrayal. She captures Iris through a youthful inquisitiveness with her large groups of friends whom she captivates and charms along with so much attitude and gumption. She with her sharp attractiveness holds her cohorts spellbound while remaining fully engaged in the stories going around the social table at the time all set to the lovely soundtrack of James Horner.The role of appreciative counterpart and loving husband to Iris is her John Bayley (Jim Broadbent). He also is evocatively portrayed with an understated grace, concern, and unbelievable patience. The younger John Bayley, while adoringly hanging on every word written or spoken from Murdoch, is acted with an uncanny innocence by Hugh Bonneville (looking like he could actually be a young Broadbent). Bayley and Murdoch are a quizzical combination of personalities with the attraction that they share. He is a bit shy, quiet and introverted around her friends as she holds court with the free-flowing conversations. She is an extrovert, and at times, excusing other's opinions preferring only her own. Throughout their relationship, John remains fascinated with her - Always and would be perfectly happy to sit and listen to her talk all day long.John, the young man, and a professor is very interested in the outward and forward-thinking Iris but does not travel in the same circles as she (scrutinizing, academic and enjoying all kinds of socializing), although they do form a fast friendship during a very short period. This born in adoration toward Iris while she says to "just hold on tight" to her. He is continually entertained by her wit and flirtatious nature while pursuing her and is captivated with her ability to be so forthright. He prefers a certain solitude and order assigned to his life. They are able to connect in their younger years on the level of John's pervasive grounded place of sensibility for Iris. She is always able to count on John for any and everything.Together they form a mutual respect for each other regardless of personality. Through many rougher times, and easy summer days of bike riding and swimming, they form a lasting bond leading right into marriage and constant encouragement for Iris. John says to Iris in their latter years, "You live with the angels, speak their voices, that's what you do" while she is consistently challenging conventional boundaries always pushing the pen forward along with the limits."I feel... as if I am sailing into darkness" - IrisTo now jump forward into their progressed marriage, Iris begins to forget things, even what she is writing about in her most recent work. Iris, being interviewed and in the middle of a speech, wanders off in thought and gets lost in her mind. She receives and is devastated by her diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The daily "post" becomes the only thing that she is acutely aware of or looks forward to anymore when it used to be her own mind that was so very fruitful with fresh ideas, now it is found in the paper when it arrives. It gets to the point that John is fully caring for her now. Cartoon watching becomes her primary source of entertainment as total confusion overtakes her and the elder world of Iris goes darker still when her mind used to hold a bounty of ideas and memories of the wistful days gone by. To watch such a life of thoughtfulness get snuffed out like a candle is a painful process and you cannot help but feel awful for their situation.John begins filling in all the blanks for her world of words as everything comes crashing down with its rapid progression of degeneration. What remains so unique to this couple still is their ability to find the humor in situations, taking them with the shrug of a shoulder and subtle laughter most of the time. Her doctors eventually have to intrude into their world after Iris becomes lost while following the postman out of the door. While this is all for the best, as now John is becoming distraught and overwhelmed with her care and constant monitoring her whereabouts.This work can be highly dramatic and emotional as Jim Broadbent paints a portrait of positive admiration for the amazingly acted "Iris". Nominated for Best Actress is Judi Dench, along with Best Supporting Actress, Kate Winslet. Bringing home the gold as Best Actor is Jim Broadbent, as the ever faithful and supportively devoted husband, John Bayley. A brilliantly acted and tragically ended, true story of one of our great thinkers of her day, Ms. Iris Murdoch.

Judi Dench is phenomenal as the older Iris Murdoch, whilst Kate Winslet is captivating as the younger Iris. Both actors bring much depth to the character, who, by the way, was a real, live brilliant novelist, philanthropist and philosopher who left a legacy of incredible work that will be read and appreciated for posterity.The film is based on real life Murdoch, and follows the progression of love that grows and develops with John Bayley. Hugh Bonneville is masterful as the rather clumsy, innocent Bayley who is captivated by Iris from the start.But it was Jim Broadbent who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a supporting role for his portrayal of the older John Bayley.Directed by Richard Eyre, the film cuts back to the past, capturing the whimsical moments of tender love and passion between Murdoch and Bayley. Winslet nailed Iris as a young “Collette” in her amorous adventures and in the free spirit of bold creativity that Murdoch possessed.Alzheimer’s disease is a scourge and tragedy for anyone who develops it, but Murdoch’s mind, brilliant, super creative, genius is to devolve into complete emptiness and it is painful to watch her decline.The sets and props were so authentic; the clutter in their home grew more chaotic as the couple devolved – a testament to the skill of the set designer – truly remarkable.This is just a great movie. The dialogue is cerebral and the script is perfect. Bravo!

Kind of slow moving but I still enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of Dame Judi Dench in about any film that she does. I think she is excellent in this one! I knew nothing of Iris Murdock prior to watching this film. Now I'd like to check out some of the books she wrote. The movie made me feel so sad that Iris went thru such mental deterioration. It made me sad for all people who go thru any type of dementia and the trials their caretakers endure trying to keep them at home. Jim Broadbent, who played her husband, also did an excellent job in this film. To me, this movie was very emotional, having known people living thru the ravages of dementia. If you are a fan of Dame Judi, I don't think this movie will disappoint.