Kent MOMI presents … HOT BRITAIN (a series of films appropriate to the season)
Ken Russell’s powerful adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s novel, released at the end of 1969, cemented his reputation as a director. According to Mark Kermode: “In any other country, Russell would have been feted as the illustrious maestro who made D.H. Lawrence come alive”.
Writing in 2019, American filmmaker Joe Talbot appraised the film thus: “Women in Love […] seems to condemn England and its hypocrisies, while also presenting it as an enchanting on screen world overflowing with spirited characters, fabulously anachronistic costumes, breath-taking locales, and joyfully choreographed dance sequences. It’s critical of a time and place that it also depicts as alluring. Alan Bates plays a thinly veiled stand-in for D.H. Lawrence, spouting proto-hippie philosophy about free love—which gives you some idea of why the book was so perfect to revisit in the sixties. Oliver Reed’s character receives the same complex treatment that England does—he’s both a tightly wound capitalist who’s cringe-inducingly cruel to his workforce and a deeply tormented soul…”
Doors open 5.30, for drinks, nibbles & classic cocktails. Films start 6.30 with a brief introduction from the curators. Entry is free with a yearly ticket, although we suggest a small donation of £5pp to help keep the lights on. Yearly tickets can be purchased on the door (£7.50 adult / £6.00 concessions).