Wednesday, January 1, 2020

IN SEARCH OF GREGORY (1969)


Title: IN SEARCH OF GREGORY

Year of Release: 1969

Director: Peter Wood

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Synopsis: A young woman coming home for her father's wedding becomes enchanted with the image of a racing car driver on a poster, thinking it is her brother's friend Gregory, and sets out to find this mysterious and enigmatic young man.

Within a film history context: Like brother-brother relationships, films which highlight brother-sister unions have been featured many times in cinema history. A comical example is ROYAL WEDDING (1952) in which a brother and his younger sister find romance in London. Other examples from the 1950s include WRITTEN ON THE WIND (1956), featuring a dramatic brother-sister union, while MON ONCLE (1958) was a more humorous take on this, with a man coming to grips with his sister's state of the art home, which initiates most of the action in the movie. The 1960s brought BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING (1965), a tense, suspenseful take on brother-sister relationships, which was psychologically more complex than the previous examples. More notable films with brother-sister characters were produced in the 1970s.

Movies such as THE LANDLORD (1970) has a sympathetic but wacky sister, and a warm sibling connection between the characters. THE POSSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY (1972) was in stark contrast to this, in the vein of BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING, but much more violent in nature. It again possessed the difficult brother-sister dynamic, but with a more tragic tinge. Arriving at decade's end SUMMER'S CHILDREN (1979) was by far the most in-depth exploration of a brother and sister bond, highlighting their loving, fragile, but slightly incestuous relationship. IN SEARCH OF GREGORY could be said to share a very slight connection to SUMMER'S CHILDREN with regards to the incest angle, and its minor love triangle element.

In comparison to SUMMER'S CHILDREN, IN SEARCH OF GREGORY is much lighter, and significantly more humorous in tone. Where IN SEARCH OF GREGORY differs from other films is in the unconventional love triangle between a brother, his sister, and another man. The man is someone the sister thinks is the titular Gregory she sees from a poster of a racing car driver, while the brother actually does know Gregory, and mentions him endlessly, as does everyone else in the film. This amusing situation produces the majority of the action in the film, and the puzzle/mistaken identity angle sets it apart from other brother-sister films produced.

Overview: IN SEARCH OF GREGORY holds the distinction of being director Peter Wood's only film, his career largely spent directing television series episodes, with various producing and other television credits, and two telemovies. Mr Wood has directed a film that moves at a leisurely pace, a casual mystery which spreads the question about exactly who Gregory is throughout the entire film, but, it never becomes tiresome. The narrative could be said to dart back and forth with this storyline but it is handled in such a breezy, entertaining manner, with red herrings placed at strategic moments that do not frustrate but only tantalise, and delight.

With IN SEARCH OF GREGORY, Mr Wood has successfully captured a portrait of a brother and sister both enthused with someone who may be a figment of their imagination, but, again may not be, and finding out the truth about this situation is what makes this film a pleasure to watch. The film has a genial feel to it, with characters who while wealthy are not arch or snobby, but easy-going, and understanding. Mr Wood has painted an appealing portrait of an upper class family, and of a gentle world given to dreamy interludes, fantasy, and leisure. This may have been the reason why the film did not succeed at the box office during a time of changing tastes in cinema, audiences wanting stronger fare than what this film offered. On the other hand, the serene atmosphere that IN SEARCH OF GREGORY possesses, its sense of relaxed chic and style make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for audiences seeking a diversion from more heavy-duty content.

Acting: While all the acting in the film is very good in keeping with the movie's ethereal mood, two performances in particular stand out for their excellence. Julie Christie's personality propels the film, making what may seem strange, or otherworldly at first glance into something special. Miss Christie has a penchant for portraying spirited heroines on a particular quest, and is no different in this movie. Her natural, unforced persona works to great effect in the movie, making the viewer interested in what she is seeking without pomp or histrionics. Miss Christie is matched well with John Hurt, who plays her brother Daniel.

Where Julie Christie's Catherine could be classified as normal with a dreamy outlook, John Hurt's Daniel is more along the lines of a zany rich young man with no particular mission, just to enjoy life. Mr Hurt's wacky man-child, along with Miss Christie's luminous portrait of a young woman in love, elevate the film far beyond what it may have seemed on paper. Apart from Julie Christie and John Hurt, special mention must also be made of Michael Sarrazin, who has a largely non-speaking part in the movie. Uttering a minimum of dialogue until his final scenes, Mr Sarrazin brought a sensuality, intrigue, and allure to IN SEARCH OF GREGORY, making Miss Christie's obsession with him comprehensible.

Soundtrack: Like other films of its era, IN SEARCH OF GREGORY does not have a score which is played throughout the film. Apart from some incidental music in some scenes, the only piece that is used to greatest effect is 'Dreams' performed by singer Georgie Fame. As with BUSTER AND BILLIE, this song is played at both the beginning, and at the film's end. Similarly to BUSTER AND BILLIE, the significance of the song is sketchy at first, but makes sound sense at the film's conclusion, perfectly embodying what the film wishes to achieve in its restrained, but emotionally satisfying manner.

Mise-en-scene: IN SEARCH OF GREGORY has sets and locations which have stood the test of time fifty years after its initial release. While some films from this era had sets which were 'mod' in style, and have dated considerably over the years, in this film they are solid, and still easy on the eyes. From the luxurious Morelli family home, the elegant boat on which Mr Morelli's wedding takes place, to the streets of Geneva and other set pieces, to name just a few examples, IN SEARCH OF GREGORY's sets and locations are down to earth for films of this era. They present a natural backdrop to the action instead of calling undue attention to themselves or detracting from the actors. Apart from sets and locations, other aspects of the film are of interest.

The costuming is also another beguiling feature of the movie that complements the visual experience for the viewer. The outfits which Miss Christie wears are indicative of the era, with some mini-skirts and apparel which still seem acceptable today, due to the block colours of the garments in question. Mr Hurt's wardrobe is also similar, and the white dress shirts with frills may seem silly, but they highlight his way out character without being too off-kilter. The clothing worn by Michael Sarrazin is also low-key but elegant, making the sometimes lanky actor look smart. One stylistic component of the film which is slightly disappointing is how Miss Christie's face, in some scenes, appears shadowy, this making her seem dank. Possibly this was to show the character in revealing emotional moments with her brother, but, for this viewer it did not flatter Miss Christie's features in the least.

Award-worthy performances in my opinion: Julie Christie, John Hurt, Michael Sarrazin.

Suitability for young viewers: Parental discretion advised. Brief male nudity, adult themes.

Overall Grade: B

Link: IMDB Page

Movie Excerpt



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