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To maintain his dominance Barrett introduces, Vera (Sarah
Miles), into the household in the guise of her being his sister
looking for work as a maidservant. But in reality she is his
lover and is given instructions to seduce Tony.
Vera is willing and eager to go along with the scheme and
succeeds in her goal. Tony is besotted with his new love and
loyal Susan is discarded.
The master becomes the slave and the slave a tyrant who drives
his victim into degradation and despair.
'The Servant' is heavy going. In a way it's a horror version
of 'The Odd Couple'.
It's a film where there are no good guys, although a number
of unpleasant ones. There isn't any character you can identify
with (unless you're a lot stranger than I think you are).
The tour de force of the drama is Dirk Bogarde's masterly
performance, as 'the servant'. His persona evolves in a compelling
fashion from deferential to presumptuous, light-hearted to
threatening, and slightly sinister to evil.
James Fox, in his first movie, is perfect as the indolent
society playboy.
Sarah Miles tries hard to give dimension to her femme fatale
role but it remains flat and predictable. The only reason
she gets her man is because his betrothed is so boring.
Wendy Craig (the fiancée) plays all the virtues with conviction.
That she holds on to her decadent boyfriend for so long defies
credibility. Miscast, she's as sexy as a cold chip.
Joseph Losey directs the meticulous black and white photography
of Douglas Slocombe that captures the degenerate atmosphere
on which Harold Pinter's story relies.
A bluesy soundtrack by John Dankworth and the smoky voice
of Cleo Laine enhances the mood. The quality of the film's
sound and vision transfer on to DVD is excellent.
Conclusion: Movie 75% Extras - 20%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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