Iris (2001) Synopsis & Summary

Synopsis

Based on a pair of memoirs by her husband John Bayley, this biographical portrait of writer Iris Murdoch stars both Judi Dench and Kate Winslet as the philosophical author at different stages of her life. When the young Iris (Winslet) meets fellow student Bayley (Hugh Bonneville) at Oxford, he's a naïve virgin easily flummoxed by her libertine spirit, arch personality, and obvious artistic talent. Decades later, little has changed as the couple (now played by Dench and Jim Broadbent) keeps house, with John doting on his more famous wife. When Iris begins experiencing forgetfulness and dementia, however, the ever-doltish but devoted John struggles with hopelessness and frustration to become her caretaker, as his wife's mind deteriorates from the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. Iris earned a slew of Supporting Actor awards for Broadbent, including recognition from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and National Board of Review. - Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Movie Info

Starring:
Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Bonneville, Penelope Wilton
Theatrical Release Date:
12/15/2001
DVD Release Date:
08/20/2002
MPAA Reasons:
for sexuality/nudity and some language.
Run Time:
90 min.
Distributor(s):
Buena Vista International, Miramax
Production Co.:
BBC, Intermedia Films, Mirage Enterprises, Miramax, Scott Rudin Productions
Director(s):
Richard Eyre
Genre(s):
Drama
Themes:
Writer's Life
Tone:
Elegiac, Poignant, Reflective
Keywords:
Alzheimer's-Disease, courtship, fame, free-spirit, husband-and-wife, marriage, writer
Country of Origin:
USA - Limited (12-15-2001)
Language:
English
Status:
DVD

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