Turtle Diary
| Turtle Diary | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | John Irvin |
| Written by | Russell Hoban(novel) Harold Pinter(screenplay) |
| Produced by | Richard Johnson Bernard Sofronski (Executive Producer) |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Peter Hannan |
| Edited by | Peter Tanner |
| Music by | Geoffrey Burgon |
| Distributed by | Rank Film Distributors[1] |
Release date |
|
Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Turtle Diaryis a 1985 Britishfilmdirected byJohn Irvinand starringGlenda Jackson,Ben Kingsley,andMichael Gambon.Based on a screenplay adapted byHarold PinterfromRussell Hoban's novelTurtle Diary,the film is about "people rediscovering the joys of life and love".[2]The film contains elements ofromance,comedy,anddramaand has been described as aromantic comedy.[citation needed]
Synopsis
[edit]Two lonely Londoners - Neaera Duncan, a children's author (Glenda Jackson), and William Snow, a bookstore assistant (Ben Kingsley) - find common ground when visiting the sea turtles atLondon Zoo.Independently, each perceives that the turtles are unnaturally confined, and they hatch a plan with the assistance of zookeeper George Fairbairn (Michael Gambon) to smuggle them out and release them into the sea.
Their release of the turtles is a metaphor for their escape from their inhibitions.
Main cast
[edit]- Glenda Jacksonas Neaera Duncan, a "Popular children's author… fearing her creative talents have evaporated, [who] escapes into the dreamy world of sea turtles seeking inspiration in their beauty and grace."[3]
- Ben Kingsleyas William Snow, "a humble assistant in a bookstore where he, too, dreams of the turtles."[3]
- Richard Johnsonas Mr. Johnson, a neighbor of Neaera Duncan
- Michael Gambonas George Fairbairn, the zookeeper charged with caring for the turtles
- Jeroen Krabbéas Mr. Sandor, a neighbor of William Snow
- Rosemary Leachas Mrs. Charlie Inchcliff, Williams Snow's landlady
- Eleanor Bronas Miss Neap, a neighbor of William Snow
- Harriet Walteras Harriet Simms, a colleague of William Snow at the bookstore
- Nigel Hawthorneas the publisher of books by Neaera Duncan
Harold Pinterhas acameo roleas a man in the bookshop where William and Harriet work.
Critical reception and analysis
[edit]In his 1985 review of the film forThe Sunday Telegraph,David Castell observes that Pinter's screenplay concentrates on developing dialogue and plot, leaving clues for the actors to convey their characters' subtle emotional and psychological development: "It is hard to think of two actors better matched to play Pinter thanGlenda JacksonandBen Kingsley.They milk every nuance, point up every missed beat and relish each irony and repetition in the script.…Turtle Diaryis a fine film that charts movingly the unnoticed despair of everyday lives, the sufferings of those who endure loneliness in silence. "[2]
The film grossed $2.2 million on its American theatrical release.
Home video
[edit]The film was released on videocassette in 1985 by Vestron Video. The film has not been released on DVD.
Notes
[edit]- ^"Turtle Diary (1985)".BBFC.Retrieved29 March2021.
- ^abDavid Castell (1 December 1985)."Review ofTurtle Diary"(Web).Sunday Telegraph.HaroldPinter.org.Retrieved22 March2009.
- ^ab"Turtle Diary (1985)(VHS): Editorial reviews: Product Description"(Web).Amazon.Retrieved6 April2009.
Critically hailed as a mini-masterpiece, TURTLE DIARY is the enchanting film of people rediscovering the joys of life and love.… Outside of their chance meetings at the aquarium, they have little in common, but an inspiration to free the captive turtles starts a bond that gives their lives a new outlook. The 'turtlenappers' are about to set their own spirits free.
References
[edit]- Castell, David.Review ofTurtle Diary.Sunday Telegraph1 Dec. 1985. Rpt. inHaroldPinter.org.Harold Pinter,2000–2003 [2009]. Accessed 22 March 2009.
External links
[edit]- Turtle DiaryatIMDb
- Turtle DiaryatRotten Tomatoes
- Turtle DiaryatBox Office Mojo
- "Films by Harold Pinter: Turtle Diary, 1984"atHaroldPinter.org–The Official Website of International PlaywrightHarold Pinter(Includes production details and excerpt of film review by Castell.)