This film reminded me of those drawing room dramas that used to play in English theatres in the 1940s and 1950s - like a Noel Coward, with more sex but not a trace of wit. The characters are not engaging, and are played without much in the way of flair. Williams is starchy, Bonham-Carter is flighty but weary (the usual thing - I think this probably just how she is in the flesh), Bettany is agonisingly caught between the two. His is the best performance of the three, but his skilful portrayal of suffering is not enough to carry the piece. This was an odd adaptation for the BBC et al to plump for. Surely there are still better period novels out there still awaiting adaptation for the screen.
Review of The Heart of Me
