jessicawinebar Review of A Doll's House

A Doll's House (I) (1973)

A Doll's House is originally written by Henrik Ibsen with cinema adaptation by Christopher Hampton released in 1973.

[5/10 · 24 April 2014]

A Doll's House is originally written by Henrik Ibsen with cinema adaptation by Christopher Hampton released in 1973. It was produced by Hillard Elkins and Paul Kael with music by John Barry and cinematography by Arthur Ibbetson. With casting by: Nora Helmer: Claire Bloom Torvald Helmer: Anthony Hopkins Dr. Rank: Ralph Richardson Nils Krogstad: Denholm Elliot Anne-Marie: Edith Evans Kristine Linde: Anna Massey Helen: Helen Blatch Bob: Kimberley Hampton Old Woman: Daphne Riggs Ivar: Mark Summerfield Emmy: Stafanie Summerfield Review: Nora (Clair Bloom) is introduced to the audience through conversation with Torvald (Anthony Hopkins), her husband, who is consumed by his work. Torvald had recently been promoted to a high position in a bank which thrilled Nora, who is described by Torvald as a "spendthrift". We find out that Nora is in debt to Krogstad for a loan she took out to save her husband's life. Krogstad is attempting to black mail Nora to keep his job under Torvald's management at the bank, but viewers soon find out that Nora is in deep trouble for something only she and Krogstad know about. After a dance, Dr. Rank (Ralph Richardson) confesses to Nora something no one sees coming and she finds out what true love is actually is. Nora comes to the realization that Torvald's does not treat her like an intelligent human being and instead more like an animal, so she decides to take her future into her own hands in the closing scene. The play really takes a stand on gender equality and gender roles in a household. Torvald treats Nora like an animal and pretends to have a perfect life even though they both know that they are just pretending and acting like they are dolls in a doll house, hence the name of the play. The directing is exceptional. The placement of the characters are very good and the interaction between them is also unique. While the acting is very good there are moments that the actors seem stiff or disconnected. The relationship between Nora and Krogstad is supposed to be that of a tense hatred toward each other, however Nora (Clair Bloom) and Krogstad (Denholm Elliot) seem to be battling between who is superior in the relationship throughout the whole movie which makes it hard for the viewer to connect. The setting is very dark and dull. There are nearly no bright colors at all expressing the somber feeling Nora has toward her husband and her situation. Overall, A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen and directed by Patrick Garland freely expresses the ideas of gender equality and roles in the mid 1800's through its brilliant directing and scenery. This movie captures most of Henrik Ibsen's ideas in the original play of A Doll's House and is recommended to anyone who is looking for a classic.