"Iris" is a beautiful film from 2001. It is currently available on NetFlix Instant Download Streaming. The director is Richard Eyre. The writers are John Bayley and Richard Eyre. Actors include Kate Winslet, Hugh Bonneville, Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent. This film succeeds where the overrated "A Beautiful Mind" fell short. It puts its subject's life into perspective and gives a sense of her worldview and, needs, and desires--as opposed to just focusing on the illness. I think it is also more effective in its use of different actors to portray the main characters at different ages, rather than using distracting age makeup, like in ABM. I came away from this with a profound admiration for Iris Murdock, whereas I felt like I hardly got to know John Nash at all. But enough with the comparisons. This film stands well on its own as a tribute to the companionship shared by Iris and her husband John Bayley throughout their long, complex, relationship. Broadbent deserved that Academy Award, although I would say he plays more of a lead character than supporting. Seeing Iris through Bayley's loving eyes is what makes the film an enriching experience. He is the one who must adapt to her unconventional lifestyle, and their journey together is a rewarding one. I gave the film 8 stars. Dale Haufrect
Review of Iris
