Carrington Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman falls in love with a bearded dude who only likes guys, so they decide to live together and she gets it on with his friends, leading to lots of repressed feelings and countryside staring.

🍿 Carrington: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Encounter and Developing Bond

The film opens with the meeting of Dora Carrington and Lytton Strachey. Their initial interaction is awkward but quickly evolves into a profound connection. Despite Strachey’s homosexuality, they form a unique bond based on intellectual stimulation and mutual affection. Carrington, a painter, finds herself drawn to Strachey’s wit and unconventional views. Strachey, in turn, appreciates Carrington’s artistic spirit and her acceptance of him. Their relationship defies societal norms and sets the stage for a complex and enduring partnership.

Complex Relationships and Emotional Entanglements

As Carrington and Strachey’s bond deepens, they navigate a series of complex relationships with others. Carrington engages in affairs with various men, seeking physical intimacy and emotional fulfillment that Strachey cannot provide. Meanwhile, Strachey pursues his own romantic interests with men. Despite these external relationships, Carrington and Strachey remain each other’s confidantes and anchors. Their unconventional arrangement challenges traditional notions of love and commitment. The film explores the tensions and vulnerabilities inherent in their unique dynamic.

Social and Intellectual Circles

The film portrays the social and intellectual circles surrounding Carrington and Strachey, including members of the Bloomsbury Group. These artists, writers, and intellectuals challenge societal conventions and embrace free-thinking ideals. The film offers a glimpse into their progressive yet often turbulent lives. Through these interactions, the movie examines the broader cultural context of post-World War I England. It highlights the shifting attitudes towards sexuality, gender roles, and artistic expression. The Bloomsbury Group provides a backdrop for Carrington and Strachey’s unconventional relationship to unfold.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dora Carrington (Emma Thompson): A painter who develops a deep, complex, and ultimately tragic platonic relationship with Lytton Strachey.
• Lytton Strachey (Jonathan Pryce): A homosexual writer who forms a profound platonic bond with Dora Carrington, shaping much of her life.
• Ralph Partridge (Steven Waddington): A soldier and Carrington’s husband, who enters into the unconventional dynamic of Carrington and Strachey’s relationship.
• Gerald Brenan (Samuel West): One of Carrington’s lovers who struggles to find a place in her life alongside Lytton.
• Mark Gertler (Rufus Sewell): An artist and early lover of Carrington, whose intense emotions are not reciprocated.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dora Carrington: “Lytton, you’re the only person who I ever had an all-absorbing passion for. I shall never have another.” – Expressing her deep and unique love for Lytton in a letter, despite the platonic nature of their relationship.
• Dora Carrington: “I had one of the most self-abasing loves that a person can have.” – Describing the intensity and unequal nature of her love for Lytton, acknowledging her vulnerability.
• Lytton Strachey: “If this is dying, I don’t think much of it.” – A witty and characteristic remark made by Lytton Strachey on his deathbed, showcasing his enduring wit.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9 million
• Domestic Gross: $3.2 million
• Worldwide Gross: $3.2 million

💥 Carrington Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn in by ‘Carrington.’ Emma Thompson’s portrayal of Dora was so captivating. I found myself feeling everything she felt. I was moved by the way they navigated their unconventional relationship. The scenes in the countryside were stunning and added to the movie’s atmosphere. I especially loved when she and Lytton were under the tree, and the way the movie ended hit me hard.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional love stories”
  • “Those fascinated by the Bloomsbury Group”
  • “Admirers of Emma Thompson and Jonathan Pryce”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suicide”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Emma Thompson delivers a nuanced performance as Dora Carrington, capturing the complexities of her unconventional love. Jonathan Pryce shines as Lytton Strachey. The film avoids melodrama, offering a thoughtful exploration of human relationships.
• The New York Times: “Carrington is a beautifully shot, if somewhat meandering, portrait of a complex relationship. Emma Thompson and Jonathan Pryce are superb. The film explores the nuances of platonic love with intelligence and sensitivity, making it a compelling character study.
• Variety: “This period drama offers a sophisticated look at the lives of the Bloomsbury set. Jonathan Pryce gives a career-defining performance. It’s a film for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling and strong performances.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were mesmerized by the unconventional love story and outstanding performances.: The movie’s poignant exploration of love and life choices resonated deeply with audiences.

Many appreciated the film’s beautiful cinematography and authentic portrayal of the Bloomsbury era.: The set designs and costumes were gorgeous, and the atmosphere was incredibly immersive.

Overall Consensus: Carrington is praised for its intelligent script, strong performances, and poignant exploration of unconventional love, though some found the pacing slow.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actor)- 1995
2. Cannes Film Festival (Jury Prize)- 1995

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Emma Thompson gained an understanding of Dora Carrington by studying her letters and paintings.”
• “Jonathan Pryce won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Lytton Strachey.”
• “The film was adapted from Michael Holroyd’s biography of Lytton Strachey, providing a detailed and nuanced source material.”
• “The film explores the complex social and sexual dynamics within the Bloomsbury Group, known for their unconventional lifestyles and intellectual pursuits.”

🖥️ How to Watch Carrington?

As a less widely known film, “Carrington” may not be available on all major streaming platforms. However, check for availability on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and smaller streaming services specializing in independent or British films. You might also find it available for purchase or rental on platforms like Google Play Movies or Vudu. Availability can vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Carrington, you might like these similar films:

• The Hours (2002): Explores the interconnected lives of women across different eras, similar to the way ‘Carrington’ delves into the life and relationships of Dora Carrington.
• Maurice (1987): Deals with themes of homosexuality and societal constraints in early 20th-century England, much like the challenges faced by Lytton Strachey.
• A Room with a View (1985): Offers a glimpse into British society during the Edwardian era, and its themes are loosely connected to the world of ‘Carrington’.

🛒 Carrington Related Products

• Lytton Strachey: A Critical Biography: A biography offering deeper insight into the life and works of Lytton Strachey, portrayed in the film.
• Bloomsbury: An Illustrated History: Offers a visual journey into the world of the Bloomsbury Group, showcasing their art, homes, and social circles.
• Emma Thompson Movie Collection [DVD]: Features Emma Thompson’s most acclaimed movies, including ‘Sense and Sensibility’.
• Michael Nyman – The Essential: A compilation of Michael Nyman’s most famous film scores, including themes from ‘The Piano’, allowing fans to relive the film’s emotional moments.

🎧 Soundtrack

Carrington features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Adagio from String Quintet in C Major, D. 956, op. post. 163” – performed by Franz Schubert
• “Carrington (Main Theme)” – performed by Michael Nyman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Alexis Carrington meets “Alexis” Ratliff

OMG, you HAVE to see this! It’s Bette Midler doing an Alexis Carrington impression in another movie. I didn’t realize how much of a pop culture icon Alexis was back then!

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