Darling Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pretty girl sleeps around and then complains that she’s not happy, basically the 60s version of a ‘Karen’ but with better fashion sense.

🍿 Darling: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Diana’s Rise

Diana Scott, a young and attractive model in London, is determined to achieve fame and fortune. She leaves her husband, Tony, for a television journalist named Robert Gold, seeing him as a means to elevate her social status and career. Robert abandons his own family for Diana, marking the beginning of their turbulent relationship.

Hedonism and Disillusionment

As Diana’s career takes off, she becomes increasingly involved in the hedonistic lifestyle of London’s elite. She eventually leaves Robert for Miles Brand, a charismatic advertising executive who promises her even greater success. Diana finds herself drawn to the allure of money, fame, and excitement.

Marriage and Isolation

Diana’s pursuit of a better life leads her to marry an Italian prince, Cesare della Romita. She gains wealth, status, and a title, but finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, isolated in a grand but empty estate. The superficiality of her life becomes increasingly apparent.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Diana Scott (Julie Christie): A beautiful and ambitious model who sleeps her way to the top of London’s fashion scene, seeking fame and fortune but ultimately finding emptiness.
• Robert Gold (Dirk Bogarde): A respected television journalist who abandons his family for Diana, only to later reject her when she seeks to return.
• Miles Brand (Laurence Harvey): A charismatic advertising executive who offers Diana more opportunities and becomes one of her lovers.
• Prince Cesare della Romita (José Luis de Vilallonga): An Italian prince whom Diana marries, providing her with wealth and status, but ultimately leading to an unfulfilling and loveless marriage.
• Tony Bridges (T.R. Bowen): Diana’s young first husband, whom she leaves early in the film to pursue other, more advantageous relationships.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Diana Scott: “I hate books.” – Expresses her shallowness and lack of intellectual depth, highlighting her disinterest in anything beyond superficial pleasures.
• Diana Scott: “If I could just feel complete.” – This line reveals Diana’s underlying dissatisfaction despite her apparent success and glamorous lifestyle.
• Robert Gold: “That’s what you are isn’t it? A little whore!” – During a heated argument, Robert confronts Diana, expressing his bitterness and disillusionment with her pursuit of wealth and fame through relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £400,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $214

💥 Darling Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by Darling! Julie Christie is absolutely magnetic; she just owns the screen. The whole vibe of the 60s is captured perfectly, and I especially loved the fashion and the music. It made me feel so nostalgic for a time I never even experienced. I felt for her character – even though she made some questionable choices, her performance made you understand her inner conflict.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic British cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female leads”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of infidelity”
  • “Discussion of abortion”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New Yorker: “Darling is a fascinating snapshot of Swinging London, elevated by Julie Christie’s captivating performance. It’s a stylish and thought-provoking look at fame and its discontents, though its cynicism may not appeal to all.
• Variety: “While a bit dated, Darling remains a compelling drama with a strong message about the pursuit of happiness and the emptiness of fame. Julie Christie shines, and the film’s visual style is undeniably striking.
• RogerEbert.com: “John Schlesinger’s Darling provides some remarkable scenes that still deliver and its portrait of mid-1960’s mod London is still relevant in exploring how a vapid culture can affect the mental state of society.

Audience Reactions

Julie Christie’s performance is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers praised Julie Christie’s performance, the film’s depiction of the 1960s, and its exploration of fame and fortune.

The film’s fashion and music perfectly capture the Swinging Sixties.: Viewers found the film a fascinating and stylish glimpse into the era’s culture.

Overall Consensus: Darling is a stylish and thought-provoking drama with Julie Christie’s performance as its highlight. While its message can be cynical and some elements are dated, it remains a compelling film about the pursuit of fame and happiness.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1966
2. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1966
3. Academy Award (Best Costume Design, Black-and-White)- 1966

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Julie Christie won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance, beating Julie Andrews in ‘The Sound of Music’.”
• “The film is notable for its depiction of Swinging London and its commentary on fame, consumerism, and the changing social landscape of the 1960s.”
• “Director John Schlesinger went on to direct ‘Midnight Cowboy’ (1969) a film that further explored themes of alienation and the search for meaning in a modern world.”

🖥️ How to Watch Darling?

As of October 2024, ‘Darling’ can be found for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV. Check these streaming services to rent or purchase the movie. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Alfie (1966): Both films explore the themes of sexual liberation and the consequences of hedonistic lifestyles in 1960s London.
• La Dolce Vita (1960): Shares a similar narrative of a protagonist navigating a decadent and superficial high society, searching for meaning amidst the excesses.
• Blow-Up (1966): Another iconic film set in Swinging London, reflecting the era’s fashion, music, and shifting social mores, while also exploring themes of alienation and the search for truth.
• Eyes Wide Shut (1999): Examines the dark underbelly of high society and the emptiness that can exist beneath a veneer of wealth and privilege.

🛒 Darling Related Products

• Darling (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: High-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Includes an essay by critic Imogen Sara Smith.
• Swinging Sixties Fashion: A Style Guide: This book serves as a comprehensive look at the sartorial landscape of the 1960s. It covers clothing, culture, and various style icons.
• Darling Julie Christie: The Biography: Get to know Julie Christie the person beyond the screen and all of her accomplishments in this unauthorized biography. This text is a must-have for any fan.
• Monopoly: London Edition Board Game: Own iconic London landmarks. Perfect for family game night!

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title” – performed by John Dankworth
• “Honeyglow” – performed by John Dankworth
• “Cha Cha” – performed by John Dankworth

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

DON’T WORRY DARLING IS A MESS (all the drama explained)

Curious about all the drama surrounding “Don’t Worry Darling”? This video breaks it all down – trust me, it’s more dramatic than the movie itself! I couldn’t believe some of these behind-the-scenes stories.

Why Harry Styles Got Worse at Acting

Did Harry Styles’ acting get worse? This video dives deep into his recent roles, including “Don’t Worry Darling,” and explains why some critics think so. It’s a must-watch if you want a balanced perspective on his acting career – prepare for some harsh truths, though!

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