Angels and Insects (1995)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Philip Haas

Writers:

A.S. Byatt (novel)
Belinda Haas (writer)

Release Date:

26 January 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

An Elegant Seduction. An Erotic Deception. A Stunning Revelation.

Plot:

In the 1800s a naturalist marries into a family of British aristocrats.

Plot Keywords:

Aristocrat | Insect | Scientist | Naturalist | Passion

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Mark Rylance	...	William Adamson
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Matty Crompton
Patsy Kensit	...	Eugenia Alabaster Adamson
Jeremy Kemp	...	Sir Harald Alabaster
Douglas Henshall	...	Edgar Alabaster
Annette Badland	...	Lady Alabaster
Chris Larkin	...	Robin
Anna Massey	...	Miss Mead
Saskia Wickham	...	Rowena Alabaster
Lindsay Thomas	...	Lady Alabaster's Maid
Michelle Sylvester	...	Margaret Alabaster
Clare Lovell	...	Elaine Alabaster
Jenny Lovell	...	Edith Alabaster
Oona Haas	...	Alice Alabaster
Angus Hodder	...	Guy Alabaster

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexuality and graphic nudity.

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Ontario) | Singapore:R21 | South Korea:18 | New Zealand:R16 | Argentina:16 | Australia:R | Chile:18 | Germany:12 | Spain:13 | UK:18 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Arbury Hall, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, UK

Company:

Playhouse International Pictures

Goofs:

Factual errors: In spite of being set in England, we hear the songs and calls of three birds from North America: Red-winged Blackbird, American Robin, and Blue Jay.

Quotes:

Edgar Alabaster: I don't like your attitude, sir. I've never liked it. I believe that you sneer in your heart.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 69th Annual Academy Awards (1997) (TV)

Stunning acting and subtlety and sexuality

This movie presents a brilliant stage worthy level of acting to the screen. I was stunned by the quality and subtlety of the performances especially the lead and Kristin Thomas. The story is almost painfully slow but that helps create a mood and sexual tension that works perfectly. I was literally on the edge of my seat both with the drama of the characters and just wanting to be closer to their nuanced performances. Jeremy Kemp as the elder Lord of the manor Sir Harald Alabaster displays aristocratic intelligence rarely found in films. The dinner table discussions of the emergence of the radical new approaches to evolution and culture surrounding Darwin's revelations are compelling. Also the role of Edgar, representing the boorish son who clings to the old ways of class hierarchy is finely wrought. Highly recommended. A thoughtful film.