Cast
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Gwyneth Paltrow
as Sylvia Plath
Daniel Craig
as Ted Hughes
Jared Harris
as Al Alvarez
Amira Casar
as Assia Wevill
Andrew Havill
as David Wevill
Sam Troughton
as Tom Hadley-Clarke
Lucy Davenport
as Doreen
Anthony Strachan
as Michael Boddy
Blythe Danner
as Aurelia Plath
Michael Gambon
as Professor Thomas
Alison Bruce
as Elizabeth
David Tristan Birkin
as Morecambe
Sonia Ritter
as Midwife
Julian Firth
as James Michie
Derek Payne
as Vicar
Crew
Director
- Christine Jeffs
Producer
- Alison Owen
Reviews
CinemaSerf
So I can readily imagine a bunch of BBC executives sitting in a bedsit in Camden passing the weed and the Jacob's Creek discussing how best to use a considerable amount of money creating a period drama that would appeal to virtually no-one... Success! What we have here is a superficial glance, almost, at the life and love of acclaimed poet Sylvia Plath (Gwyneth Paltrow) and her husband Ted Hughes (Daniel Craig). Anyone with even the vaguest of interests in these two giants of English-language literature cannot help but be disappointed by this shallow depiction of what made this vibrant and destructive dynamic work - or not! At times, it is almost as if the two stars were offering some sort of apologia for daring to make their money in the Marvel or Bond universe by committing to this poorly written, if very good looking, film to beef out their claim to be legitimate thespians. The sex, frequent not graphic, is almost as sterile as the remarkably passion-free dialogue and the occasional contribution from the likes of Michael Gambon and Andrew Cavill can do little to get this out of first gear. There are plenty of actors around who could have focussed more on the subject(s) of the film better but as ever, box office prevails and we are left with something really underwhelming.
Sep 3, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Sylvia examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Christine Jeffs brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2003, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sylvia took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $7.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 40 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2003, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sylvia shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Lanzac Clan, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sylvia subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Rose Quartz and Big Bang explore similar territory, Sylvia stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 17, 2003
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Budget: $7,000,000
- Revenue: $10,000,000
