Movie Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Hedda Trevor Nunn Fox Hills Video 1975 VHS PG In his correspondence and conversation, Henrik Ibsen repeatedly drew attention to the meaning of the word "theater" which in Greek is "a place for seeing." One of his most daring works in this regard is Hedda Gabler. Trevor Nunn has taken the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of the play and put it on the screen. Those who are familiar with this very serious drama may find Nunn's interpretation a bit cavalier — especially the comic depiction of some of the characters. Nonetheless, for those who haven't read or seen Hedda Gabler, this movie provides the perfect occasion to explore it. Hedda (Glenda Jackson), the proud daughter of a general, has married George Tesman (Timothy West), a timid and boring scholar. He has gone into debt setting up house for her in a mansion. She is quite unimpressed with both him and the gift. A domestic crisis ensues from the visit of writer Lovborg (Patrick Stewart), Hedda's former lover. Meanwhile, she tries to fend off the relentless affections of Judge Brach (Peter Eyre). From this description of the play, one might envision Hedda as a warm and unusually seductive woman. Quite the contrary, she is frigid and compulsively neurotic. Loneliness and discontent have transformed her into a morbid person. Hedda's passion seeks release in the poetic ideal of a beautifully conceived and executed self-destruction. Glenda Jackson's Hedda battles with the trolls in her heart. She is quite believable as a woman who wants more than anything else the power over other people's lives. When she is denied this right — traditionally a male reserve in her society — the results are grim. Peter Eyre is exceptionally good as her admirer whereas the rest of the cast, including Jennie Linden as a friend, are merely adequate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- viewer's comments: - Glenda Jackson gives the performance of her life Glenda Jackson is superb in the title role. August Strindberg's play "Hedda Gabler" gets a first-rate treatment in this adaption. Hedda is a restless, free-spirited and ruthless woman who enjoys playing with other people's lives and ultimately destroying them. Glenda Jackson gives the performance of her life in this movie. Peter Eyre gives an equal impressive supporting performance. Highly recommended for theater lovers. Awards for Hedda (1975) Academy Awards, USA Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s) 1976 Nominated Oscar Best Actress in a Leading Role Glenda Jackson David di Donatello Awards Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s) 1976 Won David Best Foreign Actress (Migliore Attrice Straniera) Glenda Jackson Tied with Isabelle Adjani for Histoire d'Adèle H., L' (1975). Golden Globes, USA Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s) 1976 Nominated Golden Globe Best Foreign Film UK Best Motion Picture Actress - Drama Glenda Jackson Full Cast and Crew for Hedda (1975) Directed by Trevor Nunn Writing credits (in alphabetical order) Henrik Ibsen play Hedda Gabler Trevor Nunn adaptation Cast (in alphabetical order) Constance Chapman .... Julie Peter Eyre .... Tesman Glenda Jackson .... Hedda Gabler Jennie Linden .... Mrs. Elvsted Pam St. Clement .... Bertha Patrick Stewart .... Ejlert Loevborg Timothy West .... Brach Fidelis Morgan .... Aunt Julie's maid (uncredited) Runtime: Denmark:102 min Country: UK Language: English Color: Color (Technicolor) Sound Mix: Mono
