*The Go-Between* is a magnificent film: there’s something very trippy and unreal about it, like being in a groggy half-dream, unable to clear your head. Always makes me think slightly in that regard of *Picnic at Hanging Rock*. Woozy, heavy with sleep, other-worldly.
Absolutely. A languid, dozy July/August. Losey had a terrific sense of place- it's one of the many reasons why I think this is a great film. There's a fleeting longshot- it only lasts a few seconds, across the Norfolk deer park, with a steam traction engine working away on the harvest in the far distance... to go to all that trouble, to hire a traction engine, place it half a mile away or so, for a few seconds of film... Incidentally, the other film with the same druggy Late Summer vibe is Jonathan Miller's made for television film, Alice (1966).
I just want to say I have enjoyed reading your stunning critique of the Go-Between almost as much as I loved the book and watching the film… and that is really saying something. You have summed it up exquisitely…
One of my favorite films but the prospect of watching it again sort of makes my heart
ache. I watched the series Love for Lydia based on the H.E. Bates novel with the same feeling of melancholy. Novels about children whose lives are ruined in adolescence are so heartbreaking.
Thank you- I get this! I find Michael Redgrave's performance especially affecting. On the other hand, the fabulous cinematography (isn't Norfolk wonderful) and Legrand's terrific soundtrack are incredibly uplifting.
As an American, I had never heard of The Go-Between, book or film, until I stumbled across Luke’s Instagram which led me to his Substack. It’s a wonderful film which I intend to watch again so that I can more fully absorb it. (I admit it took me a while to catch on that the old dude in the car was Leo). For Americans, The Go-Between (1971) is available to stream on Freevee.
Many thanks for this. Delighted to read it. And good to have the useful info for our American readers. That's exactly what this newsletter is all about. Introducing films you may not have seen. I know I get immense pleasure from watching these old films- and it's a good plan to pass it on. Yes, the 'old dude' in the car is poor 50 something, washed out, screwed up Leo. And of course, he remains their pawn. Nothing changes. Did you notice how Losey uses the weather to differentiate between 1900 and the 1950s?
I did not mark the weather as a signifier of the disappointment of the present vs the golden past (abruptly ended, of course). I’ll look for that when I rewatch it. Thank you. Oddly, one of the things I liked about it, even though it was such a small thing, was the relationship between the two boys. It was playful and affectionate despite the wide socio-economic gap. I wondered if it were made today if it would be changed to a less generous portrayal.
Yes, it’s beautifully done. The other thing to point out is that the Maudsley boy, despite their riches, is actually a bit insecure- they’re not as grand as they pretend to be. Perhaps this doesn’t come out in the film as much as the book?
Hey Luke, I am so pleased you overcame your hesitancy.
This is such a great piece of writing about one of my favourite books and films. You capture it all so sensitively (again, not a word or emotion that is my bag…but sometimes, just sometimes, it works…) and evocatively. I couldn’t agree more with every word you write.
If I were really pushed, I might say it is my favourite film ever. Partly because it is so well made and observed. Partly because it seems, to me, such a true rendition of the story. Partly for all its performances which are pitch perfect. Partly because Alan Bates was a kind of beacon moment to my adolescent self. And, in a different sense, because Julie Christie was so wonderful. It, and its performances, have stayed with me all through my life in a way like no other film, and your piece has only reinforced that sense of its hold.
I’m going to stop and have a word with myself to remind me that I am Alan Bates as a bit of a lad before I become sensitive.
Like the book, like the film, this is my favourite of your weekend pics and is likely to remain so.
Thank you for this. As always, really appreciated. Have you seen 'Norfolk Summer: Making the Go-Between' by Christopher Hartop? Definitely a MUST for a Go-Between fan. You should be able to track it down on the net.
It's a film that leaves an indelible impression on the mind, even if you only see it once. I saw it on the big screen a long time ago and immediately went to buy the book. It's rare when the two experiences of watching and reading meet so perfectly. You know, it never crossed my mind that Julie might have been too old.... because, yes, it doesn't matter. And now I'm reminded of Elvira Madigan....
I mentioned it because (in the book), when you think about it, Marian is literally only six years old or so than Leo… which sort of accentuates the fact that poor Leo is on the cusp of adolescence. But Julie Christie’s performance is marvellous… and it’s a minor quibble. I would love to write about Elvira Madigan- the snag is, and it’s a big snag, is that I don’t think it’s available on a digital download and the DVD is horribly expensive…
It's hard to get to some of these films, the downloads are OK but they're narrow in a way. I have an urge to watch Le Corbeau (Clouzot) again but I don't know if I can find it anywhere....
I watched The Duelists last night, fantastic! I have never read Le Grand Meaulnes or The Go Between but I love all the others books you mentioned - Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Waugh, etc. - so I ordered them right away. Thanks for all the great recommendations.
Excellent news! I LOVE The Duellists! It's a film you can watch over and over again. And The Go-Between (both book and film) is a MUST. L. P. Hartley is a wonderfully poignant writer. Many thanks for the comment. Appreciated.
*The Go-Between* is a magnificent film: there’s something very trippy and unreal about it, like being in a groggy half-dream, unable to clear your head. Always makes me think slightly in that regard of *Picnic at Hanging Rock*. Woozy, heavy with sleep, other-worldly.
Absolutely. A languid, dozy July/August. Losey had a terrific sense of place- it's one of the many reasons why I think this is a great film. There's a fleeting longshot- it only lasts a few seconds, across the Norfolk deer park, with a steam traction engine working away on the harvest in the far distance... to go to all that trouble, to hire a traction engine, place it half a mile away or so, for a few seconds of film... Incidentally, the other film with the same druggy Late Summer vibe is Jonathan Miller's made for television film, Alice (1966).
I just want to say I have enjoyed reading your stunning critique of the Go-Between almost as much as I loved the book and watching the film… and that is really saying something. You have summed it up exquisitely…
SO kind!
One of my favorite films but the prospect of watching it again sort of makes my heart
ache. I watched the series Love for Lydia based on the H.E. Bates novel with the same feeling of melancholy. Novels about children whose lives are ruined in adolescence are so heartbreaking.
Thank you- I get this! I find Michael Redgrave's performance especially affecting. On the other hand, the fabulous cinematography (isn't Norfolk wonderful) and Legrand's terrific soundtrack are incredibly uplifting.
As an American, I had never heard of The Go-Between, book or film, until I stumbled across Luke’s Instagram which led me to his Substack. It’s a wonderful film which I intend to watch again so that I can more fully absorb it. (I admit it took me a while to catch on that the old dude in the car was Leo). For Americans, The Go-Between (1971) is available to stream on Freevee.
Many thanks for this. Delighted to read it. And good to have the useful info for our American readers. That's exactly what this newsletter is all about. Introducing films you may not have seen. I know I get immense pleasure from watching these old films- and it's a good plan to pass it on. Yes, the 'old dude' in the car is poor 50 something, washed out, screwed up Leo. And of course, he remains their pawn. Nothing changes. Did you notice how Losey uses the weather to differentiate between 1900 and the 1950s?
I did not mark the weather as a signifier of the disappointment of the present vs the golden past (abruptly ended, of course). I’ll look for that when I rewatch it. Thank you. Oddly, one of the things I liked about it, even though it was such a small thing, was the relationship between the two boys. It was playful and affectionate despite the wide socio-economic gap. I wondered if it were made today if it would be changed to a less generous portrayal.
Yes, it’s beautifully done. The other thing to point out is that the Maudsley boy, despite their riches, is actually a bit insecure- they’re not as grand as they pretend to be. Perhaps this doesn’t come out in the film as much as the book?
Hey Luke, I am so pleased you overcame your hesitancy.
This is such a great piece of writing about one of my favourite books and films. You capture it all so sensitively (again, not a word or emotion that is my bag…but sometimes, just sometimes, it works…) and evocatively. I couldn’t agree more with every word you write.
If I were really pushed, I might say it is my favourite film ever. Partly because it is so well made and observed. Partly because it seems, to me, such a true rendition of the story. Partly for all its performances which are pitch perfect. Partly because Alan Bates was a kind of beacon moment to my adolescent self. And, in a different sense, because Julie Christie was so wonderful. It, and its performances, have stayed with me all through my life in a way like no other film, and your piece has only reinforced that sense of its hold.
I’m going to stop and have a word with myself to remind me that I am Alan Bates as a bit of a lad before I become sensitive.
Like the book, like the film, this is my favourite of your weekend pics and is likely to remain so.
Big thanks, man.
Thank you for this. As always, really appreciated. Have you seen 'Norfolk Summer: Making the Go-Between' by Christopher Hartop? Definitely a MUST for a Go-Between fan. You should be able to track it down on the net.
Mate, I haven’t seen the Hartop. I’ll have a look.
Cheers.
Memories of an old favourite (book and movie) richly evoked. Thank you, Luke!
It's a film that leaves an indelible impression on the mind, even if you only see it once. I saw it on the big screen a long time ago and immediately went to buy the book. It's rare when the two experiences of watching and reading meet so perfectly. You know, it never crossed my mind that Julie might have been too old.... because, yes, it doesn't matter. And now I'm reminded of Elvira Madigan....
I mentioned it because (in the book), when you think about it, Marian is literally only six years old or so than Leo… which sort of accentuates the fact that poor Leo is on the cusp of adolescence. But Julie Christie’s performance is marvellous… and it’s a minor quibble. I would love to write about Elvira Madigan- the snag is, and it’s a big snag, is that I don’t think it’s available on a digital download and the DVD is horribly expensive…
It's hard to get to some of these films, the downloads are OK but they're narrow in a way. I have an urge to watch Le Corbeau (Clouzot) again but I don't know if I can find it anywhere....
Great article, made me want to watch the film again, and read the book which I haven't done, so, yes you did do the film more than justice!
Thank you!
I watched The Duelists last night, fantastic! I have never read Le Grand Meaulnes or The Go Between but I love all the others books you mentioned - Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Waugh, etc. - so I ordered them right away. Thanks for all the great recommendations.
Excellent news! I LOVE The Duellists! It's a film you can watch over and over again. And The Go-Between (both book and film) is a MUST. L. P. Hartley is a wonderfully poignant writer. Many thanks for the comment. Appreciated.