Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Sunday, Bloody Sunday is director John Schlesinger's most personal film. It's apparently based on a relationship he was once in, and he made a significant contribution to the sophisticated script written by Penelope Gilliatt. Daniel Hirsch (Peter Finch) is an uptight Jewish doctor. Alex Grenville (Glenda Jackson) is a lonely divorcee. They are both deeply in love with care-free artist Bob Elkin (Murray Head). The film shows ten days in their respective lives.

Justifiably praised for its honest portrayal of homosexuality,  Sunday, Bloody Sunday is nevertheless much more than just a "social problem picture". It offers a penetrating examination of the concerns of contemporary life and the infirmity of the human spirit. The drama is refreshingly character driven and its leisurely pace demands attention on the part of the viewer. The cameras serve the actors and not vice versa. The actors repay them with some astute performances. Peter Finch and Glenda Jackson are especially good. This is an adult film aimed at adult audiences. It is multi-faceted and wholly absorbing.

Review by Stephen Townsend
Taken from EUFS Programme 1993-94