The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne

Dubliner Judith (Smith) is a lonely spinster teetering on the edge of respectable poverty, who is a lodger; and has a drink problem. A likeable con man (Hoskins) comes to stay at her lodgings, and persuades her to go into a business venture with him, and inevitably she thinks he's in love with her.

As well as boasting a towering performance from Maggie Smith, Bob Hoskins stars in what must be his only good film role ever; and he acts surprisingly well. True, his character is the type he always plays, (although he's an American rather than a Cockney!) but he rises to the well written script and the sombre nature of the whole film, which just shows that given a good script, and absolutely no funny lines at all, he's not a bad actor.

Smith's character exudes an air of quiet desperation, as she is continually rebuffed by the world in general. Despised by her landlady, and patronised by her rich friend (Scales), it's no wonder that she responds to Hoskins's kindness. This is a film where emotions are assaulted; in common with Irish literature, particularly Joyce, the film conveys the stifling nature of Dublin, and Ireland in general. It's not exactly a laugh a minute, but it is extremely rewarding and well worth the effort.

Review by Katherine Edge
Taken from EUFS Programme 1994-95