The Designated Mourner (1997)
-
65% of critics liked it
(17 reviews) -
65% of users liked it
(80 ratings)
This film adaptation of the acclaimed play by Wallace Shawn takes place in an unnamed country, where a repressive regime has come to power and begun rounding up and executing intellectuals. Jack (Mike Nichols), a journalist who aspired to a career as a novelist, sits with his wife Judy (Miranda… More This film adaptation of the acclaimed play by Wallace Shawn takes place in an unnamed country, where a repressive regime has come to power and begun rounding up and executing intellectuals. Jack (Mike Nichols), a journalist who aspired to a career as a novelist, sits with his wife Judy (Miranda Richardson) and her father Howard (David DeKeyser). Jack has appointed himself "the designated mourner" for the death of the life of the mind, a life he freely admits that he has given up, while Howard, a stubborn intellectual, is appalled by Jack's willingness to turn his back on his principles. The Designated Mourner was filmed concurrently with the play's London run; it features the same cast and was directed by the same man, playwright David Hare. It is filmed with the actors simply sitting at tables, delivering serial monologues. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- David Hare
- Written By
- Wallace Shawn
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
R,
- In Theaters
- May 2, 1997 Wide
- Studio
- First Look Pictures
Critic Reviews
-
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
Has a way of hiding in a dark corner of your memory, and popping out when you least expect it.
-
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Shawn's play never becomes a movie.
-
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Culture lovers will relish this film's rigorous examination of class warfare and the dire effects of both ivory tower intellectualism and political repression.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Mike Nichols
as Jack
-
Miranda Richardson
as Judy
-
David de Keyser
as Howard
