The Deep Blue Sea

The Deep Blue Sea

Rachel Weisz is at her best in this melodrama written and directed by Terrence Davies. The setting is post war England in 1950. The dark ruins as a result of the war and the muted color of the film cast a depressing tone. The film opens as we witness Hester (Weisz) trying to commit suicide. She is a beautiful woman. What has driven her to this action? The film proceeds to tell the story.
The film goes back and forth into her life telling the various aspects of her story.
Hester has been married to William. He is a successful judge living in splendor. He is very caring to Hester but it is obviously a sexless marriage. William’s mother is a demanding woman and controls her son. The mother is verbally cruel to Hester.
Hester falls in love with Freddie, an ex RAF pilot. He is dashing in his navy blue blazer. He tells her that she is the most attractive girl he has met. There is one exquisite love scene with two nude bodies in motion as if it was a dance.
She leaves her husband and moves to a small flat to be with Freddie. William declares he will never give her a divorce. Over time Freddie begins to change and takes up drinking. He isn’t the same dapper loving man that swooped Hester off her feet. He goes away on a golfing weekend and forgets her birthday. She is frightened to see the change and feels the passion is leaving their relationship. They fight and he declares FUBR (fed up beyond recognition)
At one point in the film a statement is made that is crucial to the story,” Be wary of passion. It always leads to something ugly.”
William is such a gentleman and offers her consolation. He would even have her come back if she was willing.
The film moves at a slow pace. I couldn’t take my eyes from staring at Rachel Weisz. She is exquisite to watch. Her voice is low and sexy. Even the way she smokes her cigarette is passionate.
The war has left he city in ruins. The character’s lives are also in ruin. The cinematography is superb in catching the atmosphere. The music is dramatic and adds so much to the ambiance.