A Room with A View (1985) | agoodmovietowatch

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A Room with A View 7.7 1985 Movie

A Room with A View

Dir. James Ivory · United Kingdom · English, Italian

A stunning period romance adaptation that set the standard for Merchant Ivory

Our take by Isabella Endrinal

A Room with a View is downright beautiful. Amidst the impressionistic scenery of Florence’s and England’s countrysides, paired with iconic classical opera, some of Britain’s best actors bare the feelings of their snobbish, upper-class characters in stylish and historically-accurate costumes. But all of these elements aren’t just silly decorations. Like the novel it’s based on, the characters’ refined and respectable veneer, and their insistence on propriety, is a front that hides the feelings stirring in their gut, particularly that of the lovers George Emerson (Julian Sands) and Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter). Inevitably, these feelings can’t be contained– they can only be examined. And when Emerson earnestly declares his love, it’s so powerful to be seen as one’s self rather than as decoration.

What happens

When Lucy Honeychurch and chaperon Charlotte Bartlett find themselves in Florence with rooms without views, fellow guests Mr Emerson and son George step in to remedy the situation. Meeting the Emersons could change Lucy's life forever but, once back in England, how will her experiences in Tuscany affect her marriage plans?

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"A thoroughly entertaining screen adaptation of novelist E.M. Forster's comedy of manners about the Edwardian English upper class at home and abroad, distinguished by superb ensemble acting, intelligent writing and stunning design."

— Variety Staff

Awards

Oscars

3 wins · 5 noms

Won: Best Art Direction-Set DecorationWon: Best Costume DesignWon: Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another MediumNominated: Best Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated: Best Actress in a Supporting RoleNominated: Best CinematographyNominated: Best DirectorNominated: Best Picture

Venice

1 nom

Nominated: Official Selection

Golden Globes

1 win · 2 noms

Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureNominated: Best DirectorNominated: Best Motion Picture

BAFTA

5 wins · 8 noms

Won: Best ActressWon: Best Actress in a Supporting RoleWon: Best Costume DesignWon: Best FilmWon: Best Production DesignNominated: Best Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated: Best Actress in a Supporting RoleNominated: Best CinematographyNominated: Best DirectionNominated: Best EditingNominated: Best ScoreNominated: Best Screenplay (Adapted)Nominated: Best Sound

DGA

1 nom

Nominated: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures

Spirit Awards

1 win

Won: Special Distinction Award

WGA

1 win

Won: Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Screen)

Nat. Board of Review

2 wins · 1 nom

Won: Best FilmWon: Best Supporting ActorNominated: Top Ten Films

NYFCC

2 wins · 1 nom

Won: Best CinematographerWon: Best Supporting ActorNominated: Best Screenplay

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About the author

Isabella Endrinal

Isabella Endrinal

Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.