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Joseph Losey, The Go-Between, 1971 (still): image; United Archives GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo

Film

The Go-Between

Sunday, Oct 29, 2017

2 p.m.

Selected by Christine Vachon

An exceptional adaptation of L.P. Hartley’s novel, this film won the grand prize at the 1971 Cannes Festival, bringing further acclaim to the exceptional collaborations of director Joseph Losey and the writer Harold Pinter (The Servant, Accident). This story, set in the late nineteenth century, describes events occurring during one of those languid Edwardian summers preceding World War I, when young Leo agrees to be a go-between, carrying messages and letters of assignation between an adulterous couple. The Go-Between is a fascinating, emotionally taut exposure of realities hidden beneath the civilized exterior of a polite society — it is the filmic essence of Edwardian drama, as disquieting as acid on lace.

The Go-Between…is full of those contradictions that make both life and movies interesting. It’s an idyll about murder, a charming tale of casual cruelty, and a terrifying picture of an innocent love.”
— Vincent Canby, The New York Times



Film Details

Country: UK
Language: English
Year: 1971
Running time: 116 min
Format: DCP
Director: Joseph Losey
Screenwriter: Harold Pinter
Producers: John Heyman, Norman Priggen
Cinematographer: Gerry Fisher
Editor: Reginald Beck
Source: Swank


Films and schedules may be subject to change.

Modern Cinema’s Founding Supporters are Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein. Support is provided by Nion T. McEvoy and the Susan Wildberg Morgenstein Fund. This season of Modern Cinema is generously supported by James C. Hormel and Michael P. Nguyen.