Not only does Alec Guiness play the leading role in his own adaptation of Joyce Cary's novel but has also formed a production company in order to make it. This represents a true labour of love and it is such a pity that he and his director Ronald Neame have chosen to avoid the pathos of the original and in keeping with their Ealing Comedy treatment have completely changed the ending.
Artist Gulley Jimson is referred to by various characters as 'a genius' but that could not be further from the truth, especially as the ghastly Expressionist daubs attributed to him have been painted by Royal Academician(ha-ha) John Bratby whilst his sociopathic, wilfully destructive and criminal behaviour simply alienates one's sympathy.
Sir Alec's portrayal is a tour de force however and was recognised as such at the Venice Film Festival. The performances of Kay Walsh and Renee Houston are nothing less than little gems but it is probably best to draw a discreet veil over Michael Gough's bizarre turn as a loony sculptor.
Gorgeous Technicolor cinematography is courtesy of Arthur Ibbetson and inspired use has been made of the music that Serge Prokofiev wrote in the 1930's for the Russian film 'Lieutenant Kijé'.
Although Mr. Neame's direction is rather uninspired, the quintessentially English eccentricity of this piece is not without its appeal but for a less weighty view of a mediocre artist suffering from delusions of adequacy, it is best to watch 'The Rebel' fom 1961.
Artist Gulley Jimson is referred to by various characters as 'a genius' but that could not be further from the truth, especially as the ghastly Expressionist daubs attributed to him have been painted by Royal Academician(ha-ha) John Bratby whilst his sociopathic, wilfully destructive and criminal behaviour simply alienates one's sympathy.
Sir Alec's portrayal is a tour de force however and was recognised as such at the Venice Film Festival. The performances of Kay Walsh and Renee Houston are nothing less than little gems but it is probably best to draw a discreet veil over Michael Gough's bizarre turn as a loony sculptor.
Gorgeous Technicolor cinematography is courtesy of Arthur Ibbetson and inspired use has been made of the music that Serge Prokofiev wrote in the 1930's for the Russian film 'Lieutenant Kijé'.
Although Mr. Neame's direction is rather uninspired, the quintessentially English eccentricity of this piece is not without its appeal but for a less weighty view of a mediocre artist suffering from delusions of adequacy, it is best to watch 'The Rebel' fom 1961.