An acknowledged inspiration for Parasite, The Servant indeed does have that energy. The Losey/Pinter collaboration similarly creates a wry power struggle between "master" and servant, with the magnetic Dirk Bogarde in the servile role (but for how long?). His intentions are neatly ambiguous, which gives the film a homoerotic overlay that hides the long con being played on the house's owner, simultaneously commenting on domestic situations where one partner (this was 1963, so the woman) is placed in a servile position. But that con is more social than financial, its goal to upend the classist order, and ultimately show how impotent that upper classes are. They may see themselves as rulers, born with manifest destiny (and indeed, James Fox's Tony is a later-day colonialist with all the ambitions), but they really can't do anything for themselves. As with Parasite, there is a moment of cruel humiliation that makes us side with the "criminals", as Wendy Craig's character is not so easy to manipulate as Tony is. It's a very well played and shot. Tense in spite of its innate domesticity.
Enjoyably filmed and terrifically acted, but this is one of those movies that makes only symbolic sense... for a "psychological thriller," the psychology of all this made no actual sense to me at all.
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VChile
British class warfare in a microcosm.chapteronemanhattan
This is easily one of the greatest films I have ever seen, just everything about it was so incredible dark and beautifully hauntinggeorge4mon
incredible!Siskoid
An acknowledged inspiration for Parasite, The Servant indeed does have that energy. The Losey/Pinter collaboration similarly creates a wry power struggle between "master" and servant, with the magnetic Dirk Bogarde in the servile role (but for how long?). His intentions are neatly ambiguous, which gives the film a homoerotic overlay that hides the long con being played on the house's owner, simultaneously commenting on domestic situations where one partner (this was 1963, so the woman) is placed in a servile position. But that con is more social than financial, its goal to upend the classist order, and ultimately show how impotent that upper classes are. They may see themselves as rulers, born with manifest destiny (and indeed, James Fox's Tony is a later-day colonialist with all the ambitions), but they really can't do anything for themselves. As with Parasite, there is a moment of cruel humiliation that makes us side with the "criminals", as Wendy Craig's character is not so easy to manipulate as Tony is. It's a very well played and shot. Tense in spite of its innate domesticity.thechinatowngoodbye
One of my favorites. Sarah Miles is the best.Shazaaaam
Enjoyably filmed and terrifically acted, but this is one of those movies that makes only symbolic sense... for a "psychological thriller," the psychology of all this made no actual sense to me at all.Dieguito
the kind of relationship that could only happen in England.. :/Skyscore
http://www.afisha.ru/movie/170313/review/146619/nicolaskrizan
revenge served coldhttp://1001movies.posterous.com/925