Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Sunday Bloody Sunday is a 1971 British drama about a love triangle between a divorced woman, Alex Greville (Glenda Jackson), a doctor, Daniel Hirsh (Peter Finch), and a young artist, Bob Elkin (Murray Head).
Both Alex and Daniel met Bob through a shared friendship with the Hodsons. They each know the other is also dating Bob, bit neither wants to break it off.
Sunday Bloody Sunday is about the complexities of Alex and Daniel’s relationship with Bob.
Some Thoughts:
For a simple film with very little plot, Sunday Bloody Sunday draws you in and is highly enjoyable. It’s also beautifully shot, with impeccable acting and a fine script. There’s also a sense of realism that you don’t often get in movies today. Everything isn’t over saturated and perfect.
The characters are three dimensional and believable. Alex and Daniel go about their lives, visiting friends and working, while dealing with the complexities of dating a man with no strings attached. And since the film doesn’t judge these characters for their behavior, there is no villain.
A lesser director would have turned this into a tawdry, soapy mess, but John Schlesinger handles the subject with grace. These are simply imperfect people going about their lives and dealing with their insecurities. And because everything works, Schlesinger doesn’t have to try to entertain.
Alex has a backstory about her father during the war that seems a bit misplaced. I tend to think it’s to show why she fears Bob leaving her, but the connection isn’t clear and takes you out of the film. Aside from that, there was nothing to dislike about the movie.
The Final Verdict:
Sunday Bloody Sunday is a surprisingly good film. If you enjoy a subtle drama that will make you think, this film is for you.
