Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Man in an Orange Shirt is a PBS two-part miniseries about gay love in post war England and in the 21st century.
Part 1 takes place near the end of World War II. Captain Michael Berryman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) is reunited with an old friend, Captain Thomas March (James McArdle), when he is badly wounded. Thomas is shipped to a hospital near Michael, who frequently visits, and the two men become close. Before Thomas is shipped off to England, the two men share a kiss.
After the war, Michael meets up with Thomas in his art studio. Michael brings Thomas to an old country cottage where they spend a romantic weekend. At the end of the weekend, Michael tells Thomas that he’s going to marry an old friend, Flora (Joanna Vanderham). Thomas is hurt, telling Michael that he’d hoped they’s make a life together.
After the marriage, trouble ensues when Flora discovers love letters from Thomas to Michael.
Part 2 takes place in 2017. Flora (Vanessa Redgrave) is now an elderly widow living with her only grandchild, Adam (Julian Morris). Adam is a veterinarian who is constantly looking for casual sex. When Flora gives Adam Michael’s cottage, he hires Steve (David Gyasi), an architect, to help him renovate it.
While renovating, they discover a painting of the cottage. Adam decides to give Flora the painting, but she’s upset by it. She tells him that Michael’s friend, Thomas, painted it and she doesn’t want it in her house. And tensions mount when Adam and Steve become closer, and Flora discovers their relationship.
Some Thoughts:
Although Man in an Orange Shirt is interesting, it doesn’t get into any one story with any depth. Both Michael and Adam have issues with being gay. For Michael, it’s living in a time when being homosexual was a crime, but it’s not as clear where Adam’s issues with being gay spring from. The film hints that it’s from his grandmother, but we don’t see enough of his upbringing to know.
Whereas Michael lives in fear of being found out, Adam seems both driven to seek out sexual conquests while at the same time being repulsed by them. He comes across as a sex addict, hungrily devouring men and then leaving quickly before he gets a chance to know them. And once home, he scrubs himself raw. Adam’s behavior makes for a compelling story, but it never gives us any answers as to where it comes from.
And once Adam and Steve do have sex, they form a close bond and become lovers. This also felt out of character for Adam, especially since we never see why he’s interested in him. What caused Adam’s behavior towards men and what is it about Steve that makes him want to change it?
Both stories, past and present, have beautiful visuals. The actors, Jackson-Cohen and McArdle; Morris and Gyasi, all have a sexual chemistry that sells the romance, although the post war portion is easier to swallow.
The Final Verdict:
Man in an Orange Shirt has some wonderfully touching moments and decent acting. And although the story feels a bit thin, it is enjoyable.
