A Room With a View (1986)

Synopsis of A Room With a View

Adapted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala from the novel by E.M. Forster, A Room with a View is a shining example of Merchant-Ivory's ability to achieve maximum quality and opulence at minimum cost. Set during the Edwardian Era, the film stars Helena Bonham Carter as Lucy Honeychurch, who like all proper young British ladies is compelled to tour Europe in the company of an older chaperone -- in this instance, her spinster cousin Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith). While in Italy, the ladies make the acquaintance of a wide variety of personalities; the most fascinating of their fellow tourists -- at least in Lucy's eyes -- is free-spirited George Emerson (Julian Sands). Aware that her cousin is becoming too familiar with Emerson, Charlotte demands that Lucy return to England posthaste. Lucy complacently settles for the tiresomely traditional courtship of nerdish Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis) -- and then Mr. Emerson moves into the neighborhood. Lucy now finds herself on the horns of a dilemma: Should she opt for a safe, proper marriage to Cecil, or the bohemian unpredictability of the charismatic Emerson? A winner of three Academy Awards, A Room with a View is not what one could call fast-moving, but fans of the Merchant-Ivory team will enjoy luxuriating in the film's leisurely pace and stimulating cast of characters. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

117 mins

Director(s):

James Ivory

Writer(s):

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

Producer(s):

Ismail Merchant

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

NR(Nudity, Mild Violence, Adult Situations)

Categories:

Romance

• 1986 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actress
• 1986 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Picture
• 1986 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Supporting Actress
• 1987 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Production Design
• 1986 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
• 1986 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Foreign Film
• 1986 - National Board of Review - Best Supporting Actor
• 1986 - National Board of Review - Best Picture
• 1986 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Cinematography
• 1986 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actor

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