My Lover My Son

The 1970 film My Lover My Son tells the story of Francesca (Romy Schneider), a woman who is torn between her love for her son Marc (Dennis Waterman) and her boyfriend David (Donald Houston). The film is a psychological thriller that explores the complex relationships between family members and lovers.

Francesca is a wealthy woman who lives with her son Marc in a lavish London mansion. She has a strained relationship with her son, who seems to resent her and constantly fights with her over independence. Marc is a troubled young man who spends most of his time painting and drinking.

David, a middle-aged archaeologist, enters Francesca's life and they begin a romantic relationship. As their relationship intensifies, Francesca becomes more and more distant from Marc, leading him to become jealous and possessive of her. Marc begins to insinuate himself into Francesca and David's relationship, leading to a tense and dangerous situation.

The film is a slow burn, with a deliberate pace that allows the characters to develop and their relationships to become more complex. The performances are excellent, with Romy Schneider giving a nuanced portrayal of a woman caught between conflicting desires. Donald Houston is excellent as David, the romantic interest who becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the situation, and Dennis Waterman is suitably creepy as the disturbed son.

The film was controversial upon its release, with some critics accusing it of being sleazy and exploitative. However, upon reevaluation, it is clear that the film is a well-crafted examination of the psychological underpinnings of dysfunctional relationships. The film explores the theme of the Oedipus complex, as well as other taboo subjects such as incest and homosexuality.

Director John Newland makes excellent use of the London setting, creating a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere that reflects the characters' emotional states. The film is shot in muted colors, with a visual style that emphasizes the characters' emotional turmoil.

Overall, My Lover My Son is a fascinating and disturbing film that explores the darker side of love and human relationships. The intense performances and well-crafted direction make it a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers.