Sunday Bloody Sunday

Sunday Bloody Sunday is a British drama film directed by John Schlesinger that was released in 1971. The story takes place in London over the course of a few days, centered around the lives and relationships of three characters: Alex Greville (Glenda Jackson), a divorcee who works as a recruitment consultant, Bob Elkin (Murray Head), a young bisexual artist, and Daniel Hirsh (Peter Finch), a Jewish doctor who is also bisexual.

The film explores the complex and unconventional relationships between these three characters. Alex and Daniel are both in love with Bob, who is dating them both at the same time. Despite the unconventional nature of their relationship, the three appear to be happy and fulfilled. However, their relationship is challenged when Bob's ex-girlfriend, who is pregnant with his child, comes back into his life.

As the story unfolds, the characters are forced to confront their own feelings and desires, as well as societal expectations and prejudices. Alex and Daniel both struggle with jealousy and insecurity, while Bob grapples with his own identity and the pressures of societal norms. The film is a powerful exploration of love, lust, and human emotion in general.

One of the most striking aspects of Sunday Bloody Sunday is its frank and honest portrayal of sexuality. The film did not shy away from depicting the intimate moments between the characters, which was groundbreaking for its time. The film was also notable for its sympathetic portrayal of homosexuals and bisexuals, which was relatively rare in mainstream cinema at the time.

The performances of the three leads are exceptional. Glenda Jackson delivers a standout performance as Alex, portraying her character's vulnerability and strength with nuance and subtlety. Peter Finch is also outstanding as Daniel, with his character's struggle to come to terms with his sexuality made all the more poignant by the actor's own bisexuality. Murray Head is perhaps the weakest of the three leads, but still manages to convey the complexity and emotional depth of his character.

In addition to the central love triangle, Sunday Bloody Sunday also explores broader themes such as aging, class, and religion. The film comments on the isolation and loneliness that can come with aging, as well as the class differences that can strain relationships. The Jewish identity of Daniel is also touched upon, with the film suggesting that societal prejudices against Jews are not dissimilar from prejudices against homosexuals.

Overall, Sunday Bloody Sunday is a powerful and poignant film that explores the complexities of love and human emotion. It remains a groundbreaking work for its frank and sympathetic portrayal of homosexuality and bisexuality, and its exploration of themes that were ahead of their time. With its exceptional performances and thoughtful direction, Sunday Bloody Sunday is still regarded as a landmark film in British cinema.