Film Review: Shadowlands

Director: Richard Attenborough

Shadowlands is a biographical film from 1993 about the life of C.S. Lewis who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia. It was adapted from a TV production of the same name in 1985 and the screenplay for the film was written by the same man, William Nicholson. Well known director Richard Attenborough was in the chair for this movie and directs some very emotional scenes with real warmth.

*contains spoilers*

Set in the 1950's, we follow the life of writer C.S. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins on top form) who is an academic at Magdalen College which is part of Oxford University. He begins a relationship with an American poet called Joy Gresham (Debra Winger) who is quite outspoken compared to the agreeable and placid atmosphere amongst the university academics. As time goes on a love develops between the two especially as Joy is diagnosed with a progressive form of bone cancer that sees her deteriorate and leaves Lewis to look after her son Douglas.

C.S. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) and Joy Gresham (Debra Winger)

This film is a slow building and subtle tear-jerker as you reach the end of the movie and realise that Joy's illness is terminal. The ending which sees Lewis and Joy's son Douglas crying after her death is deeply moving. Nothing about the tender moments are forced which means the scenes flow naturally over the screen so you don't feel like the film is needlessly pulling on your heart-strings like many more modern films would which helps the film keep a dignity about it. The subject matter itself is interesting and emotional without having to force it.

Both the leads are impressive within this film especially Anthony Hopkins as he realises the love he feels for Joy as she slowly loses her fight with cancer. It was the first film in a while that saw Debra Winger really take on a bigger role and it certainly showed her ability to take on a difficult role. There are other names of note such as Julian Fellowes and Michael Palin in the film which help it retain a British feel at Oxford University.
3.5/4 heart-breaking story of love through terminal illness