Film Reviews by Helken

I enjoyed "Misbehaviour" when I first saw it, finding myself amused, angry and exhilarated by turns. On second viewing I realised that this was a really well-made film. It evoked the infuriatingly patronising attitudes towards women that were prevalent at the time (I remember them well!) and did so deftly and with humour. And it moved brilliantly between different kinds of male/female and female/female relationships with a very light touch. I didn't find it clunky, I found it fast-paced and witty. I particularly appreciated the way the Miss World Competition was seen very differently from the perspective of some of the women of colour, one of whom actually won the title in 1969. The inclusion at the end of photos of some of the women actually involved in the event, both protestors and competitors, was very moving. This film managed to be witty and humorous without detracting from the seriousness of the battle for equality of opportunity and respect for women. And what a cast - some brilliant performances.

I watched the first twenty minutes of this film and gave up on it. Something about it did not appeal to me. The humour seemed very dark and deadpan and I did not find the "suicide attempts" and the mother's narcissistic disregard of them very laughable.

I admit I didn't give the film much of a chance to move into a more positive mood, so it may be that I missed the best part of it.

Also, there seemed to be no option to use subtitles so I missed a lot of the dialogue - which didn't help.

Just not my cup of tea.