Watch Burton and Taylor

Burton and Taylor is a biographical drama film from 2013 that depicts the real-life relationship between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, two of the most celebrated actors of their time. Directed by Richard Laxton and written by William Ivory, the movie captures a brief period in the volatile relationship between Burton and Taylor, as they reunite for a Broadway play, Private Lives.

The film starts with Burton (played by Dominic West) and Taylor (played by Helena Bonham Carter) arriving in New York City in 1983, after a hiatus of several years from working together or being together in any capacity. It's immediately apparent that the relationship between the two is complicated, to say the least. Burton has remarried, but Taylor is still in love with him, and he with her, even though both have married other people.

As they prepare for the Broadway production of the Noel Coward play, Private Lives, we see the tension between them begin to mount. They bicker and quarrel over the nuances of the play, their lines and their performances, and their memories of their previous work together.

We also see the complicated lives they lead outside of the play. Taylor's addiction to pills and alcohol is beginning to take a toll on her, and she is fighting to stay sober. Burton is facing financial difficulties and is desperate to revive his career. Both of them are plagued by insecurities, egos and unresolved feelings for each other.

The movie is a fascinating study of a relationship that was as tumultuous as it was passionate. It digs deep into the intricacies of their personalities, their motivations, and their compulsions. We get to see the two sides of the same coin - the love and affection they have for each other, and the hurt and anger they feel when they clash.

Dominic West plays Richard Burton with a mix of charm and charisma, but also with a deeply ingrained vulnerability that is endemic to his character. He is witty, erudite, and passionate, but also prone to self-doubt and self-pity. Helena Bonham Carter is equally brilliant as Elizabeth Taylor, capturing the actress's larger-than-life persona, her glamour, her spiritedness, and her demons.

The film's production design and costumes are excellent, evoking the decadence and ostentation associated with Burton and Taylor. The cinematography is also stunning, capturing the beauty of New York and the striking stage sets that were integral to the Broadway production.

One of the standout moments of the film is the scene where Burton and Taylor finally meet each other after a long time apart. The emotions run high here, with Burton being initially distant and stand-offish, before finally melting at Taylor's insistence. It's a beautiful scene that encapsulates the complexity and depth of their relationship.

Overall, Burton and Taylor is a well-made biographical drama that delves into the lives of two of the most famous actors of their era. It captures the glamour and the insecurity of the couple, their wit and their flaws, their triumphs, and their tragedies. It's a movie that will appeal to fans of old Hollywood, but also to anyone who enjoys a good drama.

Burton and Taylor is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.