Watch BUtterfield 8
- NR
- 1960
- 1 hr 49 min
-
6.3 (7,304)
BUtterfield 8 is a 1960 American drama film directed by Daniel Mann and stars Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Harvey, and Eddie Fisher. The film is based on the novel of the same name by John O'Hara, which was published in 1935. The movie follows the story of Gloria Wandrous (Elizabeth Taylor), a high-class call girl living in New York City during the 1960s. Gloria is beautiful, assertive, and independent. She uses her sexuality to charm men and make a living out of it. One night, she meets Weston Liggett (Laurence Harvey), a rich and charming man who is immediately taken by her. The two begin a passionate relationship, but Gloria's life takes a tragic turn after Weston's wife finds out about their affair.
Meanwhile, Gloria's former lover, Steve Carpenter (played by Eddie Fisher), re-enters her life. Steve is a struggling composer who wants to rekindle their past relationship, but Gloria is no longer interested. Steve is persistent and follows Gloria around, which leads to a fight and leaves Gloria badly injured.
The movie explores themes of love, sex, and morality in a society that is still conservative about such topics. Elizabeth Taylor shines in her role as Gloria, portraying her character with depth and nuance. She is fierce and confident, but also vulnerable and troubled. Laurence Harvey delivers a strong performance as Weston Liggett, capturing the character's charm and flaws.
BUtterfield 8 received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising Elizabeth Taylor's performance but criticizing the movie's plot and themes. Despite this, the film was a commercial success, and Taylor won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Gloria Wandrous.
One of the most notable aspects of the movie is its depiction of women and sexuality. BUtterfield 8 was released at a time when the sexual revolution was beginning to gain momentum in the United States, and the movie's portrayal of a sexually assertive woman was controversial. Gloria Wandrous is a complex character who defies societal norms and expectations. She is neither a victim nor a villain, but a human being navigating her own desires and limitations.
In conclusion, BUtterfield 8 is a classic movie that explores themes of love, sex, and morality in a changing society. Elizabeth Taylor delivers a remarkable performance, and the movie's depiction of women and sexuality remains relevant today. Although some of its themes may feel outdated, BUtterfield 8 is worth watching for its compelling characters and thought-provoking narrative.
BUtterfield 8 is a 1960 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 48.