Watch Doll's House - A
- 1992
- 2 hr 16 min
Doll's House - A is a thought-provoking drama that debuted on British television in 1992. The movie is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House" and was directed by David Thacker. The story revolves around a young married couple named Torvald and Nora Helmer, played by Trevor Eve and Juliet Stevenson respectively. The movie is set in late 19th-century Norway, where the social norms of the time dictated the subservient role of women in marriage.
The movie opens with Torvald receiving a promotion at his job, and Nora is ecstatic about the news. She is seen as the perfect wife – dutiful, charming, and attractive – and is adored by her husband. Torvald, on the other hand, is seen as the epitome of success – a hardworking man who has risen through the ranks at the bank.
However, as the story progresses, we gradually learn that their seemingly perfect marriage is not as it appears. Nora is hiding a major secret from her husband – that she took out a loan to pay for his medical treatment some years ago, by forging her father's signature. This secret loan becomes the catalyst that sends the Helmer's marriage spiraling out of control.
The plot of the movie revolves around Nora's quest for self-discovery and self-actualization. When the loan's creditor, Krogstad, threatens to reveal the truth about the forgery, Nora becomes anxious, fearful that her carefully crafted persona as the perfect wife and homemaker will be exposed. However, she is determined not to let this happen and tries to find a way out of the situation.
As the plot unfolds, we see just how trapped Nora is in her societal role as a wife and mother. She is torn between loyalty to her husband and her own desires and needs. The movie highlights the tension that arises between personal desire and social expectations, particularly with regards to gender roles.
The acting in the movie is fantastic, particularly the performance of Juliet Stevenson as Nora. She conveys the character's inner turmoil and journey towards self-realization with subtlety and nuance. Trevor Eve also does an excellent job of portraying Torvald as a well-meaning but ultimately flawed character.
One of the film's strengths is how it unapologetically exposes the patriarchal society in which the story takes place. The societal norms of the time dictated that women were to be obedient, subservient, and reliant on their husbands, something that the movie portrays powerfully. The script is intelligent and the dialogue is well-written, allowing the characters to express their emotions and motivations convincingly.
Overall, Doll's House – A is an excellent adaptation of Ibsen's classic play. It is thought-provoking, intelligent, and fully engaging. It highlights the themes of women's rights, gender roles, and morality. The movie effectively captures the struggle for personal liberation that is at the heart of the original play. It is definitely a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of marriage and societal norms.