Watch Morgan!
- 1966
- 1 hr 37 min
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6.5 (2,106)
Morgan! is a 1966 British film directed by Karel Reisz and stars David Warner, Vanessa Redgrave, and Robert Stephens. Set in the 1960s, the film offers a gritty portrayal of life in the docks of Liverpool, exploring themes such as working-class struggles, racial tensions, and the complexities of human relationships. The film tells the story of Morgan Delt, a rebellious young man who lives with his parents in a rundown house in Liverpool. As an unemployed artist, Morgan spends his days drinking, painting, and engaging in boisterous arguments with his mother. He is also involved in a complicated love triangle with two women: the passionate artist Leonie Delt (played by Redgrave) and the gentle, reserved Ruth Gibson (played by Irene Handl).
Morgan's life takes a dark turn when he learns that his estranged wife, Brenda (played by Delena Kidd), is planning to take their young son away from him. In a fit of rage, Morgan kidnaps the boy and goes on the run. The chase and the subsequent trial form the central plot of the film.
Morgan! is a visually striking and stylistically innovative film. The director, Karel Reisz, a leading figure in the British New Wave movement, employed a range of cinematic techniques to create a sense of urgency and emotional intensity. For example, he interspersed scenes of Morgan's frantic escape with psychedelic dream sequences and flashes of abstract imagery. He also utilized jump cuts, freeze frames, and other editing tricks to convey the characters' inner turmoil.
The film is also notable for its strong performances, particularly by David Warner in the title role. Warner imbues Morgan with a raw energy and an unpredictable intensity, making him one of the most memorable antiheroes of 1960s British cinema. Vanessa Redgrave also shines as the fiery Leonie, a talented artist who is both attracted to and repelled by Morgan's passionate spirit. Robert Stephens, meanwhile, delivers a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Morgan's lawyer, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the film's darker themes.
Overall, Morgan! is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a vivid snapshot of 1960s Britain. Its examination of working-class life, family dynamics, and social injustice still resonates today, making it a valuable document of a bygone era. With its innovative style, compelling performances, and complex characters, Morgan! remains a classic of British cinema.
Morgan! is a 1966 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.