Watch Mrs. Dalloway

In the 1997 film "Mrs. Dalloway," based on the novel of the same name by Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Redgrave delivers a stunning performance as Clarissa Dalloway, a high society woman preparing for a party while reflecting on her past and present. The film begins with Clarissa heading out to gather flowers for her party, as she walks through the streets of London she is haunted by memories of her past love affair with the charismatic but troubled Peter Walsh (played by Michael Kitchen). The film also follows the story of Septimus Warren Smith (played by Rupert Graves), a World War I veteran with severe psychological trauma, and his wife Lucrezia (played by Natascha McElhone).

As the day progresses, Clarissa's reflections on her life are interspersed with scenes from her past, including her conflict with her parents over marrying her husband Richard (played by Alan Cox), and her affair with Peter.

The film also explores the rigid social structures of early 20th century England, particularly those of gender and class. Clarissa is expected to be the perfect hostess and wife, but is haunted by the feeling that she is not living up to her own expectations. Meanwhile, Septimus is ridiculed and dismissed by doctors who insist that his psychological issues are merely a result of cowardice.

As the day goes on, the characters' stories intertwine in unexpected ways, culminating in a moment of profound realization for Clarissa.

Throughout the film, Redgrave's performance as Clarissa is captivating. She exudes both the elegance and agony of a woman struggling to reconcile her expectations with her reality. Additionally, McElhone gives a standout performance as Lucrezia, a woman desperate to save her husband from the psychological torment that plagues him.

The film's direction by Marleen Gorris is also noteworthy. She brings Woolf's complex and stream-of-consciousness narrative to life through her use of flashbacks, dream sequences, and stunning visuals of 1920s London.

Overall, "Mrs. Dalloway" is a poignant exploration of memory, regret, and the constraints of societal expectations. The film's exceptional performances and direction make it a must-see for fans of Woolf's work or anyone interested in period dramas.

Mrs. Dalloway is a 1998 drama 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.