Watch Prick Up Your Ears

Prick Up Your Ears is a biographical drama film from 1987, directed by Stephen Frears and based on the book of the same name by John Lahr. The movie follows the life and career of acclaimed British playwright Joe Orton, played by Gary Oldman, and his tumultuous relationship with his lover and mentor, Kenneth Halliwell, played by Alfred Molina.

The film is set in the 1960s and depicts the vibrant and swinging London of the era. Joe Orton is a young and talented writer, living in a cramped flat in North London with Halliwell, his partner of several years. Halliwell is a failed actor and a frustrated artist, who devotes himself to decorating their small flat with elaborate murals and puppetry.

Joe is a flamboyant and rebellious figure, who challenges the conservative conventions of British society through his writing. His plays are controversial, mocking and subverting the norms of morality, sex and class. His first play, "Entertaining Mr. Sloane", was a huge success and put him on the map as one of the leading voices of the avant-garde theatre scene.

Despite his success, Orton struggles to find acceptance and recognition from the elitist theatre establishment. He is also torn between his love for Halliwell and his growing attraction to other men. Halliwell, on the other hand, becomes increasingly jealous and possessive of Joe, feeling that he is being left behind in the shadows.

As the story unfolds, we see the tragic and dark side of their relationship. Halliwell becomes consumed by his jealousy and resentment, leading him to commit a shocking and irreversible act. The film explores the complex dynamics of their relationship, the pressures of fame and success, and the repressive attitudes of British society towards homosexuality.

Prick Up Your Ears is a masterful and powerful film, featuring outstanding performances by the entire cast. Gary Oldman shines in his portrayal of Joe Orton, bringing his quirky and rebellious personality to life. Alfred Molina is equally impressive as Halliwell, capturing his descent into madness with subtlety and nuance. Vanessa Redgrave also gives a standout performance as Peggy Ramsay, Joe's agent, who supports him in his career but struggles to understand his personal life.

The film is visually stunning, capturing the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of 1960s London. The music and soundtrack evoke the spirit of the era, with a mix of classic pop and rock songs. The screenplay by Alan Bennett is sharp, witty and poignant, weaving together the various threads of the story with skill and grace.

Overall, Prick Up Your Ears is a moving and intelligent film that explores the life of a remarkable artist whose career was cut short by tragedy. It is a tribute to Joe Orton's legacy and a reminder of the power of art to challenge and subvert social norms.

Prick Up Your Ears is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 72.