Watch Reflections in a Golden Eye

Reflections in a Golden Eye is a 1967 psychological drama that explores the themes of repressed desire, sexual frustration, and the human psyche. Directed by John Huston and based on the novel by Carson McCullers, the film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, and Brian Keith in lead roles. Set in an army base in the American South during the 1940s, the movie revolves around the lives of five characters - Capt. Weldon Penderton (Marlon Brando), his emotionally unstable wife, Leonora Penderton (Elizabeth Taylor), their houseboy, Anacleto (Zorro David), and two army officers, Lt. Col. Morris Langdon (Brian Keith) and his young wife, Alison (Julie Harris). Through their anxieties, obsessions, and secrets, the film reflects the societal norms and taboos of the time.

Capt. Penderton is a closeted homosexual who deeply desires his young private, Pvt. Williams (Robert Forster). His wife, Leonora, is a manipulative, sex-starved woman who is having an affair with Lt. Morris Langdon. Lt. Langdon, on the other hand, is a brutal and domineering man who resents his emasculating wife, Alison. Alison, in turn, is a sensitive, fragile woman who finds solace in her love for horses.

As the plot unfolds, the characters' internal struggles and conflicts come to a head when they all converge in a tragic sequence of events. The film's exploration of sexuality, identity, and repression is dealt with in a subtle and nuanced manner, characterized by introspective close-ups, shadowy cinematography, and haunting score by Toshiro Mayuzumi.

Elizabeth Taylor's performance as Leonora Penderton is particularly noteworthy, as she creates a character who is at once seductive and vulnerable, manipulative and fragile. Marlon Brando's portrayal of Capt. Penderton is equally impressive, as he embodies the character's inner turmoil and self-loathing with meticulous precision. Brian Keith's Lt. Morris Langdon is the embodiment of toxic masculinity, while Julie Harris brings a gentle humanity to her portrayal of Alison.

Despite the film's frank portrayal of sexuality and the human psyche, Reflections in a Golden Eye was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its boldness and depth, while others found it too disturbing and perverse. Nevertheless, the film has since gained a cult following among cinema enthusiasts and is regarded as an underrated gem of the 1960s.

In conclusion, Reflections in a Golden Eye is a haunting and complex exploration of the human psyche and repressed desire. It features exceptional performances by an ensemble cast and deft direction by John Huston. The film's depiction of societal norms and taboos of the time make it a timeless human drama that is as relevant now as it was then.

Reflections in a Golden Eye is a 1967 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 67.