Watch Richard's Things

Richard's Things is a 1980 drama film directed by Anthony Harvey and starring Liv Ullmann, Amanda Redman, and Tim Pigott-Smith. The film tells the story of a woman named Kate Morris (Ullmann), who is forced to come to terms with the sudden loss of her husband Richard (Pigott-Smith) and the end of their marriage. As she tries to understand why Richard left her, Kate embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning her values and priorities in life.

The film starts with a scene of Richard's funeral, and we see Kate struggling to cope with her loss. She is in shock, feeling numb and disconnected from the world around her. As she tries to make sense of what has happened, we are transported back to the past to see how their relationship had developed over the years. We see snippets of their life together, their ups and downs, their arguments and reconciliations. It is clear that Richard was the dominant partner in the relationship, and Kate often felt like she was living in his shadow, sacrificing her own ambitions for his career.

With Richard gone, Kate is forced to start a new chapter in her life. She moves to a new apartment, takes up painting, and starts to rediscover herself without Richard. She meets Clive (played by Peter Burton), a friendly neighbor who becomes a confidant and helps her through her grief. She also discovers that Richard had been having an affair with a younger woman, Lisa (Amanda Redman), and this knowledge triggers a wave of conflicting emotions in Kate. On the one hand, she feels hurt and betrayed by Richard's infidelity, but on the other hand, she is intrigued by Lisa and wants to find out more about the woman who stole her husband's heart.

As Kate delves deeper into Richard's past, she realizes that there were many things about him that she didn't know. She discovers that he was not the man she thought he was, that he had secrets and hidden desires that he never shared with her. This realization shakes Kate to the core, and she begins to question her own identity and her place in the world. She wonders if she has been living a lie all these years, pretending to be someone she is not just to please Richard.

The film explores several themes, including love, loss, grief, and self-discovery. It shows how people can change over time, and how relationships can evolve and sometimes fall apart, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unfulfilled desires. It also highlights the importance of honesty and communication in a relationship, and how secrecy and deception can erode trust and intimacy.

Overall, Richard's Things is a well-crafted film that showcases the talents of its cast and director. Liv Ullmann delivers a powerful performance as Kate, capturing the character's vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Tim Pigott-Smith is also excellent as Richard, portraying a complex and flawed character with depth and nuance. Amanda Redman shines as Lisa, bringing a sense of youthful energy and passion to the screen. The film's cinematography and score are also noteworthy, creating a haunting and melancholic atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of the story.

In conclusion, Richard's Things is a thought-provoking and emotionally gripping film that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or a breakup. It is a timeless story that explores the human condition with sensitivity and insight, and it is a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

Richard's Things is a 1981 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.